So what's a girl got to do to make a guy fall in love with her? Visit the voodoo queen? Spike his coffee with a love potion? Or is there a more sensible way to go about it? The good news is that there most certainly is. Falling in love is a natural thing, and once you understand the natural way it happens, you can make a guy fall in love with you whenever you're ready.

One important point to consider first of all is that lust is also a natural thing, and an effect that's very easy to create with some skimpy clothes and by saying "yes". But it's a major distraction on the path to true love, and it's one you should avoid at all costs. Men say they're in love as a way to get sex, so it's your job to move them beyond that. Think of it as a service, helping them to see beyond the illusions produced by their hormones.

To make a guy fall in love, you first of all need to be the sort of girl guys fall in love with. That means being confident, independent and self-assured. Nobody worth knowing wants to spend time with a drudge or a slave, so you very definitely need to have a life of your own. See your friends, develop your interests, and let him know that you have a good thing going on that you're willing to share with him.

Secondly, you need to part of his own good thing. That means associating yourself with all of his good feelings. You can find out what those are by listening to him and studying him and taking a genuine interest in him. If he likes sports, go with him to the ball game. If he likes quiet nights by the fireside, book a weekend away in a cosy retreat somewhere. Over time, when he thinks about good things, he'll think about you, too.

Finally, curb your enthusiasm. Love is something that needs to be nurtured, like a tender orchid, not forced into bloom like those hothouse plants you get at Christmas, and which die after two days. Slow down, don't give into the temptation to pressurize him, and you'll reap the rewards.

Falling in love is a natural process. It takes place where there is space and time for an emotional bond to grow. By allowing your man that space and time, and by nurturing that emotional connection, you can make a guy fall in love and stay that way forever.