In 2021, Valentine's Day consumerism reached the second-highest point in spending in the holiday's history with a total of $23.9 billion, according to data released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The largest consumer spending on Valentine's Day goods calculated by NRF occurred in 2020, with a total of $27.4 billion. The upcoming 2023 celebration of the holiday is expected to be on par with the previous year's spending total. 

This brings us to another popular product for this time of the year. New data from the UK reveals searches for "sti kit" have already seen a 20% increase in the last month.

But despite this rise in proactivity, new research from Superdrug Online Doctor, a service that helps people discreetly order treatments online from UK-registered doctors, has discovered that 14% of Brits would never tell their partner about their STI status. 

Key takeaways from the research included: 

• Over half (51%) said they’d want to know if their date had an STI but only 28% would tell their date if they did.
• Searches for ‘sti home test’ have seen a 78% rise versus the monthly average.
• 91% of Brits said an STI diagnosis would negatively impact their mental health, relationships, social life, love life, general confidence, or even their career.

The research comes from a recent survey of 2,000 sexually active adults, in the hope of breaking the taboo around STIs and helping people openly discuss their experiences.

Superdrug Online Doctor's sexologist, Jess O'Reilly Ph.D., explained to Bored Panda in a statement how people can potentially approach the topic if needed:

"Talking about testing and STIs can be intimidating because of stigma and a general unease around sex. But talking about sex ought not to be awkward. If you’re comfortable enough to get naked and rub your bodies against one another, hopefully you'll also cultivate a connection that allows you to talk about your desires, needs, boundaries, and expectations around safer sex - which includes STI testing."

Talking about sex and STIs can be tricky, especially with someone who you are, or planning to be, intimate with. According to O'Reilly and another Superdrug Online Doctor's expert, Julia Kotziamani, who is a love, sex, and relationship educator, the key things to remember before such a discussion are:

• Start the conversation early;
• Get knowledgeable about STIs;
• Be open and accepting;
• Remove the shame;
• Stay up to date with testing;
• Remember the first time is the hardest;
• Consider your partner’s discomfort with the topic;
• Be prepared for their reaction.

If you're still unsure about what to get for your significant other, a new survey conducted by Kelton Global, found that the most desired gifts are:

• a nice dinner at a restaurant (48%);
• chocolates (34%);
• flowers (31%);
• an experience, such as a massage or concert (28%)
• jewelry (25%);
• a vacation (22%);
• something handmade (17%);
• electronics (14%).

Just make sure they're well-made! For more abominations, though, fire up our older article 35 Valentine’s Design Fails That Probably Shouldn’t Have Been Approved.