By CORILYN SHROPSHIRE

Valentine’s Day is Saturday. If you haven’t found Mr. Wonderful by now, it’s probably too late for this year.

But take heart, there’s always 2010.

To help you out in your quest, we talked to some experts for insight into how to recognize a keeper when you come across one. It’s important, they said, to realize that he may not be your clone — extroverts and introverts can mix, often quite nicely. Nor does he have to be the hottest or most charming guy in the room.

Likewise, they added, you might want to steer clear of guys who yell at waiters, pay too much attention to their cars or don’t seem to have any friends.

In talking with our experts — they included dating gurus and life coaches — we came up with seven signs that you’ve found one to take home to Mama:

•He shares your values, whether spiritual or religious.

•He gives you what you need to feel loved — provided you know what that is and can make that clear.

•He is authentic and has integrity. A truly wonderful guy treats people well; he recognizes his strengths and weaknesses and is not ashamed of them.

•He is responsible, responsive and reliable. He strives to do the right thing and mostly does.

•He’s a good listener. He’s a giver, not a taker.

•He wants what you want; if you want commitment, he does, too. He’s looking for a Ms. Wonderful.

•He accepts your quirks, moods and ideas, even if he doesn’t agree with them. He gets you.

Sources: Nina Atwood, therapist and author of Temptations of the Single Girl: Ten Dating Traps You Must Avoid; Katherin Scott, a personal coach; Evan Marc Katz, a dating coach and co-author of Why You’re Still Single; Mark Robertson, an executive and personal coach; Noelle Nelson, a relationship therapist.

Source: Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle and you may contact the author corilyn.shropshire@chron.com

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