Dating becomes a cutthroat game of musical chairs with everyone scrambling for available partners to avoid standing alone at 30 when the music stops.

If your attached friends are bugging you about being single (favourite accusation: “You’re too picky!”) turn it around on them. “Do you know any gorgeous single men I could meet?” (This could backfire if they’re keen to set you up and their idea of “gorgeous” is vastly different from yours. And it will be.) Alternatively, be super-sweet and tell them you’re waiting for your ideal partner “just like you did”. (It won’t work if you snigger at this point.)

The only really happy folk are married women and single men.

Do you have one where you’re riding a horse or a camel? Or sitting on a rocket ship? Those are always wildly popular with men looking for sex.
—SINGLE-MINDED

The formula I've figured out: Stop being so damn picky and let go of the mental image of an ideal; talk to more strangers, because it builds confidence and helps you feel more connected; be open to every opportunity, and when you do meet someone you like, keep dating around. And there's the mother of all lessons-the one I'm still working on: follow your instincts and even if you're wrong about him (or her), you'll know better for the next time.

If your looking for a great husband, first ask yourself are you ready to be a great wife"