You try to ignore it but its impossible to escape from. The gift shops are full of heart shaped cards and teddy bears, the travel agents have romantic weekend trips to Paris advertised, your attached friends topic of conversation is will he propose? and all you can think is where the hell are you going to find a man in time for Valentines Day. Yes, its the season of romance; the time of year all singletons fear more than walking into a bar with their skirt accidentally tucked into their pants following a visit to the toilet!

If you can identify with these thoughts, dont despair. Whilst it may be difficult for you to get a marriage proposal in such a short space of time, you may be able to get a date in time for Valentines Day. Heres a few places for you to try and if youve tried them before try them again; men will be on the lookout at this time of year too so dont be afraid to make yourself available:-

1. Take a good look around at work. Ok, so youve worked there for years and none of the single guys have appealed to you before but in desperate times its good to take a second look. Is the guy in accounts really so dull? Maybe he is ultra cool out of work and will have you giggling all night if you give him a chance.

2. Work off those extra pounds piled on at Christmas at the gym and eye up those hunky bodies. Start by taking in the view on the treadmill and then once youve spotted someone you like, ease your way over and ask if he would mind showing you how to use one of the exercise machines in exchange for an aprs-gym beverage.

3. If you dont have a dog, borrow one and take it for a long walk. Youll be amazed at the amount of guys walking their dogs who will say hello to a fellow dog walker.

4. Ask your attached friends to find out if any their boyfriends friends have recently become single and get them to arrange a casual get-together to introduce you.

5. Last but not least, join an online dating site and message every half-decent man available. By the time Valentines Day arrives, youll be inundated with offers and will have to donate the surplus bouquets of red roses to your local hospice because youve run out of vases!

Try one, if not all, of the above, and theres a very good chance you wont be spending Valentines Day alone!