After a stressful week, the most romantic thing a partner can do is simply be there
The Romance Survey 2026 from 77 Diamonds has found that being a romantic partner is about thoughtfulness rather than price, with almost half of UK women (47%) saying the thought and effort behind a gesture is what makes it truly memorable. Meanwhile, the monetary value of a surprise does nothing to make it feel romantic.
The survey asked 1,426 UK women* about their romantic preferences, including the gestures that make them feel most loved, what makes a surprise meaningful and the experiences they would most like to receive from a partner.
The findings suggest that personal meaning and consideration carry more weight than the price tag when it comes to creating a memorable romantic gesture. 20% of women say a surprise feels genuinely romantic when it shows their partner really knows them, while 23% say the most romantic gesture would be a partner planning something special without being asked.
Remembering the little things also matters. Some 19% say remembering small details they have mentioned would make them feel most loved, while 66% say it is important that a romantic gesture shows their partner has been paying attention to the things they like.
However, this does not mean women are turning their backs on grand romantic gestures. A romantic holiday or weekend away is the experience women would most like to receive from their partner, selected by 34%. A private dinner or special meal follows at 15%, while 12% would most like a day planned entirely around them.
When it comes to shows of romance in everyday life, the most popular gesture is booking something fun for the couple to look forward to, selected by 22%. Close behind, 21% say they would most like their partner to take care of a chore or task they dislike, suggesting that practical thoughtfulness can be just as meaningful as a traditional romantic surprise.
And after a difficult or stressful week, the gesture most likely to make women feel loved is simply being held and having their partner there for them (32%). Taking care of the household chores for a day comes next at 15%, followed by planning a relaxing evening together at 14%.
Tobias Kormind, Co-Founder of 77 Diamonds, commented:
“Romance is not about spending the most money. It is about showing someone that you know them, that you listen to them and that you have put real thought into making them feel special.
A gift becomes meaningful when it reflects the person receiving it, whether that means choosing something that suits their individual style or finding a way to celebrate a memory that matters to you both. The value of a romantic gesture is not simply what it costs, but what it says about your relationship.
For anyone choosing jewellery for a partner, taking the time to understand what they love and what makes them unique can make all the difference. The most thoughtful gifts are the ones that feel as though they could only ever have been chosen for that person. This might mean requesting bespoke changes are made to a piece of jewellery, such as special engravings or adding your partner’s birthstone. The smallest, most subtle touches are often the ones that touch the heart. ”
Survey results
- *Survey of 1,426 UK women conducted by ProperPR on behalf of 77 Diamonds, via consumer research platform, FindOutNow on 09/10/2026.
- Full survey results can be viewed online here