Tired of being single? Well, you’re in luck. As the Year of the Rat gets under way, we’ve found you the perfect beast to choose as your mate, as well as where to go and what to do to bag ’em. Just look up your Chinese horoscope sign and start the prowl, says TOS staff. Illustrations by Ann Gee 

RAT
Born in 1948, 1960,1972, 1984, 1996
Characteristics The Rat works hard at both business and emotional relationships. They are gifted with foresight and intuition, and have an instinct for self-preservation. However, they are also crafty and might take advantage of another’s weaknesses. 
Best matches Dragon and Monkey; also good with Ox, Snake, Tiger, Dog or Boar.
Where to hunt The big-spending Dragon is a force to be reckoned with. Luckily, Rats are energetic and ambitious, so put on your power suit or LBD and make haste to Post Bar, or go wild with the decadent confections at PS. Café. Monkeys love to outsmart one another. Spend an afternoon at the Singapore Turf Club, and you’ll spot the tricksters sipping cocktails and placing bets. 
Tame the beast within Always in need of mental and physical stimulation, the Rat can be found browsing through literary-heavy shelvesat BooksActually. When the work is over, the ambitious Rat will nibble on a health bar before heading off to Fitness First (#05-01 One George Street, 1 George St; 6538 7666) for the recommended three-times-a-week workout. Legendary wordsmiths William Shakespeare and Truman Capote were born in the Year of the Rat. Impress your date by citing an infamous quote from either. 
Animal instincts Rats tend to be sentimental and drown themselves in relationships – why not follow in the path of Osho’s disciples at the Osho Information Centre of Singapore(9180 1323, osho.dhyantara.com). This spiritual art of ‘taking it easy’ will not only calm the nerves, but will also get you in touch with the ‘inner psychological and spiritual dimensions of sex’. 
Sabrina Lee

OX 
Born in 1949,1961, 1973,1985, 1997
Characteristics The Ox is quite naive when it comes to affairs of the heart. They don’t rank too highly on the mojo chart and aren’t familiar with the art of seduction. Traditional and self-reliant, they can make great providers and defenders of the household.
Best matches Rooster, Snake and Rat; also good with Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Monkey or Boar.
Where to hunt Appeal to the practical sideof the female Ox while making beautiful dishes together – mix things up at CookeryMagic. If you would rather keep it intimate, Cookery Magic also offers dinner in a homey setting. Excellent speakers and debaters, the Rooster can be found at Gone Fishing Café on the third Wednesday of every month, engaging in a diatribe regarding issues that affect our modern world. Warning: be prepared to be at wit’s end when courting this one’s mind.
Tame the beast within Oxen are dignified intheir ways and take a lot of care in how they conduct themselves. Cultivate good manners with etiquette classes from Carrie Academy (#03-10 Stamford House, 39 Stamford Rd; 63390867, carrieacademy.com). Unfortunately, the Ox can appear predictable and unimaginative, so spice it up by learning Spanish at Las LiLas (#08-01/02/05, 180B Bencoolen St; 6333 3484, laslilasschool.com). Just please, for goodness’ sake, don’t start serenading your date by singing ‘I adore…mi amor’.
Animal instincts When the lights go out and the clothes come off, pick up The Layguide:How to Seduce Women More Beautiful Than You Ever Dreamed Possible (NoMatter What You Look Like or How Much You Make) by Tony Clink (available at www.amazon.com). 
SL

TIGER
Born in 1950,1962, 1974, 1986,1998
Characteristics Romantic, impulsive,good-humoured, affectionate and generous; lovers of art and culture. On the flipside, Tigers can also be vengeful, quick-tempered, selfish and implacable.
Best matches Dog, Horse and Boar; also good are Rat, Sheep, Rooster or another Tiger.
Where to hunt Try the Bleedin’ Gums Thursday nights at Zouk, where the ballsy Tiger won’t have a hard time keeping up with (and asking out) the bold and the beautiful that flock to this oldschool R&B and hip-hop weekly gig. Tigers are adventurous, too, so they’d do well to find like-minded mates – like the athletic Horse – in line for a cable-ski or wakeboarding session at the SKI360° ride. Or try findingthe perfect volunteering opportunity through the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (www.nvpc.org.sg); you’ll likely run into altruistic, honest Dogs and Boars. 
Tame the beast within Keep the temper under control by learning to meditate at the Odiyana Buddhist Meditation Society from 7.30-9pm three Fridays a month (at $25 for three classes). 
Animal instincts Tigers should try wearing classic come-hither scents, like Poison from Christian Dior for the ladies, or Calvin Klein MAN for the guys (both available at Tangs Scent Bar at Tangs). And if you’re in good enough shape to do the Crouching Tiger, then what do you need any more tips for? Goodnight, and Godspeed. 
Cecilia Wong 

