London - As far as the movies are concerned, big gestures are the only way to win a woman’s heart.
But chaps, pick your location carefully. Because sweeping your other half off her feet in the middle of the street may backfire.
More than a quarter of us are too embarrassed to cuddle or even hold hands in public, a study has found – and one in ten women would consider breaking up with a man who was too affectionate in front of other people.
We don’t make an exception on Valentine’s Day, either. Two thirds of those surveyed said they would be no more affectionate to their partner on February 14 than on any other day.
The survey of 2,000 people, conducted by MSN, also found 28 percent were uncomfortable around other couples’ public displays of affection.
Relationships expert Tracey Cox said: “I’d like to think that if people aren’t more affectionate on Valentine’s Day, it’s because they are very affectionate all year round.
“But I suspect MSN’s findings are more a reflection of our cynicism about the commercialism of Valentine’s Day than anything else.
“Public displays of affection (or PDAs) are not just fuelled by a natural desire to touch your partner. Some touches are for reassurance, others are to warn off potential rivals.
“Zoologists call these ‘mate guarding’ or ‘mate retention’ tactics. When one partner is uber-affectionate and ‘all over them’ it’s usually because they feel insecure and want to make it clear their partner is taken.”
Cox added that seeing public displays of affection can highlight failings in our own relationships.
She said: “If your best friend’s partner is always holding hands, hugging or kissing her and yours doesn’t, it can make your own partner seem cold and distant.” - Daily Mail