The main thing we noticed on Saturday, valentines day, as that there were lots of couples sat ignoring each other on forced 'romantic' meals.  Texting or facebook-ing rather than conversing.  It looked like they actually didn't really like the inconvenience of being sat alone without their friends.

I'm sure they would have rather been with their mates, we were in a group of 5 and it was great fun.  

That's the problem with conforming to what's expected on set days, if it's not something you would usually do, it doesn't feel right.

Fran and I regularly go out to eat on dates alone, so for us a valentines meal wouldn't really make any difference.  I didn't feel compelled to buy her flowers and chocolates because I don't usually; I would have eaten the chocolates by the time I wrapped them anyway ;)

That doesn't mean that I don't love her, I do with every part of my existence and tell her so every morning when I leave for work.  Not out of habit but because I do.

I'm guilty of not showing appreciation for all that she does for me at times but I know I'm a better person because we are married.  

When times are stressing I know she's got my back.  

She knows I've got hers too.

However, the most important person to love is yourself.  I've spoke to people recently who barely even like themselves or the person they have become.  When you're in that mindset, it is hard to show your partner love and it leads to upset and argument.

The diet industry prays on these types of feelings and insecurities and has you believe that when you get slimmer you will be happier.  It's bollocks, your size has very little to do with how happy you are.

I've met trainers with to-die-for physiques who are not happy.  

The industry doesn't care though because you will keep buying the products and attending the classes.  

At Team Achieve, we work with our members to find what works for them long term, to find what makes them happy and pursue it, to appreciate who they are and how they look and to love themselves.

Loving yourself isn't a put down from the 80's but one of the most important things you can do for your overall health.  Being happy with who you are as a person, content with what you have and making a daily effort to live according to your core values all contribute far more to your results than simply following a diet plan.

As George Benson sang "learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all".