rule 1
Trust your instincts when it comes to knowing what you want. The older you get, the more discriminating your taste in potential mates becomes. This is a good thing.

Cultivate a wide circle of friends. Use e-mail, phone calls and birthday cards to keep in touch with as large a group as you can. If possible, be a social hub, the kind of person who brings different groups together. Instead of waiting for things to happen, get on the phone and initiate activities. Join a softball team or enroll in tennis lessons. See 201 Make a Networking Plan.

Control your anxiety about not having a mate. Your life is not on hold just because you haven't found someone. Take the time to enjoy yourself today. Read 501 Be Happy.

Move slowly and keep assessing compatibility. Don't try to convince yourself someone is Mr. Perfect when he might really only be Mr. Available.

Dump Mr. or Ms. Not Right immediately. You'll be much more successful in meeting someone appropriate if you're not carrying around the anchor of a failing relationship.