Single and divorced persons may be hoping to find the right partner in the New Year, but may be a little doubtful because of all the talk that good men and women are hard to find. This is far from the truth, as you may be looking in the wrong places or you may be too critical about potential suitors, given the preconceived attributes you may be carrying around from your youth. For example, the tall, dark and handsome suitor may never look the way of some women but a short, light-skinned, caring man may be the one to fulfil a woman's desires. Despite the number of persons who are looking, there are a number of potential love partners who are also looking for love.

Potential love partners (PLPs), abbreviated by Leil Lowndes in the book, How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You are everywhere: at the movies, restaurants, jogging, walking or even riding the bus. Meeting on the plane is not far-fetched neither is meeting via the telephone. Potential partners are usually in your social circle but you may be giving the person the cold shoulder for the reason that you think you are too close to become intimate.

Find love where you are

When attraction sparks, it does not have to be in far-off places. With the appropriate techniques, you will find love right where you are work, church, service clubs or your neighbourhood. As you meet others in your casual rounds, making the right first impression counts. First impressions are lasting and you never get the chance to make them again and change negative stereotypes. You may feel that you are not dressed up, yet you catch someone's eye and you will allow that interest to pass because you were not dressed to make the kill.

Studies have shown that men find clothes more crucial to lasting first impressions. How important is make-up? Research has shown that men responded differently to each woman with whom they spoke. Generally, men are attracted to rosy lips and implied good taste in fashion. You should constantly take care to look your best if you are going running, as you will not know when the potential partner will pass a compliment.

Be ready for love when it arrives

If you are looking for a lifelong partner, seize the opportunity which only comes once and be sure not to blow it. If you spend time to have your hair styled and get dressed to the nines, you naturally expect to be admired. So when a potential partner expresses admiration and an interest, accept the compliment graciously and flow with the conversation as it develops.

Be psychologically ready for love.

Apart from physical appearance, you should have your mental household ready to receive the love vibes that may be sent on your first meeting.

Ignite the eyes with love when you meet. The eyes play an important role in making that connection with a potential partner. Eye contact works magic in stimulating strong feelings of love. If you lock eyeball to eyeball, even with a perfect stranger, it creates a fiery spark that is difficult to explain. According to anthropologist Helen Fisher, eye contact is basic animal instinct , resulting from a trigger in the brain to bring about two types of reaction, approach or retreat.

Direct eye contact may be threatening to some people and can bring about fear which may cause them to retreat. However, persons who are not shy, will make the bold move to initiate conversation and rev up the engine of love. Increasing direct eye contact can speak words of love that may not be expressed. A male potential lover may say to a woman through the stare; "Honey, I am really fascinated by you. You are ravishing and you get me excited". A potential female lover may be saying through the eyes, "I like the way you make me feel and I can't wait to be with you". You should look at each other with warm, inviting eyes to incite love.

Make a gentle approach

If the sparks came through the eyes, how do you proceed in stating your interest to know more about the other person? Our brains trick us sometimes and you may play hard to get, but generally you may even take extra care to ensure you are in top shape for the follow-up meeting. Shyness has no place as you make your move. Time is of the essence so you should move quickly to state your position.

Flirting a little will help to break the ice. Use the eyes to make contact and if the person even looks away it does not mean that there is no interest. The person will look back at you eventually and you can smile and nod to indicate that you may want to talk. Then move closer to be able to strike up a conversation and be careful not to use the regular opening lines that can be a turn-off.

Opening words should be inspiring. Start the conversation by complimenting the person's outfit and speak to the level of interest of the place you are at, such as the restaurant, museum or gym. You should not memorise opening lines, but pay keen attention to your first words which should be a delight to the person of interest. Do not complain about any issue, not even the weather, and do not brag about yourself. Simply remain cool yet precise in your approach.

Body Language

Watch body language. As you chat with a potential lover, you may suddenly feel that you are about to enter a special union. As you continue to converse, you will experience changes in the body such as palpitating heart, clammy hands and a sudden dryness of the throat.

Soften your potential lover. Lowndes uses the SOFTEN acronym for a technique to soften the heart of your potential lover.

S is for smile. As you listen to your potential lover, let a soft smile of acceptance frame your lips.

O is for open body. Face your potential partner fully, keeping your arms open in an inviting position.

F is for lean forward. Lean forward to your potential partner or sit close enough to show you are physically attracted.

T is for touch. Gently or even 'accidentally' touch the arm of your potential lover or brush lint from his or her clothing.

E is for eye contact.

N is for nod. Gently nod your head in response to whatever your potential lover is saying.

Though these steps may appear simple, try not to mess up on a first meeting and first date and lose out on a potential lifelong partner.