Don't be a stranger on Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day arrives tomorrow, many loved-up couples will undoubtedly be celebrating their union in the traditional manner of a romantic dinner or evening trip together.

However, the annual event can often prove to be something of a nuisance to those who are still searching for love and don't necessarily want what they are missing to be rubbed in their faces.

With that in mind, Which? conducted a poll which revealed that singles should mark the occasion by going on a date with someone they have met on an online dating website.

The survey of over 1,500 dating service users found that over half have been out with a potential match as a result of a rendez-vous on the net.

Furthermore, it revealed that nearly a fifth have gone on to marry their online date or knew someone that had, while 62 per cent admitted that it is easier to meet someone online than in other, more conventional ways.

Jess Ross, editor of which.co.uk, explained that the trend for online dating is on the rise and making the first connection with a potential match today could have great benefits in the long run.

She said: "Online dating is revolutionising the way people meet each other and switching the computer on could be the first step to success.

"Why not make Friday 13th your lucky day by taking the plunge and giving online dating a whirl?"

As part of the study - which questioned 1,504 people who had used online dating sites in the 12 months to January 2009 - the magazine also asked people to rate up to three service providers.

The most popular sites proved to be Match.com and Dating Direct, while Fit Lads, a gay dating website, attained the highest score from the respondents.

Which.co.uk is now offering a range of tips and guidelines to people who are planning to enter the online dating scene for the first time.

It suggests choosing a memorable user name as it is often the first thing other members will notice, while being realistic - in other words, not expecting every contact to become a future partner - is also emphasised.

In addition, users are advised to 'play the field' to increase the chances of finding a suitable date and to be brave enough to make the first move.

Finally, the website suggests that conducting a progress review is always a good idea as profiles may need to be changed if they are not attracting the right sort of people.

The first issue of Which? magazine was published in October 1957.