With more than 15 million single people in the UK and a host of different ways to meet them, finding love should be relatively easy. Unfortunately, many singles ruin their chances by making the same mistakes over and over again – most of which are easily avoidable.

1. Looking in the wrong places

It seems obvious, but many do it anyway. If you’re a straight man with an interest in model railways, posting your profile on Gaydar isn’t going to get you very far. Similarly, a woman looking for a Sheffield date won’t get a good response from taking an ad out in the New York Times. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find dating sites and publications that cater to niche interests.

2. Dishonesty

As tempting as it may be, resist any urge to lie about yourself. A blind date isn’t a chance to re-invent yourself. Relationships are built on trust, and a foundation of half-truths is a poor start. Be charming by all means – just don’t be tempted to rewrite your history. Similarly, those who engage in online dating should avoid the typical traps of lying about their age, employment, appearance and accomplishments.

3. Feigning interest

Pursuing a new hobby can be a fun way to meet new people. But while it’s true that hobbies and interests make a person seem more interesting, pretending to like someone else’s can be a precursor to an embarrassing, and potentially painful, disaster. It doesn’t matter if you and your prospective partner have different interests. In fact, it can make the relationship more varied.

4. Sending the wrong signals

When communicating – be it face to face or by email – refrain from playing psychological games. Openness and honesty are more attractive than weak attempts at manipulation. Avoid talking about your ex, especially in the early stages – no one wants to hear about your dirty old baggage. Also avoid interrogating your prospective partner with direct questions relating to how they see their future relationships.

5. Sacrificing too much

A successful and loving relationship will never develop healthily if one person is doing all the work to maintain it. The desire for a companion can sometimes lead people to put their own needs to one side in an attempt to please the other. This type of relationship is damaging and unlikely to end well. It pays to be subtly assertive about what you expect from a relationship. For example, if someone upsets you by not returning calls, then tell them in a rational and non-confrontational manner.