Jessica Gray
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 11/06) - Love isn't in the air in 2006 for Yellowknifers. Or if it is, Yellowknifers aren't buying into it.

It seems January's return to icy temperatures, combined with holiday exhaustion, make finding love a low priority.

Rick Simpson gets his hair cut at Gary's Barber shop by stylist Rose Jerace. This is one of the many places in Yellowknife where people go to get a fresh new look. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

"I've only heard of one wedding happening this month," says Karen Benedict, a stylist at Northern Flair salon in Centre Square Mall.

She and her co-workers say clients often talk about their lives while getting their hair done. The stories Benedict has been hearing this month are about people recovering from a busy holiday.

Her advice for those looking for love is: "Go somewhere else!"

Not even the young folks seem interested in love right now. High school students Kim Sangris and Tamica Lewis, both 15, say the best time to find love is during the summer because "there's no school!"

Friends of Sangris and Lewis agree.

"During the summer you get all dressed up and show a little skin," says 20-year-old Angela Moran.

Others, like Romana Sanderson, 26, say the time for love has passed along with the holidays.

"Christmas is where the heart is," says Sanderson.

But there might be hope yet, at least for the men in Yellowknife.

Gary's Barber Shop owner Sidonie Frano says she always sees men wanting to look their best for dates or dinners, especially in February.

While no one has been talking about love lately, she says, "February, the lovers month," will be very busy.

And so, while January might not be the month for new love, 2006 might not be a total bust. As Frano says, there's always February.

But if you're on the prowl and love is your prey, Yellowknifer has compiled some tricks of the trade to help you look your best in 2006.

* Keep your nails neat and trimmed. Broken or dirty nails ruin even the best outfit.

* Get your hair cut and styled. A fresh style can give you an entirely different and more confident outlook.

* For the men: shave that stubble! While it might be a little warmer in the winter weather, it can put a stop to what could have been the best kiss of 2006.

* Bring gum or mints. Bad breath is a no-no for any occasion, especially when it's a date!

And there you have it. Yellowknifer wishes everyone the best of luck with love in 2006.