By Marcy Barack

February the 14th is looming...Valentine's Day. You can send all the cards you want with syrupy sentiments to your Dad and your brothers, but a celebration honouring the patron saint of lovers calls for a more romantic observance. You need a date. Here's how to find a Valentine:

Venture into the wild. Go snowboarding, rock-climbing or white-water kayaking. Women stand out in the world of high testosterone sports. The ratio of hunky men to girls is in your favour. All that sweaty activity elevates the hormones and activates the pheromones, sending out unmistakable signals.

Ask around. Your friends and family and coworkers know you, and they know other people. How many degrees of separation are you from a new lover? Tap into this network by letting people know that you are available. Marshal an army of matchmakers and you just might find your knight in shining armour.

Look online. A search through dating.uk.msn.com's database will put you in touch with thousands of singles nearby who share your interests and are open to exploring new relationships. Before long, your inbox will be brimming with emails from eligible guys who want to get to know you.

Volunteer. Whether it's the World Wildlife Fund you're passionate about or a local cause, such as recycling, vounteering or assisting the elderly, you're bound to forge a connection with other like-minded people. Find a cause that you connect with personally and lend a hand, whether it's volunteering at a homeless shelter, attending a fundraiser or reading to the blind. You won't be alone in your efforts, and you just might find a new love interest with a heart of gold!

New year, new you. Pick something about yourself that you want to change. Figure out how to make it happen through concrete action that involves public contact, like going to the gym three times a week or joining a book group at the library. Improving yourself will give you confidence and draw the attention of others on a similar quest.

Take the plunge. There may be someone you've had your eye on for a while — an intriguing man in one of your classes, at the office or behind the counter at the dry cleaners. We'd all like to be romanced, but unless you take the first step, you may never know if the chemistry goes both ways. Ask him out.

Imagine that you are in love. Let that secret smile play around the corners of your mouth. Like a pregnant woman, there's no mistaking the glow. And if you recall, you were probably never hit on more often than when you were already part of a twosome. Try to recapture the magic in your mind and men may notice.

Never give up. There are lots of dateable men looking for companionship. None of them are perfect; neither are you. But one of them will be perfect for you. You two will know it when you find each other. If your Valentine isn't your perfect match, keep looking until you find him.

Eliminate the negative. If you're in a relationship that's going nowhere, Valentine's Day is a good time to take stock. If the spark has gone, what's keeping you together? You can't kindle a new romance if you're occupied by an old flame that's lost its heat. Clear the hearth and open your heart to the possibility of new love.