Britons declare Valentine’s Day a washout, with more than a third bemoaning disappointing gifts and inedible home-cooked meals

If your day isn’t a passionate love fest, you can put it down to the fact that Britain seems to be a nation of useless partners rather than hopeless romantics.

Millions of people expect to be disappointed by their other half’s attempts at romance today; 38 percent pretend to be happy with gifts and gestures, and 44 percent claim the event is a waste.

According to a survey of 2,000 people, nearly 32 percent of respondents said they were “disappointed” by their partner’s attempts to make a homemade Valentine’s Day meal.

The survey also revealed that one in five people would rather spend the occasion with their friends than with their other half.

Another 20 percent pretended to like their partner’s choice of restaurant to avoid hurting their feelings, according to a Censuswide survey conducted for Burger King. Experts say the increased pressure for couples on Valentine’s Day can increase disappointment if gestures don’t live up to expectations.

Jennifer Theiss, professor of communication at Rutgers University in the US, said: ‘Couples should try to be direct and open about their expectations. Disappointment and dissatisfaction are likely to occur if a partner fails to meet unspoken expectations.

‘People attach different levels of meaning and importance to the holiday, so the partner may not realize how important Valentine’s Day is unless it is clearly communicated.

‘Some people worry that talking openly about expectations makes it feel less romantic or intimate, but these conversations can reduce stress, hurt and conflict.’

Experts say the added pressure on couples on Valentine’s Day can increase disappointment if gestures don’t meet expectations.

He added: ‘When love and appreciation are part of daily communication, the pressure of a single holiday tends to lessen.’

Separate research has found that Valentine’s Day spending in Britain is expected to rise 12 per cent this year to £1.6bn.

A survey of 1,000 customers by marketing agency Savvy revealed that 42 percent would celebrate the occasion, while 77 percent would prefer to stay with their partner.

But as a hint as to why some may be disappointed, 68 percent will look for discounts or offers on food or drink, prioritizing value over luxury.

St. Valentine’s Day was celebrated in the early Middle Ages to honor the third-century Roman saint, but evolved into a celebration of romance and love and was commercialized in the 19th century.