The St Valentine's Day masterclass! (From Free Press Series)

The St Valentine's Day masterclass!

IF things have sunk so low that you recieve Valentine's Day cards from your mum and dad - read on.

There's no worse time of year for singletons than Valentine's Day. In fact, when most couples are looking forward to a romantic candlelit dinner for two, those unattached are defrosting another ready-made meal for one and bracing themselves for an evening alone in front of the box.

It's important though not to lock yourself away from the world and drown your sorrows in a plate of chilli con carne. Remember - there are three ways you can pull that ideal partner. Firstly, there's the traditional night out on the town. How many times though when you've spotted some gorgeous hunk or lady have you cowered in a corner mumbling behind your bottle of booze, "Wellard the dogs got more chance?"

Love gurus advice is to make yourself look confident - even if you're not.

If you're in a club always stand at the corner of the bar. Not only will you get to meet more people there, but according to the boffins, bartenders of both sexes tend to gravitate towards the corner too.

The worst thing you can do is sit at a table. Apparently that hot stranger coming along and asking 'may I join you' only happens in Hollywood.

Guys, always wear blue as this suggests to the female eye that you are stable, faithful, constant and always there for your partner.

Girls, always slip on something pink or peach. This makes you more approachable and is flattering to most skin tones giving you a healthy glow.

If you want to wear something that sorts out the men from the boys, then plump for red. It attracts blokes either interestedin something a little more than a kiss or those interested in a powerful woman. Never opt for yellow or greens as it supposedly repels both sexes.

The key to meeting someone if you're a woman is making yourself approachable. Be a safe target for men, don't stand with your feet further than six inches apart, but do point your toes slightly inwards.

Always tilt and nod your head as this suggests that you're listening to your date's re-enactment of his Sunday league wonder goal - even if you're not!

Men, remember that dominance attracts women (and that doesn't mean whipping her backside in another game of pool). Stand with your feet about six to ten inches apart.

Wear bulky clothes and opt for a more conservative hair style to lose that nice guy tag. Finally, hold your head high and speed up your speech and gestures. This makes you more assertive and therefore more attractive.

Both sexes should never fold their arms, chew gum, ice or their finger nails as this suggests anxiety and frustration which are as off putting as Pat Butcher's earrings.

Remember to smile as this is recognised around the globe as a sign of friendliness.

As for a dab of the old after-shave or perfume, men think love when they get a whiff of cinnamon or vanilla so try tucking into a bagel-smothered in ice cream. Women's nostrils go all queasy for black licorice, so instead of reaching for the Hugo Boss try a couple of splashes of Pernod under your chin instead!

If you still find yourself alone at the kebab house after a night of clubbing, then a more hands-on approach is needed. Forget drawling through the lonely hearts ads and instead try an introduction agency or speed dating.

Kym Mather, owner of the Monmouth-based introduction agency Afinitas, stressed finding the right company can work wonders on your behalf.

"Valentine's Day can be a very negative time for single people because it can make them feel even more single," says the former relationship councillor who is currently helping 250 singletons find a partner. "The pressure is on to be seen as a couple and society is very much geared to that. First and foremost you must be happy in yourself.

"Think carefully about what you want and find a service that is good for you and your needs."

Leaving an introduction agency to decide who's right or wrong for you isn't everyone's cup of love, so for those of you who like making decisions by yourself speed dating is the aphrodisiac you've been looking for.

Big Stateside and now in the UK, speed dating guarantees you as many as 40 dates a night. The only down side is you get just three minutes to decide whether you like the man or woman sat opposite you or not.

When you arrive you're given a scorecard, pen and a badge. Then the fun begins as you sift your way through as many dates as possible using your three minutes to learn all the basic details about them.

If you like them, then tick them off on your scorecard. If they do the same then you've got a match. The idea is you build as many matches as possible in a night.

To make speed dating work for you remember a couple of basic rules. Always make yourself the centre of attention for that immediate impact. One easy way to do this is by standing in the middle of the room.

And never turn the conversation blue with sordid tales of your past love life. That has to be a bigger turn off than an evening discussing post-modern philosophy with the Beckhams. Good luck readers and happy dating!

For more information on introduction agencies contact Kym Mather at Afinitas on 01600 712080. To find out everything about speed dating log on at www.speeddating.co.uk