So, you’ve got the right mindset. Now where do you actually meet people?

When people ask me where to meet someone, the assumption is usually that the right location is the missing piece.

One minute you’re planning your weekend together, the next you’re dissecting text messages like a detective looking for clues to answer: What went wrong? What did I miss? Could this have gone differently?

Sometimes, life just happens to us. You hop in your car, maybe put the GPS on, and before you know it, you’re pulling into your parking spot without remembering a single turn you took.

It’s nice to smile and have someone smile back. For no reason other than we’re two strangers doing the same thing and acknowledging each other’s existence for a second.

Dating involves a series of decisions. Some are minor and straightforward, others are complicated and emotion-laden.

Your dating profile has limited space — don’t waste it on “good vibes only” or “love to travel.”

Are they flirting, too? Or are they just being friendly? Nice? Polite?

Most people think flirting is one thing: seductive, sexy, maybe a little bold.

But that’s only one style of flirting. And for many people, it’s the least natural.

Flirting isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a social skill. And like any skill, we all start out as bumbling beginners.

But… it still feels awkward / weird / uncomfortable.

Perhaps you, too, feel like flirting is something other people do, especially if it’s been a while since you last dated anyone.

Part of the problem was my definition.