The modern world of dating

What do you do when you see approaching on the horizon, a tall, dark stranger, sans wedding ring? Some confident types might stroll over and ask them on a date. Others will wing a lustful glance, hoping to be noticed. Or perhaps you will visit The FitFinder, a new student Twitter-based website.

The idea is this. You're sipping your latte in a local café and spot a possible mate. You post, anonymously, on The FitFinder, something along the lines of: ‘Male, brown hair, black sunglasses, cute as button.’ You then sit tight and hope the shades-wearing cutie might also log on, and notice your affections. It’s a novel form of romantic proposition and one that swiftly follows on from the online dating craze. But can internet introductions really help to unify Britain's 14 million singletons?

Online dating

Lying about your age, body or looks is easy online. About 50 per cent of men lie about their height, and 64 per cent of women lie about their weight on online dating sites. You could be in for a shock when your 6ft 5in, 30-something date, with Mediterranean looks turns out to be 5ft 4in with a pot belly and acne.

Do you want a relationship?

There’s no denying it, the world of dating is a daunting one. Exciting, yes; successful, sometimes; scary, always. Perhaps, it's a world you're not ready to enter — take our test and find out if you are ready for love. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I would much rather be asked out on a date face to face. Human interaction doesn't seem too much of an ask. I don't need roses, or a flock of white doves (save that for the second date). What do you think? Would you ever proposition someone with a tweet?

More inspiration:

Read 3 signs you are ready for a proper relationship by Madeleine Mason on LifeLabs