I certainly don't claim to be the ultimate dating extraordinaire, I will reserve that honor for one of my good friends, but I think I have been single longer than most other people I know and most you probably know. Unfortunately I seem to have been cursed with choosing the unavailable. There have been the emotional unavailable with their mental hang-ups, insecurity issues, or inability to commit syndrome. Then there where the physically not available, the ones that were great but lived on the other side of the country (I always have a knack of inadvertently picking the only one in a bar that isn't from around here). Last and certainly not least are the ones that may be available emotionally and physically but not LEGALLY!

So all that being said, my single days certainly outnumber the days I have been in any kind of relationship and here is what I know to be true:

1. DO give off the right signals if you are interested. For women, make eye contact, smile, reach down and touch their arm or hand while making a point about something. Guys, be interested, hell act it if you have to, but ask her interesting questions and pay attention to the answers. Reference it later in conversation. She will be impressed you listened.

2. DON'T be or act desperate. No one wants to be with someone that is needy. Be fun, have fun and others will gravitate towards you if you are truly just being you and enjoying yourself whether others are paying attention or not.

3. DO have something in mind when you ask someone out. No matter which gender does the asking have a couple scenarios in mind to offer out as suggestions. As much as you think you are being polite when you say "I don't care, you decide" to someone, it shows lack of motivation, willingness to take a chance, and of personal interests and the inability to make a plan or decision.

4. DON'T over do the date. If you are having a good time enjoy it but don't keep extending the original date beyond what you originally planned in the beginning. When you’re excited, and maybe some other adjectives, you might not be thinking with your head. If you think you may want a relationship with this person, rushing into things on the first few dates is probably not the best choice. End the date when you planned and just look forward to the next one before you take it too far and then regret it.

5. DO expect the person to put their best foot forward. If they do not make an extra effort in the beginning they won't later and honestly don't deserve your time. They need to do all the basics, pay the bill, open the car door and walk you to the door, for the boys. Use good manners, don't interrupt and refrain from any profanities, girls and boys.

6. DON'T take or make phone calls or text messages! This is just plain rude. The other person has set aside time to get to know you. Don't be disrespectful of that time by not focusing on them while you are there. Make them the priority. If need be leave the phone, blackberry, palm, whatever in the car. This one’s a definite deal breaker for me.

7. DO talk about your interests, hobbies and passions. People like people who have things going on, are excited about life and that feel strongly about things that are important to them.

8. DON'T talk about your previous relationships. You’re not headed on a Carnival cruise so leave the baggage at home. There will be plenty of time later if you get involved to discuss what you have learned from other relationships. Talking about that right up front will give the impression that you are obsessing over it or haven't really let it go.

9. DO be realistic about your wants and needs. It's ok to recognize that someone seems to fit all the criteria you are looking for but there seems to be something missing. Follow your gut. There are plenty of wonderful people out there but they are not all for you. Acknowledge their good qualities in a genuine way and don't force yourself to make it work just because you want to be involved with someone.

And the number 10 Dating Do or Don't.... straight from my mother’s lips (I've told you there would be a lot of her sayings)

DON’T play in the trash! Once you have made the decision that someone is not the one, move forward. Do not go back when you are feeling lonely or don't have any other dates going. You already know why it wasn't the right thing, let it be and don't go digging around in yesterday's throw aways.

What are your dating dos and don'ts?