If you’re putting a price on romance this Valentine’s Day, then money definitely helps when you’re looking to impress that special someone, says SAReunited.com co-founder Amanda Tsinonis.
More than 1 000 people on the South African website’s dating service voted on what they considered to be the most romantic gesture for Valentine’s Day.
Most respondents considered a surprise island holiday to be the most romantic Valentine’s Day gift — an option that would set one back an average of R20 287,50 per couple.
“Not all of us are able to fork out 20 grand on Valentine’s Day,” said Tsinonis in a press statement on Monday. “So, if you can’t afford an island holiday, you can still be someone’s secret admirer by sending them an anonymous message through SAReunited.com until the end of February.”
A surprising 49% of respondents opted for the most expensive option, “Flying your partner to an island for a surprise holiday — all expenses”, while a meagre 6% said a dozen red roses still does the trick.
Eight percent opted for a night in, listening to favourite songs together; 4% for dinner and a movie; 4% for a Valentine’s Day card; 2% for a pair of diamond earrings; and only 1% for a night on the town.
And if you thought buying a card at the last minute will do, 4% of respondents didn’t agree with you.
SAReunited.com has recorded about 7 000 anonymous Valentine’s Day messages sent since the beginning of February this year.
The website, launched in July 2002, has almost half-a-million registered users and even boasts marriages as a result of people meeting through the site.
Shaun and Lyndsey, both registered users on the website, knew each other since childhood. After school, Shaun joined the army and they subsequently lost touch. We he got back, he decided to find Lindsey and came across SAReunited.com.
He didn’t contact her at first, but on Valentine’s Day in 2004, he sent her a message through the website, and they got back in touch. The couple got engaged in May 2005 and married in June last year.