Let me count the ways

Blind dates

Remember Cilla? Our Graham? That moment when the screen rolled back and you wondered if the couple seeing each other for the first time would last? This is the real-life version. Will your blind date be a charismatic future partner or a charmless buffoon? If a friend sets you up, the prospective date should be vetted and at least half decent. But if you'd prefer to put your love life in the hands of professionals, try agencies such as sittinginatree.co.uk, where matchmakers meet you and ask what you want in a partner (tall, dark, handsome etc). The downside of blind dates is that you are privy to no information prior to the date, which can be liberating but can also lead to tedium. Some people might use a blind date to reinvent themselves, so watch out for anything that seems fishy, and there's always the chance you'll have nothing in common (check out our tips for making a quick getaway on page 19).

Classified ads

If you're a traditional romantic at heart, why not log on to a classifed site such as singlesclub.co.uk, which ditches profiles in favour of old-skool personal ads. Here, you'll find a world of acronyms, talking about hobbies and stating who you WLTM. The lack of photos makes deception much easier, so beware. Another problem with classified sites is making your ad stand out. With so many competing ads, it's tempting to resort to shock tactics, which is probably ill-advised.

Dating websites

Online dating enables you to be picky and makes you really think about what you want in a partner. It puts you in control, which can be helpful for people who are just entering the dating scene again after a while away. E-flirting is fun, and the anonymity makes it easier to reveal things about yourself and not care so much about rejection. It's also a chance to meet people outside your circle of friends. Potential drawbacks include people being dishonest in their profile, or simply finding there's no chemistry once you log off and meet up.

Dating sites are booming, and they come in every shape and size. Guardian Soulmates works well for many people because you're more likely to find someone with a similar outlook. But no matter your views, status or hobbies, there is a site for you - from those for the older dater (fiftyalready.com) and daters with children (kno.org.uk) to sites for veggies and pet lovers. With specialist sites, you can be sure everyone else is in the same boat, although they are more likely to rule out the opposites attract law.

Hobbies

The more like-minded people you meet, the more likely you are to find someone special. It's that simple. So instead of spending hours on end in bars and clubs, why not take up a hobby? Whether it's dance classes, a language course, a book-swapping club or something completely different, surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests simply increases your chances of meeting someone you might like. Since you'll share common ground, it also means you won't have to agonise over how to break the ice. As long as you're honest and take up something you're genuinely interested in (ie don't join a dance class just because you imagine there'll be plenty of hot, single women attending), you really don't have anything to lose.

Holidays

Travelling solo can be a bit intimidating unless you adore chatting to strangers. Luckily, there are now a plethora of singles' holiday sites, some specifically geared to encouraging romance and some that simply aim to give you a great time with like-minded people (spiceuk.com, solosholidays.co.uk). Holidays often involve outdoor or adventure activities, so they're handy for finding partners that share your hobbies. Also, group activities and organised dinners provide the perfect opportunity to find out more about people in a pressure-free environment. The pitfalls? You could realise once the holiday is over that you don't really feel a spark, or that back in the UK you live too far away to continue anything.

Office romance

We spend most of our time there, and statistically it's the place where one in five of us will meet our wife or husband. It's easy to see how drinks after work can lead to a messy kiss with a colleague, but for those who decide to take it further, bear the following in mind: it's more likely to succeed if you work in different departments; make sure you keep up that professionalism (no staring longingly at each other in meetings); and avoid kissing in the office. Meet for lunch, by all means, but refrain from discussing any relationship problems openly in the office. If you can stick to those guidelines, and enjoy the convenience of having a loved one close by, go for it!

'Smirting'

Smirting (flirting while smoking) arrived with the introduction of the smoking ban, and has helped make flirting that little bit easier. You're outside, which eliminates the noisy din of the bar, and you get to chat to people outside your social circle. Smoking is an instant conversation starter, and there's something rather intimate about leaning in to light a cigarette (forgetting what it will do to your health, of course). Problems can arise, however, if you discover a smoker's other half is sitting inside.

Social networking

Social networking sites such as Facebook can work wonders with your love life. With more than 140 million active users, Facebook is great for getting back in touch with that guy you fancied at college, but it's also a tool for taking things further with someone you met at a party - and less obvious than asking for a phone number. Unless the user has a private account, you can also check out, or vet, dates-to-be before you meet, which apparently is no longer taboo among the social networking community. One downside is that people in relationships can use Facebook to cheat (you need a password, so it's easier to keep secrets).

Speed dating

Gone are the days of long walks in the park and candlelit dinners. In their place? Speed dating, the wham-bam approach to courting. It's quick, fun and you get to do it with lots of people. There's also speed hating, which takes a similar idea - numerous three- to five-minute windows, allowing you to meet lots of prospective partners in one fell swoop - only instead of idle chit-chat, you bond over pet peeves. On the plus side, speed dating is painless and a great icebreaker. But if you weren't a fan of The Generation Game, this may not be for you; speed dating is like being placed on a gigantic dating conveyer belt. Will you be able to remember anything, let alone who you clicked with, 25 dates in?

Where should we go?

First date: Keep it simple by going for coffee or after-work drinks. This is especially important on blind dates, when a quick getaway may be required. If you're feeling more adventurous, try something new such as a dance or craft class. Whatever you do, keep it relaxed and make sure you're able to chat freely.

Second date: What about a cosy pub quiz or comedy club - maybe after a bite to eat somewhere simple? If you must take in a gig or movie, make sure you go for a quiet drink afterwards - conversation is key.

Third date: It may be time to try a more unusual environment, which will help you discover more about each others' interests.

A trip to the zoo or a special event at a local art gallery might be fun. If you feel like dressing up, try a day at the races or night at the opera.