On Valentine’s Day we are encouraged to think of those we love. It has become very commercialised but still offers a symbolic opportunity to think especially of people we care about. In my teens I remember the thrill of receiving an anonymous card, and wondering who had sent it. I also sent cards and wondered whether the recipient would guess its source. Sometimes I hoped they would, and on other occasions I dreaded this would happen. At that time my cards were homemade, and went in the post.

Today however I came downstairs to find a lovely (and quite amusing) unsigned card and rose which I assume came from my dear and much-loved partner on this our 14th Valentine’s Day. Loving and being loved feels very important to me and I recognise how fortunate I am, but it is not so for all and we are becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact of loneliness.

The action for today involves communicating with loved ones and I choose my partner. Do I tell him directly, or write a letter, or perhaps send an email or text: or post something on social media, or maybe send him a video message? What might he appreciate more? I did give him a card with some warm words but I want to do more … and I hope the words will come. He is taking me out to dinner this evening, and so perhaps that will be the opportunity to say something …