I’ve often accused Alessandra of being a pessimist to which she invariably responds that, if anything, she is a realist and I am an optimist.

That’s not how I see the point of life: if you are an optimist, the chances are that you will regularly be disappointed. For example, in the early stages of this year’s Barclays Premier League, Arsenal (which is the team I support) performed as if they were in two divisions below the Premier League. And then? The team have primarily been winners. They should finish the season in fourth position. I confess that I did lose hope, so there was a touch of “Paradise Regained”.

When it comes to Lloyd’s, I am always planning to err on the side of conservatism. Right now I feel troubled! I am keeping an open mind but am prepared to be disappointed.