Valentine's tips based on recent psychology research

Use chat-up lines that reveal your helpfulness, generosity, athleticism, and culture. Avoid jokes, empty compliments and sexual references.

If you're male and planning to ask a girl out for a Valentine's date tomorrow night - try touching them lightly on the arm as you make the proposition. Research suggests the gesture will make you appear more dominant and attractive.

If you've recently ended a relationship - cheer up, you could benefit from the experience.

If you're a woman of a larger size looking to attract a potential valentine, try arranging a late dinner date. Research shows that hungry men are attracted to larger women.

Sign up to play as goalkeeper or striker for your local football team. Research shows women consistently rate players in these positions as more attractive - even without knowing the position they play in.

When trying to impress a potential Valentine, get your female friends to smile at you. Research shows this will make you appear more attractive to other women.

If you're good-looking and rich, it might be wise to play down your wealth. Research has shown that women rate men who are good-looking and of medium status as more attractive than men who are good-looking and high status.

Editor's note: Apologies for the male, heterocentric bias. Any other research-based suggestions are welcome via comments.

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