I was looking at the Valentine’s card in the shop today when a lady came up to me and said “When’s it Valentine’s Day”.  I told her it was Thursday and she said “I suppose I’d better send a card then.  What Day is it today?”  “Monday”, I told her.  I kind of admired her laid back (somewhat confused) attitude to it all!  She saw the cards and thought of buying one as an afterthought, rather than me having it on my ‘To Do’ list.  So, are you swept up by all the consumerism of it all?  Do you feel the peer pressure to buy a card and gift for your other half or do you stick to your guns, refusing to be forced into romance?  I agree, we should be romantic every day of the year, not just February 14 and our romantic gestures shouldn’t be dictated by the retail giants and advertisers, but at the same time, I like an excuse to be romantic, to have a nice meal out mid week or share a bottle of champagne.  Ok, I know you can do this whenever you like, but with hectic lives and kids and housework and shopping, it’s sometimes nice to be given a prompt, an excuse, a reason - whatever you choose to call it- to to take some time out for romance.  And, if the retailers add to their profits in the process, then fair enough!