DDB Life Style Study® Uncovers Insights on How to Keep Loved Ones Happy This Valentine's Day

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Feb 11, 2011, 06:22 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The DDB Life Style Study®, the nation's largest and longest-running annual consumer survey, has revealed a few tips on how to make your significant other happy this Valentine's Day – or at the very least, not upset them.

Whether or not consumers are lavishing the most expensive gifts is not the issue this Valentine's Day. The old adage, 'It's the thought that counts', still holds true. In fact, 77% of men and women agree that they would be more upset that their partner didn't acknowledge the day at all than if they received something they didn't like from their partner.

On the other hand, the survey reveals that for men and women, the more committed the relationship, the more important it is to get the gift right.

32% of married men vs. 23% of men who are dating would be more upset if their partner got them something they didn't like than if their partner didn't acknowledge the day at all.

19% of married women vs. 11% of women who are dating would be more upset if their partner got them something they didn't like than if their partner didn't acknowledge the day at all.

Moreover, the Life Style Study® reveals that the longer the relationship, the more a Valentine's Day gift is representative of how much you really know your partner. Getting a long-term partner the wrong gift has the possibility of sending a strong message that you don't care enough to try to get something your partner would like or that you really don't know them at all.

28% of people who have been in a relationship that has lasted 25 years or more would be more upset if their partner got them something they didn't like on Valentine's Day than if their partner didn't acknowledge the day at all.

In contrast, only 19% of people in a relationship that has lasted five years or less would be more upset if their partner got them something they didn't like on Valentine's Day.

About DDB

DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) ranks among the top five consolidated advertising and marketing services global networks, according to Advertising Age. Consistently one of the most awarded networks globally for creative excellence, DDB was Campaign's 2009 Global Network of the Year, the 2010 Spikes Asia Network of the Year, and captured both the Cyber Grand Prix and Film Craft Grand Prix at the 2010 International Advertising Festival in Cannes. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, the DDB Group helps grow the value and influence of leading brands around the world. We believe that creativity is the most powerful force in business, allowing us to develop the ideas that people want to play with, participate in and pass along. We call this Social Creativity. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC).

SOURCE DDB