We in the UK are always so sensitive about this perceived "special relationship" with America. It's always discussed in the language of love – and at the moment, with Time magazine's "person of the year 2008" just having moved into the White House, the media have been all of a flutter, worrying about the relationship like insecure new lovers. He loves us, he loves us not...

Media talk about Prime Minister Gordon Brown's meeting in Washington with Barack Obama began boastfully – we were being chosen as the first European nation to be invited to the White House. It must mean he has feelings for us! But then we were quick to panic about the strength of the relationship, especially as it quickly seemed demoted to that all too platonic "partnership", and Obama appeared less than warm with Brown. Perhaps he was about to dump us! But, after all, good news! it seems like Obama was simply worn out from the global economic meltdown – it wasn't personal.

Apparently Obama hasn't been getting enough sleep as he's been attempting to deal with the economic crisis – which is pretty understandable really. However, according to The Sunday Telegraph, one prominent backer of Obama believes this highlights a flaw in Obama's character – that he believes he can do it all by himself. It could be wearing him out.

It seems that Obama did try to make amends by phoning Brown on his flight home. He'll have a further opportunity to show how much he loves Brown at the upcoming G20 in London. Though, I'm sure he's got a few other things to think about – such as the global economic crisis gathering force by the day.