Are you someone who is single and looking for romance? Do you want to increase your chances of meeting someone who will love and be with you for the rest of your life? Your special soul mate is out there waiting for you. It is up to you to meet the person and capture his or her heart.

A good approach is essential to making your encounter a success. Your approach will help determine whether or not you make a good first impression.

A great way to make a good first impression is to display good manners. You need to show that you are considerate. Cover your mouth when you are about to yawn. Cover your mouth when you feel a sneeze coming. Cover your mouth when a belch is coming and say "Excuse me." Avoid using profanity. Most women probably will not start dating a man who they think is a cad.

I am not saying that you have to dress like you are going to a wedding or funeral but you should at least dress like you have some dignity and respect for yourself. For example, you should not have any sensitive area of your body exposed.

Pay attention to signals that display an interest. For example, if someone of the opposite gender smiles at you, walk over there and start chatting.

I graduated from The University of Missouri at St. Louis with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and I go up there almost every day. On a Thursday afternoon in September 2003 while I was sitting at a table eating fruit and reading the newspaper, a pretty young lady who had a great ponytail smiled at me with warmth while she was studying at a table in front of me. I walked over there and said, "Do you mind if I join you?" Her reply was "No, that’s fine." I subsequently put my gift of gab to work. I started asking her questions pertaining to her courses and other things.

She asked me questions in return and we engaged in a great conversation. You must gauge the other person’s interest. He or she will let you know whether you should stick around or hit the road. If he or she asks you questions and engages in a conversation with you willingly, it means that you have a chance.

Once you know that the other person is interested in you, get his or her contact information. As my new friend was getting ready to leave, I asked, "Do you have an email address?" She said "Yes!" and gave it to me. I then asked for her telephone number and received her cooperation. You want to ask for the person’s email address before asking for the telephone number because it will relax the other person more and it is natural for one to give you a telephone number after giving you an email address.

Guess what I did the following night? I called her. She had to get off the phone in a few minutes and asked me for my telephone number. Three nights later she called me. We had a good conversation and she told me that she would try to call every week.

To help ensure that you have a lasting relationship with your special friend, it can help to let him or her know how you feel. Sometimes I let my special friend know that she was pretty and that I loved her.

Ignore the phrase that says "Nice guys finish last". It really is possible to be a nice guy and win a lady’s heart. On June 4, 2004, my special friend sent me an E-card saying, "Happy birthday, Todd. You are someone who is nice and loves me as a special friend."

Ask your mate for a date. My special friend and I went out to eat three times.

On the first date in August 2004, we went to Red Lobster for dinner. On the way home, I was the happiest I could be in a long time and I told her I was happy that I accomplished my lifelong dream of getting a date.

Guess what made Valentine’s Day in 2005 so special? We went to International House of Pancakes for dinner and she gave me three French books she bought for me, knowing that I speak and read French to an extent. An old high school classmate came to our table and spoke. My special friend and I went back to Red Lobster for lunch in June 2005. During our dates, I told her that she made me happy.

Unfortunately, she moved to the nation’s capital later that year and found a boyfriend. She lost interest in me but I have no regrets here. I am grateful that I will not live my entire life without ever having a relationship with a lady who really liked me. Nothing can take these great memories away. I still love her and I always will. Follow my advice to discover your soul mate. Life is too short to miss your chance.