If music be the food of love, play on, wrote Shakespeare - and so they did. Billions of notes, lyrics and albums have been dedicated to the emotion along with more movies and novels than you could ever hope to enjoy.
A single chord, a scene from a film, a paragraph on a page. That's all it takes to send shivers down my spine on the subject of love. I can't deny it, I'm a big fan of the sweet love song, the formulaic rom com and the juicy romantic novel. There's something so cathartic about it, it's hard not to develop an insatiable appetite for escapist abandon. And with love's seemingly inexhaustible levels and possibilities to explore, it's unlikely to ever lose its global stronghold in the interest stakes. In celebration of this special day, here are a few of my favourites to set your pulses racing.
Films
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
This triumph of a film tells the story of a beautiful courtesan and an impoverished writer who fall in love in Paris in 1899. But as they try to escape the clutches of a jealous Duke, they realise all too late that a greater force is driving them apart. The musical is brilliantly crafted using modern-day love songs, stunning cinematography and a superb cast. It ends poetically with a moral we would all do well to heed: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return".
Truly, Madly, Deeply (1991)
Once described as "Ghost for people who can do crosswords", this Anthony Minghella screenplay doesn't just jerk the tears, it positively yanks them from their ducts. It's a heart-wrenching tale of a woman struggling to come to terms with her boyfriend's death. The deceased returns in spirit form to help her to move on with her life. Tragic, sweet and very moving, this one's a must if you haven't seen it.
Casablanca (1942)
"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she had to walk into mine." A classic line from a classic film. Casablanca has been a benchmark for measuring love stories ever since Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman lit up the big screen with their undeniable chemistry in this 1942 movie. The Oscar-winning film has the highest number of memorable lines in the American Film Institute's top 100 poll with six. Here's looking at you, kid.
The Princess Bride (1987)
A sweet and hilarious fairytale, The Princess Bride is a gem of a love story that has achieved the cult status it deserves. Lead character Westley, on being reunited with Buttercup, says: "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." His pragmatic attitude to love and unwavering conviction of purpose ensures love triumphs in the end no matter how big the obstacles en route.
English Patient (1996)
Anthony Minghella is a dab hand at creating films that tug at the heart strings. This epic drama deserved to win all nine of its Oscars for its exquisite portrayal of two love stories. Ralph Fiennes' intensity against the iridescent Kristin Scott Thomas is high voltage stuff. And the lovely Juliette Binoche paired with Naveen Andrews has an innocence that is beautiful to behold.
Books
His Dark Materials (Philip Pullman)
Okay, it may not be your conventional romance but this outstanding trilogy examines love on different levels.
Set across parallel universes, the lead characters Lyra and Will form a bond of love and loyalty that transcends all obstacles. That's not to mention the love they each share with their individual "dæmons".
Despite numerous struggles and battles, the connection between Lyra and Will prevails in this epic tale of good vs evil.
Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare)
It may be more than four centuries old but this Shakespearean tragedy is timeless and still stands strong today.
A Crowded Marriage (Catherine Alliott)
From the classic to the contemporary, this witty, endearing novel is an up-to-date insight into the challenges and complexities of modern-day relationships.
Finances force lead character Imogen to live on the estate of her husband's former flame and deal with the jealousy and suspicion it brings. Hilarious and heart-warming, this is a fast-paced novel that is as satisfying as a three-course dinner for two.
The Tao of Pooh (Benjamin Hoff)
While clearly not a love story, The Tao of Pooh fits in here because of the life lessons it reveals. Benjamin Hoff takes the reader on a gentle journey of realisation highlighted by the actions of Winnie the Pooh and friends. A true treasure, there is much to be learnt within its pages about living together in harmony.
The Bridges of Madison County (Robert James Waller)
Touching, sensitive and beautifully written, this novel by Robert James Waller was a major bestseller in the 1990s for good reason. It's a story about a lonely housewife who has a fleeting moment of true love with a National Geographic photographer. Simple yet powerful, this masterfully executed novel is not easily forgotten.
Romantic playlist
I don't want to miss a thing - Aerosmith.
This is a heartfelt winner for me, however much my other half rolls his eyes when it comes on the radio. Its simple lyrics reveal a touching vulnerability and an appreciation of being blessed with the precious gift of love. And somehow the thought of a man like Steve Tyler being able to feel that degree of tenderness only adds to its allure.
Be mine - David Gray.
Listen to the opening notes of this song and you know you're about to hear something special. David Gray's powerful voice is full of conviction and persuasion as he uses ordinary detail to define the extraordinary. "Every time I'm talking with you it's always over too soon, every day feels so incomplete till you walk into the room…" So simple and yet they embody the sentiment every girl wants to hear.
The way you look tonight - Frank Sinatra.
This one never fails to give me goose bumps, whoever sings it. Just as the music soars, so too does your mood when listening to this joyous classic that has been going strong since winning an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1936.
Do I love you - Ella Fitzgerald.
Admittedly, Ella Fitzgerald's velvety voice is enough to take your breath away whatever she's singing but this one really is the tops. Her delivery of the line: "If the sun should desert the day, what would life be?" is sheer bliss. If you are looking to indulge in a spot of romantic daydreaming, there's no better soundtrack to do it with.
How do I live? - LeAnn Rimes.
To appreciate what you have, just imagine it being taken away. Add to that the powerful vocals of LeAnn Rimes and you have a hit record to make hearts bleed the world over. Its sentiment perfectly captures the overwhelming power of true love and how meaningless life would be without it.
