Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year, is full of expectations ... and disappointments. According to the 2008 Jewelry.com Valentine's Day Survey, Cupid needs a helping hand. Jewelry.com asked a few hundred women what they wanted to get this Valentine's Day and what they actually expected to receive and once again, the findings prove that Mars and Venus speak very different languages. On the other hand financial worries are a universal lingo ...

    -- Money isn't everything ... It's the thought that counts this
       year with over 50% of woman surveyed noting that this February 14th,
       all they wanted was a romantic surprise or a simple card/flowers/
       chocolate.
    -- Unfortunately almost half (47.4%) also noted that what they expected
       was 'disappointment' or 'something he picks up last minute'
    -- When it comes to 'how much to spend' -- 38.4% stated their partner
       usually spends no more than $99, with 30% responding he spends a big
       fat $0.
    -- Guys shouldn't worry though -- this year the economic situation is
       bringing guys and gals closer together with 39% saying they agree with
       the men and suggesting he spend no more than $99. On the other hand 24%
       of women disagreed stating 'the sky' should be the limit when it comes
       to the Valentine's budget.

"It seems Cupid's more budget-conscious than ever this year," said Virginia Halevi, Editor-in-Chief of Jewelry.com, which attracts an average of 3.5 million unique visitors a month. "Each year, the survey shows the disconnect between expectations and reality, but this year, what really surprised us is that women have lowered their financial expectations -- even on Valentine's Day. They many want diamond jewelry, but they want cost-conscious diamond jewelry."

    -- When it comes to jewelry -- it's diamonds, diamonds, diamonds. More
       than half of those surveyed said they'd like Cupid to bring them a
       piece of diamond jewelry, with rubies the second favorite, garnering
       just 16% of votes.


    And if he won't bring it -- she will.

    -- Almost 30% of women stated in the past, they've Valentined themselves
       with some self-gifting. Almost all (90%) noted that they bought
       themselves a piece of jewelry as a way to say 'I love myself.'

We also asked 'What's Your Idea of The Perfect Valentine's Gift? From a kids-free night to sex and steak -- no-one though mentioned card/flowers or disappointment.

The most popular answer to this questions was ... jewelry of course.