By Liz Entwistle

So 2004 has passed and you’re still single. Ever wonder why? We all know that love is complicated, but finding love shouldn’t be. The New Year is a time for self-reflection – to take an honest look at your love life and decide what’s working, and what’s not. To identify your dating style, take the quiz below and tally up your score. Then, resolve to make 2005 your best year for love yet!

1. Usually, I meet new people by:

• Having friends introduce me. (Score: 2)
• Approaching them myself. (Score: 3)
• What new people? (Score: 1)

2. When I meet new people, I:

• Feel socially awkward. (Score: 1)
• Am friendly but not over the top. (Score: 2)
• Establish an instant rapport. (Score: 3)

3. In a social setting, you can find me:

• In the center of the circle (Score: 3)
• At the edges of the crowd (Score: 2)
• Away from the commotion (Score: 1)

4. In my spare time, I:

• Like to stay home and putter around the house. (Score: 1)
• Like to grab a friend and go somewhere interesting. (Score: 2)
• Like to go somewhere where there is going to be a crowd, and lots of potential dates. After all, how can I meet someone staying home? (Score: 3)

5. When it comes to talking to members of the opposite sex, I:

• Am witty and articulate. (Score: 3)
• Get tongue tied and don’t know what to say. (Score: 1)
• Don’t initiate conversation, but can hold my own when engaged. (Score: 2)

6. The last date I went on:

• Was so long ago, I can’t remember the exact date. (Score: 1)
• Was in the last week. (Score: 3)
• Was in the last month. (Score: 2)

7. My friends describe me as:

• Fearless. I never back down from an opportunity – or a cute guy or gal. (Score: 3)
• Independent. I am happy to go my own way, regardless of whether that leads me to meet someone new. (Score: 2)
• Quiet. I prefer to spend time with close friends with whom I feel comfortable. (Score: 1)

8. The word “dating”:

• Invokes the thought of several uncomfortable nights I would rather forget. (Score: 1)
• Brings to mind many mediocre conversations. (Score: 2)
• Makes me smile as I remember good times. (Score: 3)

9. What type of person do you want to date?

• The total package. I won’t waste my time with someone who doesn’t have all the qualities I look for in a potential mate. (Score: 1)
• I’d like to only date people who I feel an instant connection with. (Score: 2)
• I’ll give anyone a chance. You never know with whom your next relationship is going to be or who could become a great friend. (Score: 3)

10. Your relationship style is:

• Love ‘em and leave ‘em. (Score: 1)
• After a few good dates, I hear wedding bells. (Score: 2)
• I date a lot, but if I find a good match, I’m smart enough to wait and see what develops over time. (Score: 3)

11. My last relationship:

• Ended with a bang – and I’m still toting around the baggage from that explosion. (Score: 1)
• I’ve never had a real relationship, I’m a serial dater. (Score: 2)
• Ended amicably – I’m very open to new possibilities. (Score: 3)

12. What makes for a good date?

• Good conversation. If someone is interesting and funny, we could be doing anything and I would enjoy myself. (Score: 3)
• Chemistry. We don’t have to talk much if it’s there – just stare into each other’s eyes. (Score: 2)
• If I don’t spill something on myself or my date, then I consider it a success. (Score: 1)

0-12 Points – Fearful Dater
That’s right, it’s fear that’s holding you back. Some people say they don’t have luck with members of the opposite sex, but with you, it’s not luck that’s keeping you single. In 2005, resolve to be more proactive in your day-to-day life. For some ways to give your self-esteem a little boost, while also showing you how to be bolder in your dating life, see Match.com’s 15-Day Love Challenge at: www.match.com/lovechallenge.

13-24 Points – Stuck in a Rut
Okay, so you’re no newbie to dating, but you’re still single and looking, which means you haven’t yet met your match. In 2005, your biggest goal should be broadening your horizons to learn how to meet new and different people. For ways to change old habits that are keeping you in the same rut, see Match.com’s 15-Day Love Challenge at: www.match.com/lovechallenge.

25-36 Points – Dating Master
You have no problem getting or going on dates. The confidence with which you handle yourself draws people to you and makes you incredibly attractive. Now take that confidence and dating debonair, and apply it to meeting the love of your life. With 15 million members worldwide, Match.com is the perfect way for you to find your match. Log on to start your search today.