This concept seemed such an intriguing subject at first glance, so I decided that this would be my homework, then the questions began. What is meant by love? There appear to be three kinds of love, so which kind am I supposed to write about? Is it love of parents, children, grandparents? Could be, but everybody experiences that kind of love, so what can you say about that which is new?

Maybe it’s sexual love, but in describing that, I’d run the risk of offending some people. If not, then I’d tell about my love for my ex-husband and for the bloke I was engaged to, and that would be a short article, leaving the door open for comments such as “Oh yes, is that all? Come on, be honest, you weren’t that sparing with your favours!”. I wouldn’t want to split the class into two deeply divided camps, hotly debating whether or not I’m lying. And no, I’m not telling!

No, maybe it would be better to play it safe, looking at the word “Love” in its wider sense as in telling someone that you love coffee. I could make out a long list of people I have loved, together with the reasons for that love.

For instance, I love Stephen Spielberg for directing movies that have given me great pleasure, Jurassic Park for instance. Then there is Neil Diamond for his wonderful songs, Cracklin’ Rosie and Holly Holy. I dearly loved Isaac Asimov for his mastery of my favourite form of writing, the short story. Of course I have always loved Harrison Ford and Patrick Swayze because of the way my knees go funny when I look at them. Michael Flatley danced his way into my heart, and unveiled a hitherto unsuspected love of Irish dancing. I used to love Richard Burton for his beautiful speaking voice. I also love Nancy Sinatra, as she is the only female singer who sings in a low enough key for me to accompany her. I even love Roseanne, as she makes me feel so skinny by contrast!

How on earth do I decide between these interpretations of love?  Too difficult, I think I’ll choose another subject instead!