A regular advice column published monthly in Singles Network, a publication for singles of all ages in the metro Denver, Colorado area.

Dear Linda,

When I meet a man and we have eye contact, how can I let him know I'm interested without being aggressive?

Sara

Dear Sara,

A simple way to let someone know you're interested is to look at him, intentionally blink, hold your eyes closed for 2 seconds, open your eyes, and if he's still looking at you, smile. He'll get the message.

Dear Linda,

My problem is not that I'm shy, in fact I'm probably too confident. Women seem to be interested in me when I meet them and we talk, and then when i ask for their phone number or a date, they back off or disappear altogether. What could be happening?

James

Dear James,

Although you may think you're confident, if you rush the situation you could appear needy or even desperate. Before you ask for a phone number or a date, pay attention to whether she is inviting you for conversation. Does she look at you more than she looks away? Does she lean toward you? Is she contributing 50% of the conversation? If not, you may want to give her more space, back off, take your time and good luck.

Dear Linda,

I met a great guy last week and he's all I can think about. I know he wanted to ask me for my phone number, but I think he was afraid. He gave me his business card and said maybe we could meet for lunch. I never call men, that's just something I won't do. I know I'll never see him again, how could I have gotten him to ask for my number?

Pam

Dear Pam,

Did you know that men love to be called? Those things you "won't do" may very well be the things that are preventing you from moving forward. Risk is the opposite of regret. The fact that you want to know how you could have gotten him to ask for your phone number indicates your resistance to take responsibility in a relationship. I believe you when you said he's all you can think about. Call him, if you're worried about what to say, don't say much. When you call him, breathe deeply, relax, smile, let him know you wondered if the invitation for lunch was still open. If you get an answering machine, do the same thing only leave your phone number. If you reach him and you're both nervous, just settle the arrangements for lunch, and leave conversation for when you meet.