Here we are in February, arguably the most Marmite of months. For some of us, the Anglo-Saxon name for it might seem entirely fitting - they knew it as Solmonath, 'mud-month'. You can understand why: winter has hit its stride, skies are often dull and the ground lies sodden and squelchy, while your credit card - and your waistline - are both still groaning from the effects of Christmas blowouts.
But for the optimists among us, February will always belong to St Valentine, the third-century Roman saint who has for centuries been associated with courtly love. And so beneath his gaze, and in the spirit of a glass half-full (especially now dry January is over), I thought I'd share some words from the lexicon of love that might revive any flagging hearts (or other bits) over the next few weeks.