Dating? Here's some advice on pickup lines from the book "How to Survive Dating" (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who've done it:

“I’m not the kind of person who uses pickup lines. I can’t even remember jokes, so how could I possibly remember a line? Besides, someone who would fall for a pickup line isn’t for me.”

“No pickup line needed: If you’re a girl and you see a guy you like at a bar, simply stare. Then, walk over to him. Keep looking at him without saying anything. He’ll be forced to say something to you first.”

—I.N., Patton, Pa.

“First go for eye contact with a woman. If you get it, go up and talk to her. Just say, ‘Hi. How are you doing? Are you having fun tonight?’ If she was looking at you, too, she wants to talk so sparking a conversation shouldn’t be too difficult.”

—Mike, Strafford, N.H.

“I once bought a guy a drink. The guy came over and sat with me for a while and we talked. It worked well. I’m not good at walking up to people and starting conversations. So if I’m going to make the first move, I do something less direct, like buying a drink.”

—Barbara, Omaha, Neb.

“Trick him. I make him think he’s making the move. I find someone I’m interested in and who I want to ask me out. I flirt mercilessly. I go to group events with that person and completely focus on him. Finally, he’ll ask me out.”

—Allie R., Washington, D.C.

“Don’t send a woman a drink: You’re being a wuss if you do. You’re saying that you can’t go up and talk to her. Be brave: walk up and introduce yourself.”

Hundreds of Heads Books’ survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life’s biggest challenges and have insight to share. Visit www.hundredsofheads.com to share your advice or get more information.