Singles SOS: Kick-start your dating!

It's been a long, cold and dreary winter but spring's here and there's no better time than to start a fresh love search. iVillage.co.uk love and sex expert Dr Pam Spurr offers six tips to help you find love

Get yourself dating-ready

Dating's pretty much like any skill - things can get rusty if you've been out of practice. And while you've been huddled indoors watching telly all winter long, your skills might've gone downhill.

So begin to get yourself dating-ready by thinking about the qualities in someone else that attract you. Is it a happy vibe and positive outlook? Someone who's fun to be around? Probably! Now's the time to redevelop that vibe in yourself and be aware of how other people see you. If you've still got the winter blues and are thinking and feeling negatively, that's what other people will see in you.

Create some confidence

Part of this is about feeling confident. Think about your top three qualities - maybe you're a good listener, have lots of interests, or are always the first on the dancefloor when out clubbing. Make it part of your morning routine to remind yourself of these good qualities before you set foot out the door.

Also, learn to recognise any negative 'little devil' sitting on your shoulder, telling you negative things like you're 'not good enough to find love', etc. Stop it in its tracks, and turn it into a gentler, kinder voice that talks you up.

Body talk

A big part of attracting someone is by using your body language. If you 'skulk' around - with closed-down body language - at your office building, at your local shops, or when out with friends in the pub, it's like putting up a big sign that says: 'Do not approach me!'

Instead, you want to have open and receptive body language that attracts people to you. Always walk around with good, confident posture and a ready smile because you never know when you might bump into that Ms or Mr Potential.

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