def set_preference(self, key, val):
"""
Sets a user's preference
"""
self._load_prefs()
if key in self.preferences_dict:
self.preferences_dict[key].value = val
pref = self.preferences_dict[key]
else:
pref = UserPreference(key=key, value=val, user=self)
Session.add(pref)
self.preferences_dict[key] = pref
return pref
