55% of members quizzed on Maritalaffair.co.uk said they have a secret plan in place to see their current paramour on 14th Feb, or they intend to set up a date with someone new.

Only 26% said they would be arranging a special day or night with their long-term partner or spouse. 10% said they would be doing nothing and 9%have other arrangements involving friends, family or work.

The survey indicates that the most romantic day of the year for most people is more about expressing passion than love. Of those planning a clandestine rendezvous on Valentine’s night, 70% thought that the significance of the Saint’s day fades after several years of marriage.

What’s more, the most likely excuse innocent parties will hear on the morning of the 14th is that their partner or spouse has to ‘work late.’ 45%of those who have their eye on a sneaky sojourn next Thursday said they intend to blame their employers. Around a third said that they would make up a work trip. 15% will claim to be helping a friend with a last-minute crisis, 10% will create an excuse for absenteeism with a sport or a hobby.And a brave 12% said they’d think of something on the night.

Website asked its members about their hopes for Valentine’s Day.  Founder Paul Graham said the results indicate the site is in for a busy week: “I’m surprised by how many of our members are so confident they can get away with going AWOL on Valentine’s night. Not only did more than half say they planned to meet a casual lover through our site,but they are clear in their mind about their excuses and express no doubts about getting caught. Perhaps this indicates that long-term couples have become too comfortable in their relationship for a fluffy Valentine’s Day candle lit dinner. The day seems to be followed more by those seeking fresh passion.”

For anyone worried that their own partner may be one of the 55% above, Rebecca Darkin, author of Why Husbands Stray, has some advice: “If you're not with your other half on Valentines Day and they have to 'work late' then alarm bells should be ringing! Other changes in behaviour are often that he or she gets busier or they start to take more care of themselves. She starts to get waxes. He takes an interest in his clothes. Wearing more perfume or after shave or even trying to lose weight can all be indicators that your manor woman is wanting to impress someone other than you.”