There are plenty of hurdles to cross in the singles steeplechase. From spying that sexy stranger across the dance floor to finding yourself in contented coupledom, there are infinite ways you can come a cropper.

But perhaps the single most stressful obstacle for singles on the make is the first one: breaking the ice. There's nothing quite like trying to get the nerve up to make initial contact with your lust-object to make you break out in an unattractive palm sweat.

My advice is just be yourself and don't try too hard. If you can relax for a moment, the right thing to say will come to you. Keep it simple; it's better to just say "hi, how's it going?" or "how was your day?" than to try a Kamikaze one-liner. A compliment is always a good opener.

For those of you who prefer to have a few lines to fall back on, here's a few I prepared earlier:

All purpose lines: "Would you like to chat or should we continue flirting from a distance?" or "is it hot in here? or is it just you?"

For South Park fans: "Can I offer you ladies a cool beverage or a tasty snack?"

For Christians: "I just don't feel called to celibacy" or "is it a sin that you stole my heart?"

For engineers: "Let's convert our potential energy to kinetic energy" or "why don't we measure the coefficient of static friction between me and you?"

For Taoists: "I think my ying just found its yang."

For Medieval buffs: "You should be glad I'm not a viking - you would have been ravaged and plundered by now" or "they don't call me Lancelot for nothing, you know".

For Woody Allen types: "I can sense that you're a terrific lover, and it intimidates me a little."

For desperadoes: "Be unique and different - say yes."

For car enthusiasts: "All those curves, and me with no brakes."

For computer geeks: "Hey baby, what's your login?"