New data reveals a significant shift in Valentine's Day celebrations, with the number of 'platonic' cards sent to friends and family increasing by nearly a third over the past year. This trend highlights a growing movement to honour support networks rather than just romantic partners on February 14.
Moonpig Reports a 30% Surge in Platonic Love Post
According to figures from the card and gift retailer Moonpig, there has been a 30 per cent rise in what they term 'platonic love post'. This includes cards and gifts sent to friends, admired individuals, and family members. Notably, friends now receive nearly one in five, or 16 per cent, of all Valentine's orders, underscoring a broader cultural embrace of non-romantic bonds.
Free Card Offer Encourages Celebrating Mates Over Dates
In response to this trend, Moonpig is launching a special promotion to encourage people across the UK to send love notes to anyone except a romantic partner. Using the code LOVEYA, which will be active from February 9th to 12th, individuals can send a free card. This initiative aligns with research commissioned by the brand, which found that three in 10 Gen Z individuals are more likely to celebrate Valentine's Day with a friend than a partner this year.
Galentine's Day Gains Popularity Among Young Women
The poll of 2,000 adults indicates a notable shift among younger demographics. A quarter, or 26 per cent, of women aged 18-24 are more inclined to celebrate Galentine's Day, a partner-free occasion focused on female friendships. Additionally, 18 per cent of respondents said they are just as likely to mark February 13th, dedicated to female bonds, as the traditional Valentine's Day, reflecting a national prioritisation of friendships.
Insights from Moonpig Spokesperson Rachael Halliday
Rachael Halliday, a spokesperson for Moonpig, commented on the findings, stating, "It's clear that saying 'I love you' is not just for the coupled up. Our research has shown that our support network and our mates are today's real 'love affairs', so we are giving everyone the chance to celebrate those that hold us up, support us, and keep us going all year round this February."
Gender Differences in Friendship Commitments
The data also reveals interesting gender disparities in friendship dynamics. For instance, 34 per cent of women report having at least one friend they could call in the middle of the night during an emergency, compared to just 22 per cent of men. Women also demonstrate stronger loyalty, with 25 per cent still in touch with at least one friend from primary school, versus 18 per cent of men.
How Women Celebrate Their Platonic Loves
Women engage in various gestures to appreciate their friends throughout the year, not just on Galentine's Day. Key actions include:
- Sending regular check-in messages, reported by 51 per cent of women.
- Celebrating even minor milestones in their friends' lives, noted by 30 per cent.
- Surprising friends with small treats like coffee or sweets to brighten their day, mentioned by 26 per cent.
On average, women's inner circles consist of about three close friends, though this number rises to four for Gen Z individuals, who often form connections through travel or festivals.
Evolution of Friendships Across Generations
Friendship patterns vary by age group. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, have leveraged digital platforms, with 13 per cent claiming to have made lifelong friends through social media. In contrast, older generations tend to maintain bonds formed in more traditional settings, such as primary school, secondary school, or past workplaces.
As friendships evolve through life stages, 49 per cent of women agree that the people close to them change over time, compared to only 25 per cent who keep the same friends throughout all phases of life.
Final Thoughts on Celebrating Non-Romantic Bonds
Rachael Halliday added, "Be they your 'ride or die', drinking buddy, eyebrow lady, or parenting guru, you can show that non-romantic special someone you care about them this Valentine's week. Whoever it is you rely on most in the world, who makes you smile on your darkest days, who makes you belly laugh like you're kids again – it's time to show them how much they mean to you."
