The language of love and the a-peel of prawns

THERE'S something about Chinese New Year that makes the perpetual prawn issue stand out just that little bit more - especially since my partner joined me for the first time at the reunion table this year.

It could just be me, but at almost every buffet, as long as the prawns are armoured with their shells on, they are left untouched. (The converse is true: Peeled prawns are scooped up and wolfed down in double-quick time.)

Sometimes, you hear "oohs" and "ahhs" and appreciative "thank yous" uttered when someone has the "courage" to shell (or de-shell - whichever word one prefers) the prawns.