As a teenager at school it was essential to receive Valentine cards. My grandmother would send one religiously every year – with the same writing, same blue ink and the same postmark. Luckily I did receive others and was often in the dark as to the sender. It was thrilling to fantasise about the sender and to dismiss  thoughts of the spotty boyfriend or mother who sent it.  It was a huge embarrassment not to get at least one.

As mature singles we are not so het up on cards although it’s touching to get one.  An acknowledge of love and appreciation can be shown in many other ways such as a meal out together, a trip out for the day, a traditional bunch of red roses, something to show your love and gratitude.  It is good to have a special date to promote romantic gestures and to drop the normal everyday tasks and routine.  How romantic it could be to present your partner with a ticket to jet off to the sun for a top up of vitamin D. Sitting on a balcony sipping a chilled glass of Sancerre would be a great tonic to prepare for romantic time together together. If in a new relationship it should thrive as a result.  One  less extravagant but no less romantic level I have a friend who puts on his dinner jacket and cooks and waits on his wife over a candle lit dinner. Life is built on memories and we treasure the happy ones.

If you are alone, spoil yourself anyway and keep on looking for love – the easiest way – via online dating.