RABBIT 
Born in 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 
Characteristics Resilient characters who always land on their feet. They are the epitome of graciousness, good manners, kindness and refinement, but when it comes to altercations, expect them to disappear into their warrens or negotiate their way around the issue. 
Best matches The Sheep, Boar and Dog make the best matches, but the Rat, Ox, Dragon, Snake, Monkey and a fellow Rabbit come in a close second. 
Where to hunt Said to derive their essence from the moon, Rabbits are nocturnal creatures who will enjoy a sensual relationship with the Boar. An animal known to work hard and play hard, Boars can be spotted on Friday nights at Mimolette’s TryBe parties. Anchored by DJs JNR and Ashidiq, the Boar will be shaking his or her rump to the R&B and hip-hop-heavy playlist. Sheep can stoke the flames of passion with Rabbit over a shared enjoyment of the finer things in life. Wine bars like Cuvée should suit to a ‘T’. Go down on Wednesday nights from 6-8pm, where the $48++ price tag will bring along a sampling of four different wines, a cheese selection and a pasta dish. 
Tame the beast within The Rabbit may be docile by nature, but still waters run deep. They’re often oversensitive, and could probably do with a hefty dose of anti-drama. Taking a regular walk around the Central Nature Reserve (Lower Pierce Reservoir on Thomson Rd) may prove adequately relaxing, and hopefully the beauty of Singapore’s last remaining mature secondary forests will help soothe the Rabbit’s hoppity-hop nature. 
Animal instincts Sex up the boudoir with a scented candle from Flaming Queen (#B1-12 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd; 6235 3918) or with a bottle of Vrai Argan Oil (Senteurs de Provence, #01-57B Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd; 6334 4163). Made of 100 per cent pure and natural almond extract from the Moroccan Argan tree, this edible oil can be used for sensual massages, hair and nail treatments, treating chapped and scalded skin, and even as a salad dressing. 
Charlene Fang 

DRAGON 
Born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 
Characteristics This regal animal is filled with colossal ambition and daring. The Dragon is aristocratic and eccentric. They exude a dynamic energy and are known to be chivalrous and elegant. Be warned: Dragons can be egotistical, proud and often very direct. 
Best matches The Monkey will charm the majestic Dragon’s socks off, while the practical Rat or Snake will ground the grandiose Dragon. The Ox, Tiger, Horse, Boar and Sheep may also apply. 
Where to hunt 2008 is an optimum year for Dragons to tie the knot, so get a move on and seek out your happily-ever-after. The delightful Monkey makes for a good match; they’re always up for a spot of fun, so look for them in a group setting. Be proactive and organise a flashmob (www.flashmob.com) just for kicks – see Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ video for some inspiration – and see what or who comes your way. For the practical-minded Snake or Rat, Dragons should scout around a gym. Otherwise, join a group training session for the upcoming Singapore Biathlon 2008 (www.safra.sg) on 1 March. Training for a 1.5km swim and 10km run may sound a tad tough, but it does give you licence to perv without prejudice. As the saying goes, no pain, no gain. 
Tame the beast within Bask in surroundings that add to your majestic presence. Power lunch at trendy spots like Oomphatico’s and munch on some Phat Fries for Hippies. For maximum effect, organise first-date drinks at the elegant surroundings of the St Regis Hotel’s Astor Bar. Charm your date as you knock back a chic Chilli Padi Mary or a delicious Crème Brûlée cocktail concoction. 
Animal instincts Start things light with less ‘formidable’ sex toys like Durex’s Play Ultra, an adjustable vibrating ring, or the Play Touch, a flexible finger stimulator (available at leading supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and convenience stores). Just do your neighbours a favour and keep the air-conditioning running and the windows and doors closed…all night long. 
CF 

