Most moms want 'me time' for Valentine's Day this year, poll finds

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This Valentine’s Day, moms are trading in the usual presents and looking for the gift of "me time" instead, according to new research.

A poll of 1,000 moms uncovered what respondents are looking for in order to feel loved and special this Valentine’s Day. Results found over half (55%) of moms surveyed admit they've spent far too much time with their partner and are looking for a little bit of a break and time for themselves. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the gift of "me-time" tops the charts of what moms want this Feb. 14.

The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Zulily, aimed to discover what moms really want after a chaotic and stressful 2020 — and revealed they're seeing hearts in new moments at home with their significant other.

The study aimed to discover what moms really want after a chaotic and stressful 2020. (iStock)

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Nearly three in four moms surveyed said it’s just as important to spend time apart in a relationship as it is to spend time together, with the average respondent saying she needs at least 13 hours of "me time" a week.

"We know that moms are the heroes of their homes. And, this Valentine’s Day in a year where balancing life’s demands has become even more challenging, we’ve sought to understand how moms have adapted and what’s driving the way they celebrate and express love," said Megan Marshall, director of brand marketing for online retailer, Zulily.

"What we learned is that while moms may want a little more time to themselves to unwind, they also want to make the time with their partners more meaningful this Valentine’s Day."

The research also revealed how acts and expressions of love have changed amid the pandemic. A third of respondents reported a change in their love language, whether it’s receiving gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time or physical touch.

The research also revealed how acts and expressions of love have changed amid the pandemic. (iStock)

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Entirely new love languages have also emerged as a result of the pandemic. Now, it’s the little things that are having a significant impact on how couples are showing and prefer receiving love and affection.

Modern love languages now include having partners do household chores (45%), coined "heroic homemaking"; cooking a meal at home (36%), or "meal prep magic"; and sending and sharing memes (27%), dubbed "laughs through likes."

Rounding out a list of the five new love languages moms have reported discovering in recent months were playing video games (28%) and other games at home, or "gamifying togetherness," and lounging around with their partner doing absolutely nothing (41%) — "sweatpant sweethearts."

"Even in 2021, the ‘new normal’ continues to be virtual work, co-teaching their kids, pet wrangling and trying to be one’s best self, all under the same roof with their partner for now an entire year," added Megan Marshall, Zulily's director of brand marketing.

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"Finding joy in the moment and understanding how to communicate, show love and receive appreciation is always important to all relationships whether it’s with a significant other, ones’ children, or other women in their lives. This is what we’re excited to celebrate this Valentine’s Day."

Despite these new and modern love languages entering the lives of Americans this past year, the more traditional love languages still hold true for many. Forty-six percent of moms surveyed still want quality time with their partners while a further three in 10 are looking for words of affirmation.

Now, more than ever before, 37% would love to get a gift. Additionally, a quarter (25%) of moms surveyed now prefer physical touch as a way to show love.

For relationships to be healthy, 79% said it’s important their partners know their love language. This is true even for those who have different ways of receiving love. Forty-four percent reveal their love language differs from their partners.

This story was originally published by South West News Service.