Substantially more men than women tend to forget Valentine's Day, according to a new commercial poll for consumers interested in dating, romance and the single life.

The poll conducted by Lavalife, which calls itself the world's largest provider of technology-based dating services, says 41 per cent of men surveyed tend to forget the romantic significance of Valentine's Day, compared with only 22 per cent of women.

Despite this difference, the poll suggests men who do remember spend much more on Valentine's Day gifts than women.

The survey polled more than 6,000 people between Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, comfortably in advance of the big day on Feb. 14, 2003.

The survey also suggests men believe women most appreciate lingerie, perfume and chocolate as Valentine's Day gifts.