Ah, the good old days when petrol stations sold exactly what you’d expect: petrol, oil, and maybe a bag of coal if you were feeling fancy. Simple times.
But fast forward to today, and your local forecourt has transformed into a miniature supermarket, a snack haven, and most importantly a last-minute Valentine’s Day survival kit.
Gone are the heart-stopping moments of realising, at 10pm on February 13th, that you’ve forgotten chocolates, flowers, or a card.
No need for panic, just pop down to the petrol station, where romance lives between the motor oil and the meal deals.
It’s like a one-stop relationship repair shop, where love is available 24/7 alongside overpriced sandwiches and windshield wipers.
And let’s be honest, Welsh men have an unfair advantage.
We get St Dwynwen’s Day on January 25th a built-in, three-week warning before Valentine’s Day.
It’s like the universe whispering, ‘Hey, mate, don’t mess this up’. Thoughtful, really.
Last year, I went all out for Valentine’s Day. Flowers? Check. Thoughtful presentation? Sort of.
I picked them up from my local pub, as they were there for safe keeping, where the landlord was so impressed by my grand romantic gesture that he proudly displayed them on the bar.
Nothing says a I love you like flowers that smell faintly of beer and pork scratchings.
So, this year, if you find yourself in a Valentine’s Day bind, remember: petrol stations aren’t just for fuel. They’re for fuelling romance.
And if you’re really lucky, maybe one day, they’ll start offering relationship advice, too. Because let’s face it some of us could use a little more than just a box of petrol station chocolates.