My Valentine's Day

On days like today, the world seems to be divided down the middle. In the red corner we have the romantically-intoxicated couples and optimistic hopefuls, and in the blue corner we have the anti-commercialists and indifferent.

I used to be the latter, but not of my own making. Most of my boyfriends over the years have been pretty devoid of romantic intent, so in order to cushion myself against the disappointment, I decided that Valentine's Day was a farce. That's not to say that everyone who's anti Valentine's Day does this, but for me it helped. Like many girls I suspect, my daydreams are my own worst enemy. Last year I'd just split up with my boyfriend, and on Valentine's Day I ruefully imagined him marching to my door armed with a spray of red roses, begging my forgiveness and declaring his undying love. (Thankfully) he did not, and I consoled myself at the cinema, alone, watching the Muppets. That was a low point.

So when Valentine's Day swung round this year I wondered whether I should celebrate it. I didn't want to fit into the mould of those 'nauseating' couples who dutifully adhere to the cliches of flowers, dinner, romance, cards. I wanted to buck the trend and say 'Hey, I don't need a specific day to celebrate love'. But then I realised, who cares? If I'm happy and I want to have a romantic meal with my boyfriend, why not? Let's indulge. Let's welcome a huge slab of cheesiness into our lives and go the whole hog. Let's write 'will you be my valentine?' in our cards. Let's celebrate our happiness. Let's eat good food and have fun. A greetings card I once received said: "When you do love – love like they do in power ballads (you know, like on a cliff with the wind in your hair and your eyes shut, knowing you’ll never know another love like this). So let's do that.

And that's what I'll be doing today. I gave Frank his pressie last night: a joint membership to the National Trust. After our day at Hampton Court Palace we decided we wanted more adventures. I can't wait to get started.



And for you guys, how about a Valentine's mixtape to download? If you're in the mood for love, brilliant. If not, you might still enjoy these awesome tunes. Here's the track listing:

1. There is a light that never goes - The Smiths
2. We found love - Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna
3. Guilty - Amelie soundtrack
4. He's a tramp - Disney's Lady and the Tramp
5. L.O.V.E - V.V Brown
6. Apples and tangerines - Eagle vs Shark soundtrack
7. Your song - Elton John
8. Us - Regina Spektor
9. Love rollercoaster - RHCP
10. The promise - When in Rome

And for a bit of humour: why not send your other half a declaration of romantic intent?

What are you favourite love songs? The cheesier the better! Whatever you do today, have a fantastic day :)
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