HEART SEARCHING / Men must be very shallow: The Agencies - This week, readers recount their own experiences with introduction agencies

HOW CAN one possibly do justice to the agonies and humiliations of using introduction agencies in only 150 words? If you are young, slim and beautiful, I'm sure it could be sensationally productive - but try it as a 50-something, overweight and averagely attractive female and see how you enjoy the rejection. Telephone contact is fine - my personality is enjoyed; in person, forget it. Men must be very shallow. The face falls at the sight of me. Very, very upsetting.

Plump Partners seemed the hope; again, forget it - they have so few members it is impossible to find anyone on my wavelength in an area close enough to make dating possible. I console myself with the thought that any man who is so image-conscious isn't likely to make much of a partner in a caring relationship. After six years, I'm very cynical.

Anne, London

WHEN younger, I tried both Katharine Allen and Heather Jenner. I feel conned - there is no real Katharine Allen]

My interview with her was reminiscent of an audition: I was truthful, I said what I did not want, was not clear on what I sought.

The results: one balding racehorse trainer - I ride occasionally; one effete theatrical - I met him after a funeral; one serving officer who told me all about his late wife; one likeable American whose brother promptly had a stroke. Tactfully, I withdrew.

Not one inspiring introduction.

I got a new job, lied about my age, became egocentric and eccentric and had a ball]

Christine, Berkshire

I JOINED the Marriage Society in 1947. After meeting some 'recommendeds' I was put in touch with an army major in BAOR.

Three months' correspondence revealed that we both liked children, poetry and travel. Just as I finished some postgraduate training, he was due on leave and askEed me to book a table for dinner. He proposed in the taxi on thTHER write errore way back to Chelsea. I accepted, and we had 23 years of marriage, three sons, and travelled extensively before he died.

At times it was very difficult - really hard work - but our interests were similar and we only quarrelled occasionally . . .

Elizabeth, London

I'VE TRIED Circles, Dinner Dates and Drawing Down the Moon, as well as Candleburners. With the first three, I really felt like a commodity and that I was very much at a singles outing. With Candleburners, however, I felt that I could call day or night. She always interviews people and has even asked a few members to leave if there are persistent reports of anti- social behaviour, which is very reassuring for both men and women.

Roz, London