Dating has never been easy. Just look what happened to Adam and Eve. And Helen of Troy. And that woman who hangs out at David Letterman's house. But dating gets even more difficult if you let yourself get rusty. Now is the time to dust off your smile, give your eyelashes some exercise, and have those new partners beating down your door. And tap into a pool where you won't have much competition.

Advice About Getting Back into the Swim of Dating Killers

1. If your date's first name is Hannibal, wear armor.

2. If your date has a reputation as a poisoner, suggest going ice-skating instead of the romantic little dinner he mentioned.

3. If you must go out with a chain-saw artist, drain the fuel from the appliance before agreeing to a tango.

4. If he's sporting expensive leather gloves and driving a white Ford Bronco, wear a body mike and keep uttering his name. Ask him what his favorite football team is.

5. If your date shows up brandishing his sword, be sure to ask him if he brought "protection."

6. Pass if his nickname is "the Ripper." Stay home and wash your hair. Live a little.

7. If your date likes to wear capes, has long teeth, and prefers Calvin Coffin Cologne, schedule your date for dawn.

8. If you're Jessica Fletcher and your date suggests a picnic, don't forget to pack your hunch.

9. If your date's name is Hamlet, don't hide behind an arras.

10. If the Terminator asks you out, pack an 1800 liter tank of propane in your purse.

11. If your idea of a fun date is swimming with a great white shark, bring enough chum for your friend. Show him that you care.

12. If your name is Sherlock Holmes — while you're disguising yourself as an elderly street sweeper, snort enough coke to kill a medium-sized linebacker. Bring your violin. But leave Watson at home.

Submitted by Polly Whitney, a romantic at heart who carries a semi-automatic pistol on her social outings, proving you can be romantic without being stupid.