Norman Bates and Oedipus were close to their mothers

it might be best not to mention that you are into collecting things since you will be cast as a hoarder of crap that your last partner couldn’t tolerate and cited in the separation.

It may also hint at the fact that you probably live with your mother.

If you do still live mum it is important to stress that this is a temporary arrangement following your break-up and you fully intend to get your own gaff in the not-too-distant future.

This is where a kind of reverse sexism is at play since it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to be living with their mum, but a man will instantly be pigeon-holed as a potential ‘mummy’s boy’.

Norman Bates and Oedipus were close to their mothers and they were not exactly attractive propositions to the opposite sex.

Living with your parents also suggests you do not possess the financial means to support yourself and therefore any prospective partner.

If you do live with your mum and dad don’t let slip that she irons your socks for you or that she’s the best cook you have ever come across.

Finally, if you are a fan of this very column, state this on your profile since it says you are a man who appreciates finely-crafted prose, a razor sharp wit and devastating insights into the female psyche.

On the other hand, it might also be seen as evidence that you are an advocate of sexism, predictable schoolboy humour and a died-inthe-wool commitment-phobe.