WELL, I can guarantee one thing, tomorrow I won't be the recipient of any Valentine's Day cards, red roses, chocolates or jewellery.

Zilch is what I have come to expect.

My household works on the idea that it's just another money-grabbing commercial rip-off.

Despite half the people in the NW feeling the same, in the UK alone over seven million red roses will be given to express undying love, and with other flowers and gifts will generate £38 million according to Interflora.

Of the total flowers sold men are responsible for 90 per cent of sales, though women are increasingly reversing roles to send them to the males in their lives.

I should imagine, however, that the internet and text messaging has kiboshed card sales.

The nearest I got to amour this week was buying a 5lb bag of spuds with a heart-shaped potato in it and serving it up baked and unnoticed with dinner.

Such romance.

If anyone serves up an unusual surprise or less romantic gift let me know at lrichards@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk