Forgive this slightly frivulous post, but I received this email in my inbox this morning – entitled “Hello Dear” – and was curious just how many other people received it:

Good day my dear

How are you today? I hope you are fine. If so thank be to God almighty. Please excuse me, I saw your contact email while browsing through the internet so I decided to contact you despite that I have not seen you in person. It will be my pleasure to communicate with you.

My name is Mercy John, from Siere_Leone in West Africa. I am single girl looking for honest and nice person. Somebody who care and fear God whom I can partner with. I don’t care about your colour or ethnicity. I would like to know you more, most especially what you like and what you dislike. I’m sending you this beautiful mail, with a wish for much happiness. I am looking forward to hear from you. Write me on my personal email [removed]@gmail.com) Thanks and God bless.

Greetings from,

MERCY.

Obviously I’ve already got in touch with Mercy and I fully expect us to be married next Autumn, but just how many rivals will I have for her affections? Let me know below, and if necessary we can duel at dawn for the right to her hand.