New Yorkers Care More About Time Together Than Gifts

If you live in New York, Valentine’s Day can feel expensive and rushed. But a new national study by DatingNews.com suggests that what really matters in relationships isn’t what you buy. It’s how you show up. They looked at love languages across the U.S. and found that most people care far more about connection than gifts.

Gift Giving Ranks Last in What Matters Most

Only 1 percent of Americans say gift giving is the most important part of a long term relationship. That’s a very small number, especially in a world full of ads telling us to buy more to show love.

Words and Actions Matter More Than Things

The study found that Words of Affirmation is the most searched love language in 17 states. Acts of Service followed behind, ranking highest in 12 states. That means people are looking for encouragement, and appreciation, not expensive gifts. Support after a long day, or helping without being asked can mean more than a wrapped box.

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Quality Time Is What Most People Value

When asked what truly matters most, nearly 60 percent of Americans chose quality time as their top love language. In New York, where life moves fast, quality time can feel rare. That may be why it matters so much. Putting the phone down, and finding time together speaks louder than anything money can buy.

Love Languages Are Not Just a Trend

This study shows love languages are more than a social media buzzword. Seventy six percent of Americans say love languages are important to them. Seventy percent say understanding love languages has improved their relationships. Learning how your partner feels loved can make a real difference.

When Love Languages Don’t Match, Relationships Struggle

Love languages can also be a dealbreaker. More than one in five people say they have ended a relationship because their love languages did not line up. About 28 percent say they talk about love languages before getting into a relationship.

Knowing Isn’t the Same as Doing

Even when partners know each other’s love language, it does not always mean it gets met. 60 percent of people say they know their partner’s love language, but only about half say their partner shows love in that way. That may explain why so many people are searching online for answers. To see the love languages by state, go here.