The Christmas decorations were still up in the town when the shops began to hawk the symbols of love, hearts, red roses, chocolate and for some unfathomable reason teddy bears! I have just heard on Radio 4 that people are now offering Proposal Planning! Really whatever next! I ask you, would you have given a different answer had the question been popped in a different way? Maybe, if Gary Chapman - the author of 'The Five Love Languages' is right. Gary says that although we may enjoy all of the 'Love Languages' (Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts) sometimes things go wrong in a potential relationship because, for instance, one party expresses love through Acts of Service while the partner longs for Quality Time. All the Valentine stuff seems to be catering to those who want Gifts.

Are you wondering what this has to do with volunteering? Like all relationships volunteering should be a positive experience for the volunteer and the organisation with whom they work. By entering your details at www.doit.

org.uk and expressing your skills and preferences you can take the first steps to making a Perfect Match.

The opportunities you select arrive on the desk of the Volunteer Manager and we, acting like a broker, help you to refine your choice before making a referral to the organisation. There are opportunities that involve Physical Touch, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time and all enable you to give the Gift of your time and skill and make new and interesting relationships. So this Valentine's Day think about giving something different and volunteer.