Meet your match

Try these fun V-day ideas this February 14th. You never know, you might just meet your match.

Whether you’re flying solo and looking for a bit of fun or you’re firmly on the hunt for Mr Right, there are plenty of ways to up the dating stakes this Valentine’s Day. It might sound like a cliche, but love is always well and truly in the air on February 14th. ‘Similarly to Christmas, everyone seems to get that warm fuzzy feeling inside and suddenly releases their inner soft side on Valentine’s day. Britain is a nation of softies, and we love a good whirlwind romance. Lap up the the roses, champagne and Belgian chocolates because it really only happens once a year,’ says Sarah Beeny, founder of online dating site MySingleFriend.com.

Check out our top 10 dating events to spice up your social life and hopefully meet someone special along the way.

1 Find love over fondue

Looking for a first date with a difference? Enjoy a night of flirting and fondue at Cook Dating’s fab Valentine’s day event. Cheese experts from La Cave à Fromage will be showcasing off their fondue skills whilst aspiring cooks have the chance to mingle and eat cheese!

2 Om your way to love

Downward dog and dating may not sound like a match made in heaven, but London’s Creative Yoga has other ideas in mind. Putting a unique spin on the classic yoga class, Creative Yoga organises events for singletons to connect with others whilst honing their yoga skills.

3 Whip up a gourmet meal

Lucky enough to have already bagged Mr right? Celebrate your love at the world-renowned Billingsgate Seafood School this Valentine’s day. Billingsgate’s top chefs will teach couples how to prepare the perfect gourmet meal and then you’ll get to tuck into the delish three course meal made by you and your other half.

4 Meet a fellow vegan

Want to meet a partner who’s on the dietary page as you? Explore the vegan delights of Brixton market followed by an afternoon of party games and surprises at London Vegan Meet Up’s love-themed event. Be my Valentine or be my vegan? Let’s see!

5 Liven up your workout

Dumbbells and dating aren’t two words that usually feature in the same sentence, but if you’re fit, free and single, Sport Date might be for you. The online dating site is a hub for those with an active lifestyle to meet like-minded fitness buffs. What have you got to lose?

6 Discover the world

Explore your favourite holiday destinations with a like-minded travel companion this Valentine’s day. TourBar is a new online dating app that helps to match like-minded travellers in search of a travel buddy. The world is your oyster!

7 Work up a sweat

Work out with your partner at Project Fit’s Valentine’s-themed HITT class that couples can take part in together. The fitness studio will be transformed into a love nest where couples will burn away the calories through exercises built around teamwork, and after working up a sweat, couples can celebrate with a glass of bubbly and chocolate-covered strawberries. Cheesy but kind of sweet!

5 essential dating rules

Try Sarah’s tips to combat first date nerves:

1 Dress to impress

When you look good you feel good, and your confidence shines through when you feel good about how you look – your date will feel flattered that you’ve made an effort too!

2 Location, location, location

Don’t feel embarrassed to suggest a location for the date. Pick somewhere you’re familiar with and know the local area – you also have the added bonus of an escape plan if the date doesn’t exactly go to plan.

3 Do your research

Chat to your date in advance and ask about their hobbies. Make sure you’re a little bit clued up or come with a couple of questions in tow so you’re not stuck for things to talk about

4 Surprise and delight

Don’t go overboard, but take something along with you on your first date to give your date the make an impression. A bottle of your favourite wine should suffice – something for them to remember you by, but also to give them insight in to your tastes.

5 Honesty is the best policy

Whether you’re feeling that love is in the air or not, keep it real! No one wants the silent treatment after a first date, so if you’re not feeling it just be honest. However, if they gave you that warm fuzzy feeling, ask them when and where date number two is going to be… If you don’t ask you don’t get, right?