Do you remember your first kiss - or is it best forgotten?

Most were aged between 14 and 18 when they had their heart-thumping first smooch (58 per cent), but it was clearly a moment to forget for some, according to the Hastings Hotels romance survey.

Just over 11 per cent do not recall the first time they locked lips, with half saying they “vaguely” remember it. However, eight per cent claim to recollect it in exact detail – from where it was and what they were wearing to the music being played at the time.

Along with the 10 per cent who said their first kiss was “horrible” a further 15 per cent endured a “somewhat unpleasant” experience, while a lucky 25 per cent described it as “good” or “really good”.

With Northern Ireland bound by tough Covid restrictions until March 5, a Valentine’s break away in a hotel is what couples miss most (50 per cent), with another 29 per cent pining for a romantic meal out and 11 per cent craving alone time with their partner.

An impressive 30 per cent said they plan to make an extra effort for Valentine’s Day in lockdown.

Most (85 per cent) will be spending February 14 with partners while seven per cent will be enjoying it with family.

As for the singletons who expressed how Covid was affecting their romantic endeavours, most (41 per cent ) said it makes them feel lonely and wish they had a partner. A further 15 per cent, mostly men, are opting for online dating for the first time and a more relaxed 29 per cent say the pandemic means there is less pressure to meet someone.

Cooking a special dinner is the Valentine’s gesture of choice for 42 per cent, followed by booking a hotel break to enjoy after lockdown (40 per cent), while just over four per cent intend to buy flowers.

The sentiment around the day remains strong, with 52 per cent insisting it is special and worthy of celebration, while just 11 per cent believe it is too commercialised.

Asked if their other halves thought they were romantic, 65 per cent of females said they believed they were, with 63 per cent of males claiming they would get the romantic seal of approval from their partners.

“It’s heartening to see that romance is still alive this Valentine’s Day, despite the restrictions we’re facing on a day we usually treat ourselves to a night out or some time away with our partner,” said Julie Hastings, marketing director of Hastings Hotels.

“But like so many special occasions we’ve had to miss, we’re making the most of the situation, either by cooking a special meal or booking a break away for later. The recent increase in sales of our Hastings Hotels gift cards and romance packages shows that our customers still plan to celebrate it properly when allowed to and we can’t wait to welcome them back to our hotels to give them an experience to remember.”

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