The city of Bristol has been revealed as the UK’s most romantic city, as a recent report highlights the strong trend of romance prevailing across the country. Contrary to the popular belief that ‘romance is dead’, more than half of UK adults consider themselves to be romantic individuals at heart. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the spirit of love and affection is evidently alive and well among Brits. The report, commissioned by Moonpig, identifies Bristol as the city where romance thrives the most, with a significant 40% of its residents displaying affection on a daily basis. Following closely behind, residents of Manchester rank second in the romantic stakes, with couples indulging in public displays of affection (PDA) an average of four times a week.
As with any relationship-related topic, opinions and habits vary from one city to another. In addition to Bristol and Manchester, Newcastle, London, and Birmingham have also been acknowledged as top cities for romantic gestures, whereas Leeds falls short with only 27% of its inhabitants expressing regular acts of love towards their partners. The importance of romance in relationships has not waned, according to the majority of adults surveyed. While a significant quarter believes in spontaneous acts of love, a substantial two-thirds feel that a healthy balance of both spontaneity and planned gestures is essential for fostering romantic connections.
The survey reveals that key ways in which individuals express affection to their partners include remembering special dates, bringing home their favourite treats, and presenting personalised gifts, with a third claiming to do so on a daily basis. However, amidst these gestures, it is apparent that spending quality time together remains a top priority for many, with 45% of respondents citing it as the most valued romantic gesture. Interestingly, men were more likely than women to emphasise the significance of quality time in relationships. When asked to identify their preferred ‘love language’, 36% of respondents chose ‘quality time’ as their top choice, highlighting the importance of meaningful interactions and shared moments in romantic relationships.
Sarah-Jane Porter, the global design and licensing director at Moonpig, emphasised that romance encompasses more than just grand gestures, as it is often found in the simpler things – a shared laugh, a handwritten note, or merely making time for each other in today’s busy world. These small acts of love and care, she suggests, are what truly create memorable and meaningful moments in relationships. Ultimately, the report sheds light on the enduring presence of romance in modern relationships, debunking the notion that romance is a dying art and showcasing the various ways in which individuals across the UK continue to express love and affection towards their partners.
In conclusion, the report serves as a heartening reminder of the significance of romance in fostering strong and enduring relationships. It highlights the diverse ways in which individuals within different cities express their love and affection, underscoring the enduring nature of romance in today’s society. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the findings of this report offer a reassuring glimpse into the prevailing spirit of love and affection that continues to thrive among Brits, debunking the myth that ‘romance is dead’ and celebrating the myriad ways in which individuals continue to embody the essence of love in their everyday lives.