SNAKE 
Born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 
Characteristics The most mysterious sign of the Chinese zodiac. They’re leaders by nature: responsible, calm, graceful, prudent and resilient. On the other hand, they can be possessive, calculating, demanding and mistrusting. 
Best matches Ox, Rooster and Dragon; secondary matches include Rat, Rabbit, Sheep, Dog or another Snake. 
Where to hunt Slither (don’t sleaze) up to the suits at Penny Black. Chances are, the Dragons and other Snakes here are just as power hungry as you are, and if things go well, you can head off to Le Noir afterward. If that fails, head to Powerhouse at St James Power Station on Sunday night – you’re sure to find lots of preening, spiffed-up Roosters there gyrating to the latest from Kylie and Britney. 
Tame the beast within Keep your inner control freak at bay by volunteering with Nature Trekker Singapore (www.naturetrekker.org) – you just never know what’s in store when it comes to wild flora and fauna, and that’s a good thing, oh Uptight One. 
Animal instincts Slither along to hot yoga at Kryoga (#02-05 Goldhill Plaza, 199 Thomson Rd; 6256 6518, www.kryogaworld.com), so you can further develop your natural litheness and flexibility. If all that sweating doesn’t get you hot and bothered, we don’t know what will. 
CW 

HORSE
Born in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 
Characteristics Energetic and unpredictable, they’re nightloving creatures who exude raw sex appeal. Often restless, they’re known to gallop off into the sunset without a word of warning, only to return when you least expect it. They’re drawn to novel suggestions, rather than ho-hum ones. Best matches The Tiger, Dog and Sheep are the most compatible mates, but the Dragon, Snake, Boar and Rooster are good backups. 
Where to hunt Hunting down your Tiger is easier if you choose to canter in the direction of somewhere creative. Creatures that love art, music and anything that stimulates their senses, Tigers will lurk at Jazz @ Southbridge, soaking in the smooth grooves while nursing their glass of single malt. Dogs, often born into a good family, can be spotted enjoying some cheese and wine at La Fromagerie, or working on their swing by hitting a bucket of balls at the Green Fairways Driving Range (60 Fairways Dr; 6462 3833). 
Tame the beast within Temper your restless nature with a regular adrenalin fix on theG-Max Reverse Bungy. A ride (or three) should provide enough of a rush for you to coast on for a while. 
Animal instincts This open-minded animal is one with a sensual nature. Keep a copy of Anne Hooper’s Sex – A Bedside Library ($79.95 from Borders) in your bedside drawer. The set of three minimanuals – ‘Great Sex Games’, ‘Kama Sutra’ and ‘Great Sex Guide’ – will keep the curious mare and stallion coming back for more. 
CF 

SHEEP 
Born in 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 
Characteristics At best, compassionate, generous, shy, righteous, sincere and creative; female Sheep are extremely feminine. At worst, they can be needy, intensely emotional and pessimistic. Best matches Tiger, Horse, Boar; also good are Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Rooster or another Sheep. 
Where to hunt Try a little tenderness – take a cooking class at Shermay’s Cooking School, where you’re sure to find an adventurous Tiger. Too prissy to roll up your sleeves? Then head to the adorably chic Book Café and make eyes with the hip, understated brainiac Sheep sitting at the fluffy couch across the coffee table. Or find an artistic Tiger at Contemporary Clay Studio (8 Bali Ln; 6337 4798), where you can make beautiful pottery together (although we’re pretty sure the Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze Ghost scene is out of the question, at least so early on in your courtship). 
Tame the beast within Curb your emotional predilections by taking up a self-esteem building, individually based sport, like tennis – yes, the term ‘singles’ wasn’t always so negative. Try the eight-week courses at the Singapore Tennis Association (www.singtennis.org.sg). 
Animal instincts The bedroom is your domain. Get a racy, flirty getup from Blush! (#03-29 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd; 6235 2009) or a tight little number from 2(x)ist (available at Level 3, Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Rd; 6738 1111) and watch the sparks fly. And male Sheep? Here’s a clue – you’re natural born cuddlers, so don’t fight it. Consider it your secret weapon. 
CW 

MONKEY
Born in 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 
Characteristics Monkeys are tricksters; clever, funny, charming, with insatiable curiosity and joie de vivre. Can also be vain, highly competitive and take people for granted. Constantly trying to improve self. Best matches Dragon and Rat; also good with Ox, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Rooster, Dog, Boar and another Monkey. 
Where to hunt Impress the Dragon with your quick-witted answers during Trivia Night every Tuesday at Bisous. Even better if you take home the $100 prize – Dragons love a winner. Or sneak a drink on the pedestrian bridge at Clarke Quay, where fearless Monkeys and Dragons can brown-bag beer from 7-Eleven and take the nighttime revelry to the street. 
Tame the beast within Monkey women are fashionable and put-together, but often struggle with sensitive skin. Get advice on all skin types at a Biotherm (www.biotherm.com.sg) retailer – Monkey man, there’s a line of products for you, too. 
Animal instincts Monkeys love a good challenge – why not try to learn a new position a day for…a year? Make it happen with Position of the Day: Sex Every Day in Every Way. We don’t recommend you browse it too long at Page One though – you might get some funny looks. 
Laura Dannen 

