You're tired of being single and ready to meet your special someone, and you're out with friends at a local hotspot. Single men and women are everywhere, laughing and smiling. You freeze and can't think of anything to say or do. You go home alone, without anyone's number or email. Sound familiar? Well, it happens to the best of us. Not just in Vancouver, but in every city around the world. What you need is a quick & easy tutorial on the power of flirting (for men & women). Next time you're in this situation, follow these easy steps and your social calendar will start filling up in no time: For Women:

• Make eye contact with someone you're interested in, hold your gaze for a few seconds and smile.
• Look approachable (don't surround yourself with friends so no-one can approach you).
• If you're at a large table or booth with friends, and you've made some eye contact with someone, make an effort to leave your table (ie. order a drink at the bar, step out for some air, etc.) to give someone a chance to say 'hi'.
• When you are approached, be friendly. When approached by someone you're interested in, be even more friendly
• If you're approached by someone you're not interested in, be polite but do let them know you're not interested: ie. 'Hi, thanks for saying hello but I want to spend some time with my friends this evening. Have a great night."
• When you strike up a conversation with someone interesting, don't feel obligated to spend the entire evening speaking to them. After a while, suggest you arrange to meet another evening for a coffee or drink and exchange numbers. If you need to, feel free to go back to your friends, or move onto another location.

For Men:

• Make eye contact with someone you're interested in, hold your gaze for a few seconds and smile.
• Look like you're having a good time, laughing and joking with friends and others around you (chat to some people in your area - singles and couples alike).
• Once you've made mutual, positive eye contact with someone you're interested in find a moment to approach them and say 'hi'. Introduce yourself.
• Keep it simple: ask them how their evenings going, where they're from, give them a sincere compliment, tell them what caught your attention, etc.
• Don't ignore their friends, introduce yourself to them if the opportunity presents itself.
• When you strike up a conversation with someone interesting, don't feel obligated to spend the entire evening speaking to them. After a while, suggest you arrange to meet another evening for a coffee or drink and exchange numbers. If you need to, go back to your friends, or move onto another location.
• If the woman you approach isn't interested, don't take it personally, wish them a great night and go back to mingling with your friends.