NEW YORK — Whereas some U.S. adults contemplate Cupid’s vacation outdated, extra say they love the romance and enjoyable of Valentine’s Day, and plenty of anticipate to spend high quality time with companions, family and friends.
A brand new survey from The Related Press-NORC Middle for Public Affairs Analysis exhibits that about three-quarters of Individuals plan to have a good time at this time’s vacation not directly this yr.
Greater than half will likely be with a romantic companion, and about 4 in 10 will likely be with household. About 2 in 10 will have a good time with buddies, and 15 p.c say they’ll mark the event in another method.
Roughly one-quarter of Individuals is not going to have a good time in any respect. Folks in a relationship are more likely than these not in a relationship to say they’ll have a good time Valentine’s Day not directly.
Joseph Brubaker, a 38-year-old highschool trainer from Raeford, N.C., sees ups and downs to Valentine’s Day. He plans to fly to Ohio to spend it together with his new girlfriend. They’ve been relationship lengthy distance for about two months.
“Typically it’s a greeting card holiday,” he stated. “But the celebration of the emotional connection is great. That’s necessary for those in relationships. The corporations are so entrenched in it, though, and make you pay $60 for flowers that usually cost a lot less.”
At 74, retired science trainer Ian Ellis of Louisville, Ky., has by no means been married. Valentine’s Day, within the conventional sense, doesn’t do a lot for him. He plans to get along with a pal after the vacation, having fun with the Sunday buffet at a close-by restaurant.
Many Individuals see Valentine’s Day as a romantic and enjoyable event. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults say “romantic” describes Valentine’s Day “extremely” or “very” nicely, whereas about one-third say that about “fun.”
Rely 67-year-old William Betts of Oklahoma Metropolis within the romantic class. Married 40 years, he joked: “I’m actually the romantic one in the family. If I didn’t do anything, she probably wouldn’t notice.”
This yr, he’ll be touring 300 miles spherical journey to distribute meals for the meals pantry he runs as a volunteer. He plans to make dinner for his spouse and choose up some flowers in some unspecified time in the future.
However he acknowledge that not everyone seems to be a fan of the vacation.
“I know it’s a tough day for some. It’s tough for my daughter, who’s single,” he stated.