1. THE BOOKSTORE. Shop in your regular sections, but pay attention to others who are also shopping there. It's easy to start up a conversation about the books and authors you like to read. And you'll know that you already have something in common with the other person.

2. CHILDREN'S SPORTING EVENTS. For those of you who are single, but have small children, this is ideal. Other single parents will also be attending these events, and you won't have to worry about the other person being "scared off" by the fact that you have a child, because that person has a child, too.

3. ONLINE CHAT ROOMS. This works well for people who are too shy to approach others. Just be careful not to reveal too much information about yourself too quickly. Go slowly and use the same precautions you would when meeting someone in person.

4. THE LOCAL GROCERY STORE. Not the big chains--too many married people. The odds will be against you. Try the corner Mom & Pop type stores in your neighborhood, where more singles are prone to shop.

5. THE MALL. Okay, okay. This is usually more of a teen thing, but you can't deny the amount of traffic flow in and out. Try the food court. That's the place where people take a break and will be more open to conversation.

Making and dating online

• Single? Married? Find Your Soul Mate
  Being single is just too embarrassing. You feel left out if you're single.
• How to Flirt on the Net For Men
  The same rules of gentlemanly conduct that apply in life, apply on the Net.
• How to Flirt on the Net For Women
  A cyber-love affair is a relationship
• The Perception Of Perfect Beauty
  It seems to be more satisfying to find someone who is perfect for us, than it is to find someone who is just flat-out perfect.
• Put Yourself In Tip-Top Dating Shape
  Addressing the causes and conditions of your previous failures will hopefully prevent you from failing again
• Affirming Love
  Affirming a desire rather than whining for what you want is the first step in taking an active roll in creating the love you want in your life.
• 5 Good Places To Meet The Opposite Sex
  Where to look.
• Making the First Move
  How do you go about making that first move?
• The Need For Love
  It is a basic human desire to seek out love
• Smile, Though Your Fart Is Breaking
  Of all the advice you pick up from these articles, nothing will work better than a good old fashion smile.
• How to attract true love
  Many singles hope for a wonderful relationship, but few believe such a relationship will actually happen.
• The "Perfect" Partner
  The perfect partner, do they exist?
• Committing to the Moment
  Don't ever, ever commit to more than the moment until you've known a man at least six months
• Harry Got It Right
  Years ago, when I saw "When Harry Met Sally," I was on Sally's side.
• Can You Find "The One For You" In Cyberspace?
  Placing an ad opens up the opportunity to meet others
• The Dating Game
  Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the game of dating.