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February 12, 2021

149 Comments

With the amount of  “couple time” that most Australian parents get, it’s no wonder that Valentine’s Day is taking a back seat for many this year.

Tiredness, tight budgets and a lack of babysitters are also wrecking the romantic plans of many couples.

Valentine’s plans

We recently asked our members about their Valentine’s plans.

Sadly, 30% of women say their partner forgets Valentine’s Day altogether.   It’s no wonder then that 16% admit to buying their own Valentine’s present!

Despite the Fifty Shades of Grey revolution, there’s still far more interest in romance than sex.  Worn out mothers say they’d far prefer a nice dinner or relaxing day at the spa than sexy presents such as lingerie.

While one in four women would like flowers, only one in fifty wants underwear.  Adult toys were an even less popular gift idea.

“We can’t be spontaneous anymore. We have to close and or lock doors before romantic activities too!” one mother lamented.

Little Cupids

Given how little alone-time most parents are getting, it’s no surprise that Valentine’s Day passes some couples by.

45% of respondents spend less than once a month together alone, without the kids. And 16% only get one day per month. But a lucky 19% spend two or more times together alone per week!

Many parents admit that their lives revolve around children now. Some are even turning Valentine’s Day into a family celebration, with children helping pick gifts out, baking cakes, sharing Valentine’s chocolates, and even coming along to a Valentine’s meal.

“It’s completely changed the way we do everything,” another mother confessed. “We can’t afford babysitting, and with three kids under seven and no family support, it’s pretty tricky organising time together at all let alone without kids – and feeling relaxed and sexy at the same time!”

Romance still endures

The good news is that despite the pressures, most women say they are satisfied with the level of romance in their lives.  And nine out of ten plan to get their partners a Valentine’s gift, with cologne and clothing the top choices after a romantic meal.

But the most encouraging comment came from a lady who reminds us that love, romance and family can all co-exist.

“Having children hasn’t changed a thing. Valentine’s Day is still special even after 29 years of marriage.”

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Tell us in the comments below.

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  • My husband wasnt really interested in making a fuss of special days

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  • Romance can be hard, but it’s not quite the same as everyday loving effort.

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  • I think covid is what stepped in most Victorians way this year lol

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  • Honestly zero pressure. It’s not a day that brought us together and I can think of better times to put effort into, like our anniversary or Christmas and birthdays. No pressure for my hubby to even care for the day, because I don’t.

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  • Don’t put pressure on each other , grab every little moment to make memories for a lifetime

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  • Even after 47 years together and 2 boys we always celebrated Valentine’s Day. We always bought gifts for each other and when the boys were small we’d get take-away so there was virtually no clean up so it was a very relaxing night.

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  • This year, due to the snap Victorian lockdown we did things differently. No cards, or small gifts. Hubby just made me pancakes for breakky and we had a quiet day, watching Valentine’s Day!

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  • My husband don’t care about valentines day.

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  • Even if you’re frazzled now, it won’t always be this way. Stay positive.

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  • Too tired for romance over here hahah

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  • We’ve never really done Valentine’s day, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love each other.

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  • The day isn’t just a no show for couples with kids. We don’t do valentine’s never have never will

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  • My partner doesn’t do surprises. It makes it underwhelming for sure

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  • We don’t usually celebrate Valentines Day because our wedding anniversary follows soon after and we celebrate that day instead.

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  • No celebration here…got already chocolate whom my hubby and…he and kids ate it…


    • Lol, they didn’t leave any for you ?

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  • No celebrations for the 14th in our household.

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  • Valentine’s Day meant nothing to to me before I became one of a couple, that view hasn’t changed and us unlikely to

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  • He took the day off work, kids were in school or daycare, we then had our special time during the nlda and once everyone was home.were made a.spexial dinner and had it as a family. We created out family together, we should celebrate the love day together.

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  • I didn’t celebrate I was the family childminder for the night

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  • We never celebrated it – not fussed

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