Kate Sykes (26) & Alexander Ng (27), together for 2 years

On V Day (Her): It's a time to celebrate what we have and what we will become. It's a celebration of that bond and reaffirming the connection.

Melting point: Alex made my heart melt on many occasions. He thinks about the symbols of our relationship and uses that to make each gift or action really personal. I guess the biggest surprise was a trip to Greece. He came to my house one day with a shoebox. He told me not to open it until he had gone. Once alone, I opened the lid. Inside was a stack of envelopes and small packages. The first envelop was a letter to me, the second a Greek music CD, the third, a Greek guidebook, in the fourth, Greek money. Each envelop or package was handmade and had a small drawing of a Greek villa. In the last envelope, I found two tickets to Greece! I was totally shocked. I had no idea he had been planning this for weeks, setting it up so that I wouldn t know.

On their relationship: Alex and I are different in many ways; the way we think about life, the world and the paths we have chosen. Despite these differences we always come together with joy. Of course we are not without our problems, but we talk and move our way through them.

Dream date: It's a meal, movie and coffee. We make quality time to catch up, to be alone and to share.

On V Day (Him): It's a day to show our appreciation for that someone, to reassure our love and to reflect how appreciated we are to others.

Melting point: Once on my birthday, she dug out her old Lego toys, knowing that I used to love it. She found a female and a male figurine and painted them. She also made a Lego car and painted the number plate so that it resembled her car that we used for our trips. She even took pictures of the toy and made a box. Although the packaging was quite sloppy and the pictures were out of focus, the Lego set is the nicest memory about those days and trips. This is one of the many tiny little things she did for me that really made me appreciate her.

On their relationship: Her every action makes me feel the extreme. Since we got together, Kate has been really nice to me. When I'm down, she'd encourage me, comfort me and cook for me. We have different perspectives, thoughts and background. Sometimes these problems come in between us, but we've always managed to overcome them.

Dream date: Someone who's independent, appreciates me and in return allows me space to show my concern for her. We can encourage each other.

Lee Jet Yin (23) & Simon Wong (24), together for nearly a year

On V Day (Her): It's a day to celebrate our love with partners, friends and family members.

Melting point: I was particularly touched and surprised when he pre-celebrated my birthday at the East Coast Park complete with cake and sparkling wine. It was really romantic to dine under the starry sky.

On their relationship: He's my soul mate, the perfect boyfriend who cares and understands me. He is even fun to go shopping with!

Dream date: That he'll blindfold me, bring me to the airport and whisk me off to a secluded beach resort for a romantic getaway!

On V Day (Him): It's a day to express your love.

Melting point: It's little things like understanding and support that make us feel comfortable with each other.

On their relationship: I'm glad to have her though sometimes we pick on each other. I'm really happy we're together.

Dream date: It'll probably be a night away from the city - a sumptuous dinner by the sea, cool breeze and alcohol.

Irene Tow (22) & Alan Lim (27), together for 2 months


On V Day (Her): I believe that we should treat everyday as a Valentine's Day because somewhere,
someone is falling in love and that day is going to be the most important day in his or her life.
Melting point: He makes me feel like a VIP, just like a queen. That's very important to me because I need my partner to pamper me a lot.
On their relationship: He s the ideal boyfriend - a very sweet, loving and
caring guy.

Dream date: I hope he will do something romantic, something that will surprise me. I love surprises.

On V Day (Him): It's something that only happens once a year so it's very special. One should really make it a point to show the love and care for their loved ones on this day.

Melting point: Whenever she smiles at me. She has a nice and sweet smile that my heart simply melts every time I see it.

On their relationship: We are still young, so we should work hard together for a better future, while supporting each other along the way. But I wouldn't just focus on career or money and neglect the love that has brought the two of us together.

Dream date: As long as it's somewhere nice and cosy, with my love by my side.

Helen Lee (25) & Sebastian Tng (26), together for 5.5 years

On V Day (Her): I guess it's for busy couples to show their appreciation for each other.

Melting point: The time when he expressed his feelings for me. He actually said a prayer before starting the conversation. That showed how much it meant to him.

On their relationship: He's someone whom I can depend on. He has helped me grow and mature. It's amazing how we still enjoy each other's company after being together for so long.

Dream date: I hope we can disappear to an island and stay in a house by the beach. At night, we'll have a slow dance by the sea followed by barbeque dinner.

On V Day (Him): I think Valentine's Day is a great reminder for 'forgetful' couples to celebrate their love for each other. For more 'mindful' couples, it's just another day.

Melting point: I remember the time when she scrimped and saved for three months to buy me a watch that I admired.

On their relationship: I see her as a 'sharer' of my life. She's not only there when I want to share my joys and sorrows. She's also there for me and with me in every bit of my life.

Dream date: Watching a "live" World Cup soccer match together.

Declare your love and win a romantic dinner for two (of course!). In 50 words, tell us why he/she is the love of your life. Closing date is 31 January 2003.

3 DINNER VOUCHERS TO BE WON!

Name:_____________________________ NRIC No: __________________________ Contact No: ________________________ Address:___________________________

Send your entries to : VoiCeS of Central Singapore " Central Singapore Community Development Council, Toa Payoh Central Post Office, P.O.Box 192, Singapore 913107