Online retailer Zulily recently conducted a survey asking moms across the country what gifts they want most this Valentine’s Day.

The survey is an effort to better understand the ways the COVID pandemic has affected love and relationships. Out of all the moms surveyed, 52 percent said the number one gift they want this year is “me time.”

Me Time

After almost a full year of their families and lives being confined to one household, moms are tired. It makes sense they’d want a little time to themselves, because that’s been hard to find this year.

Between helping the kids with virtual learning, keeping a constantly inhabited house clean, and juggling their own work, moms are struggling to keep up with self-care. That’s why the best gift you can give your valentine is some time to herself to recharge and relax.

Instead of candy hearts and chocolates, try getting her herbal tea and bubble bath. Take over the household responsibilities for a few hours and leave your partner to relax. It may seem like a small gesture, but it’ll mean a lot more to her than a dozen roses.

A New Way To Love 

The same poll by Zulily found that tapping into your partner’s love language is the best way to help them maximize their personal time. But, along with everything else, love languages have changed a bit this year.

Of the 1,006 moms surveyed, 46 percent named “quality time” as their love language.

Despite spending more time together than ever this year, 70 percent of moms said they crave more quality time with their partners. What “quality time” means has also changed, with 92 percent saying that it includes being in the same room as your partner while doing separate activities.

Making your partner feel special in the middle of a pandemic can be as simple as planning some time to read in the same room together.

The survey also found that 35 percent of moms say less physical touch with people outside of their home has increased their emotional connection with their significant other. Hugging and handholding are tied for the type of “physical touch” moms want most since the pandemic began.

Love In A Pandemic

The COVID pandemic has changed virtually everything about our lives, and that includes the way we love and experience relationships. If this pandemic has taught us anything, though, it’s the importance of appreciating the little things.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show the moms in your life how much you value all they do. Use these helpful stats to make the most of it, and have a happy Valentine’s Day!