The case for

Sick of soppy sentiments? Yolande Letshou isn't - she can't wait to don her red frock and celebrate February 14th in style.

It's that wonderful time of year when the colour red gets the chance to dominate the town, and you get lovely little post-it notes saying 'Be my Valentine' and the postman is bombarded with cards from all those secret admirers who have been hiding all year.

Well actually, that's never quite been the case for me, but even the odd card here and there is enough to make my stomach flip with excitement. I once got given a poem written on a piece of paper that the guy had customised with wet tea bags to give an ancient effect, then written the poem out in black ink. I was so amazed that a guy actually took time out to be so creative I've kept it to this day.

In my opinion, Valentine's Day couldn't come at a better date than February 14. The colour red for the whole day is certainly enough to brighten the dull and bitter weather and bring some warmth and happiness in to my life.

I've celebrated Valentines Day since I was 15, and I must say I find the whole thing pretty exciting. When I was in college me and my girlfriends would spend hours on the phone discussing which outfit we intended to wear on the 'big day'. The next day we'd take campus by storm wearing gorgeous red dresses. Although I've grown out of that now, I still always try and make the effort to look that extra bit special.

"The colour red for the whole day is enough to brighten the dull and bitter weather and bring some warmth and happiness in to my life."

The way I see it, Valentine's allows couples an opportunity to impress their partner and fully express their love for one another. People are loved up, feel wanted and the meaning of the words 'I love you' is actually properly acknowledged. And here's the really shocking thing about February 14 - it's one of the only days of the year on which men show their mushy side. The unexpected happens because they don't feel embarrassed about walking into a lingerie shop, or carrying an enormous teddy without going red, green or purple. It is also the only time of the year my parents can show love and affection for one another in front of me and my friends, without us saying: "Urgh, you're way to old for that".

OK, so people choose to spend it in different ways; some prefer a cosy night in, others prefer a night out on the town, but regardless of all that, there are smiles, laughter and romance for everyone, so make the most of it. Personally I enjoy going out for a romantic dinner then heading off to a bar and having a bit too much to drink.

And as for all the moaning from single people who sit at home complaining about seeing couples snuggled up everywhere and feeling left out I say that they too could be having the time of their lives if they just entered into the spirit. How many single people actually become couples at this time of year? And it's all because they feel less threatened to approach people, simply because it's easier to be able to tell who's coupled up and who's waiting to fall in love. Go on, it's the perfect time to make a move on that person in the office you've fancied all year.

So let's embrace the Valentine vibes this year - love makes life interesting and everyone is in search of it, whether they want to admit it or not.