Although it is past the month of valentines, please accept this love token. It's been a long time coming — years, not months — because our relationship needed time to ripen. We needed time to build solid trust in one another day by day, year by year. Gradually we reached the point where words — yours and mine — were totally believed, viscerally as well as mentally, unassailable.

In my words here you won't find platitudes or syrupy advice, because we trust one another to deal only in straight talk. So let's leave the hearts and flowers to others — for the moment, at least — and get on with things.

This day, let it be known that You the Reader deserve my gratitude for your unswerving loyalty. Be assured those words are more than newsprint, that my appreciation comes from the heart.

MY PLEDGE

"Single File" is grounded in your life. Always has been, always will be. If you've followed my words (in books, newspapers and online) for the past 40 years, you already know I don't make (or take) my promises lightly. More to the point, you won't find stale thinking under my name. What you will find is a community of kindred souls ready to welcome a newcomer of any age at any stage of their singleness. In this corner of the world, you will be teased, tempted and gently lured into discovering more of yourself. Here you will find answers to the complex issues of single life — and you'll find most of them are within, waiting to be uncovered.

"Single File" is, as you probably know by now, a resting place where you can enjoy a slow and easy pace. I pledge no trite answers. But it's a sure thing you'll learn more about yourself — strengths out front, marital status incidental.

This is my valentine dedicated to you.

Please share this valentine with your pet. Even when romance is in the air, pets remain first in our hearts. "Love me, love my pet" is the overwhelming credo of singleworld, where many singles use their beloved animal to pass judgement on a newcomer in their home. And nearly half of dating app users include their pet in their profile picture!

We've uncovered another treasure trove of "Single File" paperbacks - in perfect condition, signed by Susan, ready to enjoy. Send $15 and your address: Susan Deitz, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.

Photo credit: biancamentil at Pixabay