Going on dates is great. Except, if you're too picky, you might wait a long time between dates. So what's the answer? What about "practice dating"?

Practice dating involves going out with anyone around that happens to be single. I caught an article of a journalist that did this, and she absolutely hated it. She gave her account on how fun it was for her and said, "I remember when I signed up for German folk dancing in high school, for which I had to dress up in a country smock and practice weekly while the cheerleaders looked on and snickered. Practice dating is worse."

Ouch.

But I have to disagree. I did practice dating after a while too. I had friends set me up with anyone they wanted, even if they (and I) knew that nothing would come from it. I dated guys from a variety of ages, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. And you know what? That's when I learned how much fun dating was.

When the pressure of "meeting the right person" wore off and you could just relax and have a good time, it was stress free. You could flirt. Laugh. Have serious discussions. And through it all you never once wondered if he was going to kiss you or if you had spinach in your teeth, or even if he liked you. None of those things mattered because you were just enjoying your evening.

In the midst of practice dating, you might find the right one. It could be a nice surprise that you didn't expect, making it all the more sweet when it happens.

What do you think?