All the great literary romantics are brooding, heart-on-the-sleeve young men. Love poetry is penned by those untainted by too many years of cynicism, distrust and disillusionment.

So, taking all this into account, it would not be incorrect to suggest that there really isn't any hope for me in the game of romance.

Well, think again dear reader, because recent research shows that this is not necessarily so.

Apparently (and I use this word whenever I am suspicious of surveys making bold, eye-catching claims in a lame attempt to attract media coverage – which, you could argue, they have succeeded in doing, because here I am writing about it) apparently, the majority of men do not embrace romance until they are well into their 50s.

Men in their 50s also tend to surprise their wives or partners more often than their younger counterparts. Almost half will surprise women with flowers, chocolate and perfume, compared to only 24 per cent of men aged 25.

Other surprises include grand gestures such as organising romantic weekends away or pampering days. When a man reaches the grand old age of 53, he is supposed to be wiser about what works for his partner . At first, I thought I clearly have much to learn. With nine years to go before I hit 53, I have plenty of time to improve.

But this romantic tendency is most prevalent in the so-called "empty nesters" generation.

These are couples whose children have flown the nest, and so they have more time to spoil each other ,more freedom to enjoy weekends away and more privacy to enjoy each other's company. That doesn't really apply tome.

I have learned three things about romance over the years though. Firstly, I have learned romance is something men are expected to do for women.

When did you last hear a man say to his girlfriend/partner/wife, "Darling you're so unromantic"? Secondly, the perfect romantic gesture will include many, if not all, of the following: tissue paper; flowers; pink ribbons; cuddly toys; jewellery; tickets; chocolate; baths; letters and thick white towelling dressing gowns.

Thirdly, romance is best when it's highly personal, beautifully executed and a complete surprise. So goosing her when she least expects it could be considered romantic.

The problem I have with romance is that romance was all well and good in the days when women swooned. But women in the noughties no longer swoon.

To be honest, I've never known a woman to swoon (although this might say something more about me than the swooning inclinations of the modern woman). Now that sisters are doing it for themselves,modern men have cut right back on romance, because they wouldn't want to be accused of patronising women. For men like me, this is a very handy excuse.