I’m not big on clothes shopping. I quite like it if I am on holiday or I just happen to see something I like, (preferably in a nice bright colour), but I’m not one for choosing shopping as a pastime. However, when you love someone very much, if they like shopping, well – you have to indulge them don’t you think?

So this evening (and yesterday evening) after work I met my gorgeous girl for an evening of Christmas shopping to buy her clothes. By the way, yesterday I went on my own and every single item I bought had to go back. Tonight was even worse. I’m a browser, I get distracted by the bright colours, too much to choose from and lack of concentration on the job at hand.

At the check out in River Island, (where I stood for a good half an hour recovering all the money I spent last night on stuff that allegedly ‘absolutely no one in their right mind would wear’, gorgeous girl was clearly upset by the whole business. After knowing her all these years why didn’t I know her style when she can shop with ease with her ‘step’ mum?

Isn’t this just what every divorced mum wants to hear? Not!

So I pointed out to her that I knew what went on inside her head and everything else about her life and really what she wore was secondary to me. Luckily, being a very balanced and fair Libran, gorgeous girl took this on board. I know she did because no more was said. But it got me thinking….

We all have rules for love. One of GG’s rules is that if I loved her properly, I would know her style. My answer left her thinking about the different ways that different people love her and what they love about her. Probably I’ll never understand her particular style enough to interpret it into acceptable presents, but I’ll always know her heart and mind.

Is that enough? I don’t know, but I think that knowing the heart and soul of your child, and your partner beats ‘shopping for love’ any day of the week. Loving someone is not just for Christmas; it’s a lifetime commitment. If you love or have loved, its not like the love ever goes away. It may change in its intensity, but once you have loved someone, a little piece of love for them stays in your heart forever. Even if you would rather it didn’t.

So this Christmas, give as much love as you give presents. Wrap it up in warm arms and soft lips and smiling eyes. Can you really think of a better present to give?

Love Francine

Today’s music to write blogs to is: White Christmas – Michael Buble and – ‘Not Like This’ by Al Jarreau