Valentine’s Day doesn’t just suck for singles who don’t want to be reminded of their singlehood. It’s also a pain in the tuchus for couples scrambling to find a dinner reservation, sometimes at a restaurant with ridiculously marked-up menu “specials.” Thankfully, statistics have come to the rescue to show that you should really just stay in and avoid the hassle.

According to a new survey by the Zagat folks, 44% of couples intend on dining out this Valentine’s Day. Even worse, the average expected dinner tab comes out to $147/couple, compared to the regular check for two of around $43.

And with only a couple weeks to go before V Day, fewer than half of couples tell Zagat they have made a reservation. This means there’s going to be a crush of latecomers trying to elbow their way to a table.

So if you really want to show your significant other(s) that you love him/her/them, stay away from the crowded, overpriced restaurants this year and spend that money on something more important.

PS: If have plans on proposing to your S.O. in a restaurant, be warned that nearly 7 out of 10 Zagat respondents would think you are a complete cheeseball. So if a ring is in the cards this Valentine’s Day, maybe wait until you’re back home, lest you be on the receiving end of cold stares from judgmental diners.

Who picks up the check on Valentine’s Day? Only 11% of diners are splitting the check, per Zagat [NY Daily News via Eater]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.