It's Just Lunch Dating Survey Debunks Valentine's Day Myths

PALM DESERT, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A national singles survey conducted by It's Just Lunch, a personalized matchmaking service for busy professionals, revealed a number of interesting trends on dating preferences and expectations for single men and women on Valentine's Day. 

It's Just Lunch surveyed over 750 single men and women on a range of topics from gift-giving and date planning to first dates and blind dates. While people may see Valentine's Day as a "couples only" holiday or even disparage it as a "Hallmark holiday," the survey suggested that many singles see February 14th as a day to try something new or even expand beyond one's dating boundaries.  Over 83% of respondents said they would accept a first date request if it falls on Valentine's Day, and over 70% said they would be open to being set up on a blind date.

Even though many respondents feel that date-planning responsibility still lies with men, a majority (54%) believes that a couple should plan the date together. Even though answers from both men and women generally aligned with each other, there were some notable differences. Men believed that flowers remain a Valentine's Day staple, with 43% of male respondents saying a bouquet is the best gift. However, women answered quite differently- almost 38% said that the best gift is a certificate for an activity that a couple can enjoy together.  In fact, only 30% of women thought flowers were the best Valentine's Day gift.   "Women want to be able to share an experience with a potential partner," said Irene LaCota, a spokesperson for It's Just Lunch. "Flowers are always a thoughtful gift, but an experience two people can share together helps build a foundation for future dates."

What's out in 2012? Men, pay attention: chocolate and lingerie are low on a woman's Valentine's Day wish list, with only 5.2% and 1.6%, respectively, rating them as excellent gift ideas.

It's Just Lunch is a personalized dating service for busy professionals. The company has coordinated over two million dates for clients since opening in 1991. IJL minimizes the stress and maximizes the efficiency of dating by sending people on casual, no-pressure dates over lunch, brunch or drinks after work. IJL's team of dating specialists, not a computer, perform the matchmaking.   The company has over 150 locations in the US, Canada and internationally.

SOURCE It's Just Lunch