Arguably, Valentines Day means more things to more people than virtually any other day of the year.

For those of us who have a partner, it can be an opportunity for joy and celebration - but also a potential minefield where forgetfulness or a wrong decision can risk damaging an otherwise healthy relationship. And that’s assuming, of course, that we are happy. If we are not, the pressure of trying to pretend to be can simply heighten our feelings of discontent, possibly even reopening wounds from that other great relationship-buster - the festive season.

Raising Expectations

Then there are those of us who are not currently in a relationship but would like to be. In this instance, the day presents a unique opportunity to express our feelings and desires – but again with the potential sting in the tail that if these are not reciprocated, we risk having them dashed, and becoming the loser in a game that might otherwise have yet to be played.

And then of course there are those of us in neither category - for whom the shops with their apparently limitless appetite for anything remotely heart-shaped are simply a reminder of what might have been, and therefore a source of additional sadness and heartache.

Finally, there are those who fall into none of these groups, seeing the day instead as just another example of rampant commercialism, and a cause of yet more unnecessary expense.

Take Care

Whichever category you find yourself in – be careful! Think through what you want to do. Prepare properly, and don’t leave everything until the last minute. Try not to get too carried away with excessive or inappropriate gifts or gestures. And remember that whatever you might personally think about Valentines Day, get it wrong and it could take your partner (real or intended) until at least this time next year before they forgive you!!