Bad news for Valentine’s Day as research shows couple’s stop giving gifts or cards after six years of being together

Couples stop giving gifts or Valentine’s cards on average at six years old, research has revealed, a year ahead of the widely accepted theory that things may start to get difficult after the seventh anniversary.

The seven-year itch is the belief that relationships often reach a turning point seven years later, with divorce rates skyrocketing due to feelings of frustration or restlessness.

But for couples who survive this bump in the road, whether after six or seven years, it seems that X-rated gifts can help keep the magic alive, no matter their age.

One in ten over-65s will give or receive a cheeky gift or card this Valentine’s Day, according to a national survey by stationery company Ryman.

It’s no surprise that Gen Z is even raunchier: 37 percent of the younger generation will likely opt for a cheeky gift next week.

And a quarter of this group also said they would consider breaking up with their partner if they didn’t receive a gift from them on Valentine’s Day.

Men seem more eager to please their partners on February 14, spending almost twice as much as women.

They spend an average of £43 on gifts and cards, while women spend an average of £23 on romantic gestures.

Wolverhampton is home to the most romantic – eight in 10 are expected to buy something for someone special this year.

But those in Brighton should lower their expectations as only 25 per cent are willing to give or receive a gift this Valentine’s Day.

A separate survey conducted earlier this week revealed that one in 20 people feel Valentine’s Day has become too expensive to celebrate.

The survey of more than 2,000 people, conducted by polling firm Opinium for the website MyVoucherCodes, also found that 18 percent of us believe Valentine’s Day is overly commercialized.