ROOSTER
Born in 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 
Characteristics Roosters are often misunderstood – they can be eccentric, colourful and outwardly selfassured, but beneath the sharp, successful exterior is someone who needs constant affirmation. Neat, decisive, direct, excellent speakers and writers, Roosters can be brusque when offering criticism. Best matches Ox or Snake; also good with Tiger, Sheep, Monkey or Boar. 
Where to hunt The sturdy Ox likes long courtships – start slowly by striking up a conversation during a leisurely walk in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or on any other guided tours of local trails (www.wildsingapore.com). If Snakes are more your type, sip on a glass of wine with the high-profile leader variety at Singapore Polo Club. Single memberships start at $105/month. 
Tame the beast within Roosters can perfect their public-speaking skills at a local Toastmasters class (Lion City Toastmasters Club, The Pines; 30 Stevens Rd, www.lioncitytoastmasters.blogspot.com), where they give impromptu and prepared speeches and receive feedback from peers and leaders. It’s a safe environment for that fragile ego. 
Animal instincts [Insert cock joke here.] 
LD 

DOG
Born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 
Characteristics The Dog has a sense of justice and fair play, and like most Dogs, when confronted, puts the best paw forward, leaving the opposing party yelping in defeat. Champions of charitable causes and idealistic in their outlook, this might sometimes lead to acts of rebellion. 
Best matches Tiger and Horse; also good with Rat, Rabbit, Snake, Monkey, Boar and other Dogs. Where to hunt Prone to performing charitable acts, you’re more likely to meet a Dog if you engage in volunteer work together at Acres (#05-06 Mandai Industrial Building, 30 Mandai Estate; 6581 2488, www.acres.org.sg) – a society that ensures the welfare of all animals, wild and domestic. Find the powerful Tigers going at each other at Red Dynasty Paintball (Bottle Tree Park, 81 Lorong Chencharu; 6755 7537, www.weplaypaintball.com). If you wish to be part of the hunt, don’t kick too much ass, as Tigers have huge egos and may not be good losers. 
Tame the beast within Dogs are known to exude sex appeal, so do a James Bond by offering your date a homemade martini; pick up The Little Black Book of Martinis (available at Kinokuniya) by Nannette Stone and Kerren Barbas. Or find your way to your mate’s heart by ‘cooking’ them a good meal. Mother (www.ilovemother.net) will not only shop for your groceries, but the online service will also prep it according to your or your partner’s needs. Sauces and soups that require tedious preparations will be done for you. All you have to do is to boil the pasta and fresh vegetables, and bask in the glory of a meal well done. 
Animal instincts Dogs are erratic and cantankerous, so throw your partner a bone (or dildo) by visiting www.lovelifemore.com.sg. Imported from Germany, these little playthings are perfect for arousing and stimulating your partner and yourself. 
SL 

BOAR
Born in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 
Characteristics Honest, simple, kind, loyal, generous and sensual. Boars love to entertain, but have trouble knowing when to say no. They’re also passionate lovers, but can easily be duped. 
Best matches Rabbit or Sheep; also good with Rat, Ox, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Rooster and Dog. 
Where to hunt Find a creative, art-savvy Sheep browsing the ‘Xu Xiaoguo and Charlie Co’ exhibits at Osage Gallery. Or pay compliments to a Rabbit’s exquisite (read: expensive) taste after she makes a big purchase at Opera Gallery. 
Tame the beast within Rabbits love their security and creature comforts; unfortunately, Boars are prone to bankruptcy. Ensure you can provide for a bunny with high standards by learning how to manage your money. The Monetary Authority of Singapore posts online guides to organising finances at www.moneysense.gov.sg/publica tions/guidestier1.html. Animal instincts Boars can love for a very long time, so learn Tantra – the art of mastering your sexual energy – to go even longer at Tantra Sacred Sexuality Workshops (www.tantrapath.com; see ‘Can you keep it up?'). If you prefer to keep your sex life a little more private, check out Urban Tantra (Page One, #02-41/42 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6272 0822), a useful guide for the 21stcentury sexplorer. 
LD