Sun Lite for Feb. 3, 2003

Monday, Feb. 3, 2003 | 8:29 a.m.

Hearts go out

Love is in the air, what with Valentine's Day approaching.

This year, instead of spending every cent in your pocket on overpriced confections and flowers for your beloved, try sending a free greeting to the men and women who defend this great nation.

The Mail Boxes Etc. retail chain has joined forces with Hope Enterprises Inc., a company founded more than 30 years ago by comedy great/USO legend Bob Hope, for Operation: S.W.A.K. (Sealed With A Kiss), in honor of Hope's 100th birthday later this year.

Here's how it works: Through Feb. 14, participating MBE outlets are providing free Bob Hope commemorative stationery and first-class postage to anyone wishing to send a 1-ounce valentine or letter to a specific U.S. military serviceman or woman stationed overseas, or a veteran living in a VA hospital. (For more information, visit mbe.com.) Bob Hope or Cupid? Six of one, half-dozen of the other.

Book of love

Count librarians among those in need of some serious loving.

There's no better time to pay homage to your favorite reference-desk hottie than during this, Library Lover's Month, which recognizes "the value of libraries," according to resource website librarysupport.net.

Celebrate by watching celebrities portray librarians in the dozens of library-friendly flicks listed on the site's annotated filmography link.

Who can forget Donna Reed's turn behind the book stacks in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Or Bridget Fonda ("A Simple Plan"); Rachel Weisz ("The Mummy"); and Julia Roberts ("Sleeping With the Enemy")?

Hollywood loves its male librarians, too: Peter Sellers ("Only Two Can Play"); Tom Hanks ("Joe Versus the Volcano"); and Tim Robbins ("The Shawshank Redemption").

Possession 'Obsession'

Some years, however, being Valentine-less may be the best gift of all.

The title of a book penned by professor/therapist John D. Moore says it all: "Confusing Love With Obsession: When You Can't Stop Controlling Your Partner & the Relationship" (Writer's Club Press, 2002, $15.95).

Moore says Valentine's Day can be a "major trigger" for those fostering "an unhealthy attraction toward another." When should you suspect a person may be obsessed with you and/or your relationship? Keep an eye out for these behaviors:

Moore's website (johndmoore.net) features additional tips for spotting people who confuse love with obsession, as well as links to such organizations as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.