Scientists have discovered that much of that heady first response that we call love may be thanks to the release of a chemical in our brains. The protein, a type of neurotrophin, gives rise to the feelings we associate with falling in love.

Not only that, but apparently these effects wear off after a time, allowing the extreme early feelings to mellow into a less passionate but potentially more stable relationship with the loved one. Which is something of a relief, since the headline announces that “Romantic love lasts just a year” - for a moment I thought we’d all been doomed to very brief relationships indeed.

These researches into the mechanisms of our feelings are all very interesting and worthy, I’m sure, but too often a crucial question is never asked. It may well be true that this neurotrophin is responsible for the feelings we experience in the first flush of love but what causes the chemical to be released in the first place? It seems to me that the chemical is much more a result than a cause and that the scientists are trying to catch a will o’ the wisp in all this.

By Clive Allen

This year marks 100 years of Mills and Boon, the famous romance book publishers.

Now a subsidiary of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., the company has grown to become the UK’s undisputed market leader in romance fiction publishing, with a wide following and readership.

Mills and Boon describes its founding back in 1908 :

Since two dashing young entrepreneurs — Gerald Mills and Charles Boon — launched the company in 1908 with just a modest £1,000 [$2000], millions of women across the globe have been entranced by their books, reaching into their handbags or to their bookshelves to spend a few hours transported into a fantasy world of intrigue, danger, passion and romance.

Such is the strength of the brand that in 1982, a Mills and Boon book was added to a time capsule in the grounds of Castle Howard, Yorkshire, to mark the 60th anniversary of the BBC. The capsule contained ‘vital clues of life in 1982 of generations to come’. Also, in 1997 the Oxford English Dictionary added ‘Mills & Boon’ to its esteemed canon — meaning, ‘romantic story book’.

Mills & Boon’s army of dedicated readers know that once they pick a brightly coloured paperback, they will be taken on an easy, thrilling read - with a guaranteed happy ending. Alan Boon, one of the masterminds behind the stylised romances, once declared that the books “could take the place of Valium” - because they are so well known for their restorative quality.

If you want to know how the company grew into such an epic success story, read it on the M&B website.

John Gray’s 1992 bestselling book, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, was based on the premise that men and women live on different planets when it comes to relationships.

Gray has now published a sequel, Why Mars And Venus Collide, which attempts to show how to improve relationships by understanding how men and women cope with life and stress.

Here are six points from the book on how to make your man a better partner.

1. Trust him
Show a positive belief in his abilities and intentions and he will become a more caring and attentive partner.

2. Acceptance
Don’t try to improve him, accept him as he is. When a man feels accepted it is much easier to listen and give you the understanding you need.

3. Appreciation
When a man feels his efforts are appreciated he is motivated to respect his partner more.

4. Admiration
When a man feels his unique characteristics, like sense of humor and strength, are admired, he will feel secure enough to devote himself to you.

5. Approval
An approving attitude recognizes the good behind what a man does. When he receives approval, it becomes easier for him to accept a woman’s feelings and point of view.

6. Encouragement
A woman’s encouragement gives hope and courage to a man by expressing confidence in his abilities and character. This motivates him to give her the loving reassurance she needs.

You too can bring out your man’s inner Romeo, writes John Gray. Some good pointers for St. Valentine’s Day.

In romantic terms, what is a gooseberry, and why are they named after a sour, hairy, sickly-green fruit?

A gooseberry is generally an unwanted third party on a date or reluctantly accompanying a loved-up couple.

It traces its origins back to the early 19th century and refers to a tactful chaperone who “picks gooseberries” while the couple canoodles nearby.

Partridge’s Dictionary of Slang thinks it derives from the dessert dish, gooseberry fool. Others believe it relates to the way the fruit “blushes” during the ripening process, presumably matching the embarrassed cheeks of an onlooker.

Either way, there are lots of explanations, as is usual in these matters.