Editor's note: This article appeared in the February 25, 2009, edition of Quirk's e-newsletter.
Money may be tight, but that hasn't lessened lovers' spirits. Seventy percent of respondents surveyed online by San Francisco researcher Zoomerang say their love lives have not been impacted by the weak U.S. economy. Proving the old "Money can't buy me love" adage true, a resounding 0 percent cited money as the most important aspect of a love relationship. Fifty-six percent of people listed trust as the most important.
Of the 52 percent who said they would be shopping for a Valentine's Day gift this year, 58 percent said they planned to spend the same on a gift this year as they did last year. For those cutting back on love-related costs, when asked where they usually spend the most money when on a date, 75 percent listed going to restaurants as the major cash drain. Movie theaters should also beware, as not only were they listed as the second most expensive date, but 37 percent said their favorite cost-effective date alternative was renting a movie.
Zoomerang also asked those who are in a relationship how they are spending time together without breaking the bank. Some great ideas included taking walks, cooking together, doing small home improvements together and dancing. In addition, 36 percent of couples say the economy has brought them closer in their relationship. One respondent said that now, "We spend more time at home where we can talk without disruptions."