Romance. There are those who think it's dead.

Okay, maybe not dead, but seriously compromised. Definitely in need of respirator.

So when my old friend described the date she'd been on earlier last week I was pleasantly surprised. Champagne candlelit dinner at Julie's followed by a midnight stroll through Holland Park. Total bliss.

Engagement dinner? Anniversary? A seal-the-deal third date? Nope. Her best male friend just needed a night out. And, wait for it, he's straight.

Witness the rise of Platomance. Platonic romance. It seems that modern men treat their girl friends better than girlfriends.

Be it practice for when the real thing comes along or just enjoying not having the pressure of a real relationship, chivalry seems to be taking it's first gasping breaths in years.

Amen.