HOW TO GET THE ONE YOU WANT

Let's face it: Love can be a bitch! Finding love, falling in love and staying in love can be a 24/7 job. And if you're like everyone else on the planet, and you actually have to work to make a living, then it can be down right exhausting. But, don't pack up and commit yourself to a monastery just yet. Attracting the right mate isn't as daunting as you think. Follow these oh-no-I'm-over-30-proof tips, and 2014 may be your best year yet.

Keep 'em wanting more - You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again right now: Play hard to get. It sounds trite, but there's actually some real science to this old saying. Dopamine, the brain chemical associated with attraction and pleasure seeking increases with delayed reward. The delayed response essentially stimulates dopamine activity in the brain leading to the increased motivation for reward, love and sex. So, the more you keep them yearning for more of all you got, the more the duration and intensity of dopamine lasts.
Welcome danger - Yes, you read it right. Danger and other anxiety-provoking situations stimulate adrenaline, which in turn triggers the release of dopamine, the attraction chemical. This doesn't mean you should jump into oncoming traffic, but it does mean that you are more likely to be attracted to others when your heart is racing. Activities that are novel and exhilarating such as hiking, skiing, bumper car racing and zip lining can instantly make you more attracted to others and others more attracted to you.
Track ovulation - Most women chart their menstrual cycles for pregnancy, but it can also be used to attract the mate you want in order to get pregnant later. Research shows that men can tell when women ovulate through their olfactory senses, which are designed to determine the optimal time for procreation. Therefore, men tend to be more attracted to women who are ovulating than those who are not. In fact, strippers actually make twice as much when they ovulate!
Give them the eye - Since 97 percent of all communication is nonverbal, your best bet is to put that body into action. A simple smile often goes a long way. Inviting body language such as smiling can let others know that you are attracted and open for conversation. A lot of people, both men and women, are often uncomfortable approaching complete strangers, so welcoming body language can communicate your interest while also taking away the fear of rejection. In other words, let your body do the flirting.
Get busy - No, not that kind of busy, but rather the kind that involves keeping your social calendar full. Social interaction increases your likelihood of meeting others. While online dating can be an option for those who are too busy, nothing can beat the adrenaline rush and butterflies-in-the-stomach feelings that you get when seeing a new love. Besides, looking for love can become consuming, and keeping your calendar full can help take the edge off.
Lose the 'tude - There's nothing more off-putting than a chick with an attitude. A positive and pleasing disposition can do more for you than $250,000 in plastic surgery. Yes, it's sad and frustrating that the rent is due, the kids drive you crazy and your boss is a bitch with a plan, but surely you don't expect a new partner to deal with all that. Men like nice women. Actually, people like nice people. Period.
Change location - Well sort of. Don't actually move out of town (unless you want to), but put yourself in places where you can meet the person you want. You mostly likely won't meet that handsome wealthy doctor in your best friend's living room on a Friday night during a Housewives of whatever marathon. Do the research. Find out the types of places your ideal mate would frequent and go there.
Invest in yourself - Feminists don't like to hear this, but men are visual (sorry, but it's true). Science demonstrates that men experience increased activity in the visual processing areas of the brain when they come in contact with an attractive person. A pair of come-fuck-me heels, an outfit that emphasizes your assets and some lipstick can make a world of difference. It's not to say you have to go to bed in makeup like Kim Kardashian or become a slave to plastic surgery like Heidi Montag, but putting a little effort in to attract the one you want is worth it. Trust me. Men love a woman who makes them stop dead in their tracks.
Skip the drugs - Renowned anthropologist Helen Fisher found that anti-depressants, particularly SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), lead to fewer orgasms and blunt the ability to become aroused, choose mates and form stable relationships. Serotonin, a brain chemical associated with calmness, counteracts the effects of dopamine, which can lead to an inability to activate the reward system. Disclaimer: This does not mean you should ignore your doctor's advice or stop taking anti-depressants.
Stimulate your mind - Men love an engaging conversation with an intelligent woman. In fact, all people love this. No one wants to go on and on about Rihanna's latest Instagram photo shoot. Keep yourself up-to-date on world news and issues, current events and things that you are passionate about. Do this, and the prefrontal cortex of his brain will light up along with his amygdala, an area of the brain associated with sexual desire and motivation.