You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it would you? Move into a house without checking that it’s in good condition? Select a school for your children without ascertaining the necessary information? Exactly. So why is it that we would think that Mr or Ms Right-in-front-of-us-this-very-moment is the answer to our dreams?

I have to confess that I do believe love at first sight exists. Well, for some of us anyway. Precious few, others might say. But it does set alarm bells ringing when I see, or hear, of lovers declaring undying love 5 minutes after they’ve met. Only to part ways soon after. Ah, the incredible 3-month infatuation period.

A witty hairdresser I know, whose client was bemoaning the fact that most men preferred women with long hair to her very own, adorable pixie-cut, once said: “Just face it darling, your appeal is limited to the select few who like women with short hair. Forget about the others, or grow your hair!”

You are an expensive gift waiting to be unwrapped. Don’t present yourself on a platter to just anyone, especially those who are in a hurry to tear away your wrapping. Put a high price on your value and raise the bar. If they want you badly enough, they will put in the time and effort to get to know you.