It's been one of the burning issues of modern male-female relationships. We've suspected as much for a long time and now, finally, our worst fears have been confirmed. A recent survey conducted in South Africa concludes that women value shopping above sex.

A drinks company recently conducted a "Fantasy Survey" that asked a series of questions about women's fantasies. The study revealed that 45% of women surveyed valued shopping over sex, while only 26% value sex over shopping. In addition, the study found that 75% of the women surveyed believed that they have a shoe fetish and 70% felt that they did not have enough clothes in their wardrobe.

That can't be a very encouraging sign for men and it certainly takes a huge part of the romance out of modern relationships. Does that mean we should now woo a woman with shoes and gift checks instead of roses and chocolates? Does that mean that we now take them on dates to the shopping mall instead of to the theater and restaurants? All of a sudden, the price tag for romance and dating has suddenly hit a roof. It reminds one of the old Madonna song that goes, "I'm living in a material world and I am a material girl."

And here are some findings that should be especially important for men: Nearly half or 48% of the women believed that men had no real understanding of their needs and desires while another 40% felt that they were still misunderstood but that men made an effort to understand their wishes.

The Fantasy Survey also highlighted women's aspiration for fame and prestige. As many as 78% of women respondents said they fantasized about attending the Oscar awards and being given a red-carpet welcome. In addition, 72% of women surveyed had dreams of being an actress in any of the leading South African soap operas.

And here's the survey finding that really takes the cake: a stunning 63% of women respondents said that the world would be better and more peaceful if the women were put in charge instead of the men. Apparently, after spending decades aspiring for and attaining equality of the sexes, women now want to run the whole show.

But hey, everyone is entitled to their own fantasy. And the survey also offered a dose of reality: nearly half of the women surveyed believed that their fantasies would not come true