With Valentine’s Day just a few hours away, many people will be dashing to buy last-minute chocolates and flowers – but could the most heartfelt gift be something far simpler? In a world dominated by text messages and social media DMs, a more dated means of communicating may be more romantic.
Picking up the landline to your beau on Friday, February 14, may be the ultimate act of love and nostalgia – and many Brits seem to agree. A new survey by Zen Internet, a leading telecommunications provider, found that 41 per cent of Brits believe calling a home phone feels more personal than reaching someone on a mobile.
Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 say that a home phone-to-home phone conversation is a more special and attentive way to connect. Once upon a time, waiting for a call from a special someone was the ultimate romantic gesture.
Fast forward to today, and instant messaging and voice notes have replaced that magic. However, Zen Internet’s research reveals that Brits are craving a return to more meaningful connections, and the landline call might just be the answer.
Despite the rise of digital communication, 52 per cent of Brits still have a landline in their homes, proving that the classic call isn’t gone just yet. For many, the landline remains essential for staying connected with older family members (39%) or having long, uninterrupted chats that mobiles often can’t offer (29%).
The nostalgia surrounding landline calls is undeniable, with over a quarter (28%) of people admitting they miss receiving calls on their landline. Interestingly, a growing number of younger people seem reluctant to pick up the phone.
Among those who prefer texting or other forms of communication to phone calls, 25 per cent of Millenials and 24 per cent of Gen Z say they don’t enjoy speaking on the phone. In contrast, only 10 per cent of Baby Boomers share the same sentiment.
And as the UK transitions away from traditional landlines – the Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN – in favour of Digital Voice technology, the survey highlights growing concerns over the loss of this connection.
In particular, two-thirds of Brits worry that older relatives could face increased loneliness without their home phones, while 36 per cent believe receiving more calls from loved ones could help combat isolation.
Dean Burdon, Customer Experience Director, at Zen Internet, said: “While younger generations might scoff at the idea of picking up the landline, they may be missing out on something truly special. In a world where digital conversations are fleeting, a phone call requires presence, effort, and intention – all hallmarks of genuine love and care.
“So, this Valentine’s Day, forget the pricey presents and make a simple yet powerful gesture – dial a loved one’s home number, hear their voice, and remind them just how much they mean to you. Who knows? It might just be the most romantic thing you do all year.”
With Valentine’s Day so close, why not break away from the usual WhatsApp messages and surprise someone special with a call on their home phone? Whether it’s your partner, parents, or an old friend, a simple, heartfelt ring could be the perfect way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”