HEALTH & WELLBEING: How to get a date this Valentine's Day with Anna Freeman

ROSES are red, lonely hearts are blue, it’s Valentine’s Day soon, but what will you do?

Traditionally couples will jet off for a romantic break to Paris or Venice or, if they’re in the middle of a long-term marriage, they may be content with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.

Singletons however, may find themselves feeling a little jaded at this time of year, forever wondering if they’ll land their dream date.

But meeting that special someone could be easier than you think with more ways than ever to try and find true love.

Online dating appears to offer a simple solution for a lonely soul.

Providing a personalised love match based on your likes, hobbies and interests, sexual orientation and even religion, it seems like the perfect service at the touch of a button.

Dating guru Anna Freeman runs an introduction agency and single’s dating service, Anne’s Parties, located in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Anna offers tips on everything from dating etiquette to how to beat those nerves from the comfort of her own home in Cheltenham.

She arranges for singles to meet each other through a variety of dating events, regularly organising speed dating evenings in the area.

Anna thinks Cheltenham is the perfect place to socialise and get to know people.

“It’s a beautiful town with a great selection of bars and venues,” she says.

“I host singles events at my house to offer a comfortable introduction in a relaxing atmosphere and speed dating is a lot of fun.”

Anna regularly finds that people are nervous about face-to-face dating, but is encouraging in her approach.

“It’s so common for dating sites to be full of members who are either players or aren’t willing to actually go on a date,” she says. “It’s so important to make the effort to get out there and get on with it and say yes to as much as possible.

“It’s about going out and having some fun and practising the ability to flirt. Meeting up doesn’t mean a relationship.”

Happily single due to her independent nature and busy lifestyle, single mother Anna is open to love with the right person, but is not in a hurry.

“It’s better to be single and happy than in a relationship and miserable,” she says. “None of it really matters unless you’re living a purposeful life that you enjoy.”

Her first speed dating event of 2015 takes place next Saturday – Valentine’s Day – at the Exmouth Arms in Cheltenham and Anna has plans to expand her operation to Cirencester later this year.

“We’ll have nibbles and fizz in a sociable party environment,” she says. “You don’t have to bring a friend as you’ll hopefully make lots more.”

Most importantly, Anna recommends enjoying the atmosphere of the evening.

“Don’t worry or feel self-conscious,” she said. “Be open and don’t be secretive, make the effort and if nothing else you will make new friends.”

Does Valentine’s Day mean a box of truffles and a copy of Fifty Shades of Grey? Get the most out of your dating experience with Anna’s top tips:

 Appearance: Men should wear an open shirt with a suit or a pair of smart jeans. Clean shoes are a must and no muddy trainers. Remember to have clean and trimmed fingernails, keep neat and tidy and avoid gold jewellery.

 Class act: Show a little cleavage but don’t overdo it, you don’t want to give the wrong impression.

 Less is more: Women should wear natural makeup, looking preened and well-kept but not overdone. Resist the urge to try a new haircut or look, you want to feel like ‘you’.

 On the date: Ask open questions to banish nerves, but don’t be afraid to butt in if someone is only talking about themselves; they may just be nervous too.

 Be open to love: Don’t be too particular about the person you want to meet; you’re limiting yourself from meeting a lovely match if you go only by appearances.

 Tickets for Anna’s speed dating event at the Exmouth Arms in Bath Road, Cheltenham, cost £25. It starts at 8pm. Call 08444 141448 or 07773 000733.

 annafreeman.com