I’ve always felt like Valentine’s Day is followed shortly by St. Patrick’s Day to cure the increasing rate of depression that follows the one day of the year people feel bad about being single. But every fluffy cloud should have a shimmering pink lining. So channel cupid, grab your arrows, and head to the bar for the hunt.

Somehow, even when I had a boyfriend I always got shafted on Valentine’s Day (no pun intended) for one reason or another. I always end up at the bar with a couple of my girl friends and we would notice that the guys seemed sweeter, more attentive, and eyeing our red outfits like they could easily fall off. In a sense I realized, they were right. Here we were downing martini’s trying to erase that neglected feeling while standing before us, were beer guzzling men ready to pretend, at least for the night, that they care.

So here is how to navigate the bar for just the right person. At least for this night.

1. You’ve gotten your drink from the bar and you’ve begun to shimmy on the dance floor with the other ladies. You look over and see the bars creepy locals leering at you, don’t make eye contact and keep your moves PG. For now.

2. The cute guy at the D.J booth is requesting a song. Now’s a good time to request the Journey song you’ve been dying to hear since you got to the bar. Bat your eyelashes, flip your hair over your shoulder, and ask cute guy what song he requested. Steer clear of if he mentions any songs with “Hate My Ex” or “Miserable” in the title.

3. You met the guy you want to spend the rest of the night with. You can’t stop staring at his eyes…okay, dimples, muscles, butt… but he keeps mentioning his recent ex. It’s time to reconsider your options and excuse yourself to the bathroom. Powdering your nose is more exciting than this.

4. Waiting to order your next drink, you spot Mr. Hottie Pototie chatting with the bartender. When you finally get the bartender’s attention ask if you can buy his friend a drink. It’s brave and charming.