Love her or loathe her (and there seems to be a lot of loathing at the moment on the net), there's no denying that Bridget Jones taught us a thing or two about relationships.
We'd like to point out that we're not necessarily talking about current Bridget - largely because we aren't looking forward to cougar sex in our 50s - rather 30-something Bridget.
Rosie Freeman-Jones asked the female members of dating site IllicitEncounters.com and compiled the list.
Tell us what you think in the comments below:
1. Have Your Own Place
Having your own place means you can be in control of your affair. You won't need to think about where to meet up, or have the costs of hotels to worry about. You can also entertain in the comfort of your own home, and be as naughty as you please!
2. Keep your options open
As Bridget will tell you - you never know what's around the corner. During the initial stages of a relationship, keep it open and non-exclusive. Play it cool, even though your heart may stop each time you see your new love, stay nonchalant and keep him guessing. If he is the one for you – he'll show you.
3. Financial Independence
Bridget never depended on Darcy or Cleaver once for financial support, and rightly so. The dynamic of a romantic relationship can alter massively when one becomes dependent - all power is lost, this would never happen in Bridget`s world. Make her proud and keep yourself firmly financially independent at all times.
4. Have Your Own Friendship Circle
It's always a good idea to keep your friendship circles separate when embarking on a new relationship. Every girl needs that group of besties who know her inside out, and don't judge her romantic choices. Plus if, heaven forbid, it all goes horribly wrong romantically, and you have integrated your friendship groups - it can be as messy as a divorce with the dividing up of the friends, and no one wants that.
5. Don't judge a man by his jumper!
We've all done it – given a guy a once over and decided we don't like his pointy leather shoes and written him off. It's really a case of 'don't judge a book by it's cover' when it comes to potential lovers, so just because your future sweetheart is wearing the saddest Christmas jumper you have ever seen, remember – the jumper comes off, Bridget did.
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First Date Turn-Offs
6. Be Career Driven
Whatever is going on her private life, Bridget always forges head with her career regardless, while many women can fall in love and let their careers slide, only to regret later on in life. Instead use your romantic energy to boost your productivity, ambitions and focus at work.
7. Be Yourself – Your natural self
Whether speaking her mind totally unafraid of the consequences, wearing support pants on a hot date, or gate-crashing high powered meetings, Bridget does so in a unique unapologetic manner that makes everyone fall in love with her. There is nothing more attractive than someone who is comfortable in their own skin. So speak your mind, wear what makes you feel good, and take on the world in complete confidence!
8. Make the first move
There's nothing sexier to a man than a woman going after what she wants. Shy and twee may give the damsel in distress vibe which some men need in order to feel important, but a real man loves a woman who takes control – and that`s the kind of man you want.
9. Don't make it all about him!
We all know the feeling of intoxication that takes over when you meet someone new. You wake up thinking about them, dream your way through a dull board meeting, and can't wait another second until you see them. But try a touch of treat them mean keep them keen in order to keep a healthy life balance. Make plans with your friends, don't give up your spin class, and try a weekend away without them in order to have them begging to see you, while you feel smugly desired!
10. Don't have an affair at work!
Never a good idea, and like many workplace affairs Bridget was left devastated when her affair with her boss went wrong - resulting in her quitting her role and moving onto better things. Not every work-based affair can have such a positive ending. Normally reputation, professionalism, and even being fired can be on the cards, so just don't do it.