With all this slipping and sliding around the streets of London recently, it looks like some of us are looking for a little support in more ways than one. We've had Blue Monday, but how about Sultry Sunday? Even those staying in are at it (or that's their intention, it seems) since apparently the first Sunday of the month is traditionally the busiest on mysinglefriend. They've already experienced around about 130% increase in members this month as curious, single Londoners carry on the exciting, flirty action seen during the Christmas season. After all those weeks out socialising and having fun with friends and family, January can appear a bit flat in comparison - by taking control of their love-life this year, these people are giving their social life something of a boost too.
For those willing to venture out into the city's frost/rain* covered streets (*delete as appropriate), cultural anthropologist, attraction expert and frequent social and cultural commentator for the BBC Jean Smith offers the chance to discover a little more about the science of flirting and the dating hotspots of London. Her "three methods of attack" - compiled through extensive anthropological research - show how to attract, approach and allure the one that you want. An evening's walking tour will introduce you to theoretical guidance, practical tuition and some of the city's hidden gems - we discovered our favourite underground bar on this tour when we went, as well as how to start a conversation with a stranger and how to get out of a bad conversation gracefully - what more could you ask? On Friday 5th February there's even a Bulldog Gin special Valentine's flirting and walking tour where you'll be well lubricated with cocktails for putting your new skills into action.
If that still isn't adventurous enough for you and you'd rather be throwing yourself off a snowy precipice at the moment - for fun, we mean, not out of dating despair - then your best bet is with events company 20 Days. Their idea of a day job is flinging snowboarders out of helicopters and organising VIP trips to elite events in both the UK and abroad, but by night they have taken the bright step of lining their social-savvy, thrill-seeking clients up with one another. Every month and a half they monopolise one of London's swankiest bars - this time it's Mahiki on Thursday 21st Jan, and the ticket price even includes free food and cocktails. You're guaranteed not to be left in the corner with someone who can only list "reading and photography" as their hobbies at this one, and who knows where you might be whisked off to.
