The most effective way to get dates is to put yourself in a place where men congregate and to look approachable.

The best way to look approachable is to smile.

Sounds almost too simple, doesn't it? But smiling attracts people, especially men. If you hope to meet a man, the best way to do it is to forget the fact that the drycleaner shrank your new skirt, or that the promotion you coveted went to Kiss-Up Sue in the next cubicle.

Smooth that furrow from your brow and smile.

Smiling tends to attract men who are looking for friendship, conversation, and a lot of the time, love. You'd be surprised how effective a genuine smile draws a man in, makes him feel comfortable, and invites him to get to know you better.

Let's face it. Most of us are a little unsure of ourselves, and that includes men (the ones who are too sure of themselves are usually best avoided). It really doesn't matter if you're overweight, your eyes are too close together, or you're just not as pretty as the woman standing next to you. As long as you put a smile on your face, you'll look as though you're having a good time. You'll also look approachable.

And men will approach you.

Terry MacDonald is the happily married author of "How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams." Sign up for free dating tips at http://www.marrysmart.com Check out her blog at http://happygirlmusing.blogspot.com