Getting online could be key to a date in 2010.

What becomes of the broken hearted when the post-holiday blues begin to set in?

After spending the festive season surrounded by coupled-up friends, making drunken mistakes at parties and waking up alone on New Year’s Day, relationship experts are predicting that looking for love will top the resolution list for most singles in 2010.

As a result, dating agencies are bracing themselves for a busy January, with the next 12 months expected to be a boom year for online dating.

A survey courtesy of YouGov revealed that 12 per cent of 2,192 people used online dating agencies, while 15 per cent of successful couples had met online.
Last year, it was estimated that the UK’s online dating industry is worth £100million, up from £80million in the previous year. Unsurprising, considering there are 14.2 million singles nationwide – not counting the four million divorcees and 3.3 million widows.

Francesca Johns, a 21-year-old administration assistant, and a single girl from Lincoln, agrees that Christmas loneliness can encourage us to find a partner.

“The festive period does kind of force you into looking for companionship, as no-one wants to be alone over Christmas,” she said.

“On top of that, everyone wants a new year’s kiss.

“But at the same time, that companionship doesn’t necessarily have to be with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sometimes you can find it with friends and family.

“I’m not sure about online dating, though. All that chat room stuff sounds a bit scary. But I suppose it shows that even the dating world is just moving along with technology.

“Most people spend a lot of their spare time on the Internet, or communicating on the Internet, so it should be the perfect place to meet people.

“It’s better than getting ridiculously drunk and taking someone home, which seems to be the only social thing a lot of people do.”

Meanwhile, Steve Young, a 23-year-old student and a single male from North Hykeham, says that online dating is not necessarily the saviour of relationship woes.

“People shouldn’t put all their faith in online dating,” he said.

“When you’re single, it’s best to constantly stay optimistic. You never know when that chance meeting might occur.

“You could be walking down the high street, bump into someone, and then your life could change forever.

“Or, you could be at home waiting for a message from a stranger in your inbox, and miss out on real life.

“I spent the holidays single and didn’t have any complaints. You just have to remember what’s important and enjoy life while you can. You never know what, or who, might be just around the corner.”