According to a recent survey by the "Sandals Institute of Romance," couples are optimistic about their relationships and intend to make more time for their partners in 2023. The institute is Sandals Resorts’ trend-house responsible for analyzing and spotting the latest global news in modern love, relationships and intimacy. “The State of Romance in 2023” surveyed more than 1,000 adults across the U.S. in partnership with Wakefield Research. The data reveals major trends, expectations and other factors impacting relationships, passion and connection in the year ahead.
According to the survey, four out of five Americans 18 and older (80 percent) plan to make more time for romance, and nearly three in five (58 percent) say rising costs won’t derail their plans for a romantic vacation, as most Americans intend to find the time as well as the funds.
Along those lines, for many, what is considered romantic has evolved and changed over time, with 81 percent saying that they find romance has changed in the past decade. As for what’s romantic in today’s modern world, two-thirds (67 percent) say a getaway for two would be a particularly romantic gift and the top choice for partners in 2023. The survey went on to reveal that more than gifts, sharing experiences is proving to be the ultimate love language. Watching the sunset (55 percent), trying new restaurants and shops (52 percent), and adventurous outings (51 percent) also top the list of what’s most romantic.
The survey went on to reveal much about the romantic pulse of America this year. Here are the key findings:
Couples plan to make time for romance in 2023, despite tight schedules. Eighty percent of respondents expect to be busier in 2023, with two in three (66 percent) acknowledging it is challenging to find the time for romance. Still, the majority (80 percent) are committed to making more time for it in 2023, with 31 percent strongly agreeing. The top obstacles for romance are finding the right setting (41 percent), financial constraints (38 percent), work (34 percent), social obligations (24 percent) and children (23 percent).
For Boomers, finding time for romance isn’t as difficult, with 45 percent saying it is not challenging, compared to 32 percent of Gen X, 24 percent of Millennials, and 25 percent of Gen Z. Seventy-six percent of parents say it is challenging to find time for romance. Even in light of this, 88 percent of parents say they will make more time for romance in 2023, compared with 75 percent who are not parents.
Fifty-eight percent of respondents wouldn’t let inflation stop them from taking a romantic vacation, and 42 percent say that romantic activities would be among the last things to cut back during an economic downturn. Moreover, almost two-thirds of those who have been on a romantic vacation in the past year (64 percent) refuse to let economic factors stop them from taking one in the future. To help eliminate obstacles, at least temporarily, and create more time for romance, Americans are ready to pack their bags, with the majority saying a getaway is long overdue. Of the 63 percent who say they are likely to take a romantic vacation in 2023, Millennials are the most restless; 79 percent say they are likely to take a romantic trip in 2023
Source: Sandals
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