Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Dating can be a difficult endeavour for single people seeking love and romance.

Many single individuals may feel awkward trying to date or find dates. They might also be intimidated by the dating scene. However, picking up a date doesn’t have to be scary.

Rather, try these top ten ways to pick up a date to meet your next possible Romeo or Juliet.

10. Start up a conversation

Start a conversation with other single people at a bar, party, work function or sporting event. Avoid small talk such as the weather which can be boring and instead ask questions about the person.

9. Eye contact

Make eye contact with a potential date before approaching him or her. Eye contact can help you read the other person’s body language to determine if they may be interested or closed off.

8. Avoid pick-up lines

Most pick-up lines are cheesy and make it seem like you are trying too hard or come off as fake. Instead, try asking how the other person’s day or evening is going and what brought them to the venue.

7. Singles bar

The odds of you picking up a date increase substantially if you are at a bar or club that is promoted as specifically for single people.

6. Send an email

Although an email may seem less personal, it can be a great way to initiate a conversation or ask a date out if you are particularly nervous. If you’ve had your eye on a friend or colleague for a while, shoot them a short note asking if they’d like to grab a coffee or dinner one day.

5. Friends

One of the best ways to meet new possible, and future dates, is through friends and acquaintances. Ask a friend to introduce you to someone you are interested in to help break the ice.

4. Dancing

Whether you’re at a club, party or wedding reception, asking someone to hit the dance floor is a great way to meet somebody new for future dates.

3. Buy a drink

Offer to buy an acquaintance or person you’ve got your eye on a drink to show that you’re thoughtful – and interested.

2. Give your card

No, dating isn’t a business deal! However, giving someone you just met your business card with contact information sets you up for future contact. On the flip side, ask the other person for a contact card before you both part ways to set up a date.

1. Take risks

Above all else, the only way you can ever really be successful in picking up a date is to take a risk – even if you’re scared of the consequences. Forget possible embarrassment and introduce yourself to the stranger in the lineup at the grocery store. Who knows, it could be Mr. or Mrs. Right!