ROMANCE IN A RECESSION POLL RESULTS

The Romance in a Recession poll, sponsored by Caesars Pocono Resorts and administered to 191 men and 209 women, (95 +/– 5%) from January 7-9, 2009, asked couples how the difficult economic conditions have impacted their romantic relationships.

From creative couple-time to teaming up to battle budgets and bottom lines, the poll determined that bank accounts may be empty, but many hearts are full.

• 69 percent of people were satisfied with their relationship over the past year despite economic concerns
• One out of three people feel that financial constraints have brought them and their partner closer together
  • “As a couple, we have confronted a lot of difficult problems over the past year and we feel it has made us closer.”

Fund-Friendly (and Frisky too!)

• Nearly 20 percent of people feel that their sex lives have improved as a result of the economy
  • “Our money concerns have made us closer, more loyal to each other and more supportive—mentally, physically and emotionally.”
• Over half of all couples are spending more quality time together due to financial constraints
  • “We go out to eat less often and we now enjoy special homemade romantic meals.”
• 43 percent agree that they are spending more intimate time together

More woes = More wooing

• 60 percent of people agree that financial limitations have not led to increased conflict
  • “As a couple, we have confronted a lot of hard problems over the last year and that made us closer to each other.”
• 34 percent of respondents claim that over the past year, they haven’t argued with their partner about finances
  • “When my husband and I lost our jobs, we had to learn to really communicate with each other to figure out what to do next.”
• 46 percent of people agree that financial concerns won’t prevent them from taking the next step in the relationship
  • “I live on a fixed income but still managed to buy her an engagement ring. It expressed my loyalty, devotion and love for her.”

Worth Every Penny

• 58 percent plan to spend the same amount or more on Valentine’s Day gifts this year
• 77 percent feel that when it comes to gifts, the thought behind it is more important than the price tag
• 80 percent agree that an expensive gift cannot make up for a problem or big fight