The Surrendered Single: A Practical Guide to Attracting and Marrying the Man Who's Right for You

Cast your fears aside, ladies: in this case, "surrendered" doesn't mean "doormat"--which is not to say that The Surrendered Single might not raise a few eyebrows. Laura Doyle (The Surrendered Wife) has some pretty insistent basics for women on the dating circuit that may not always sit well with modern feminists. Don't ask him out? Throw out your mental checklist of what you want from a mate? Smile openly at every man you pass on the street? Expect that he'll pay for dinner?

Yep. And according to those who have already surrendered, this old-school stuff works. The book is easy to read; entertaining dating stories are mixed with lots of bullet-pointed lists focused on self-esteem ("good self care is attractive") and myth debunking ("no one respects flirtatious women") that range from truly helpful to slightly simplistic.

Following Doyle's techniques may require a fair amount of modification on your part, but her ideas are aimed at opening yourself up to a loving, stable relationship, rather than simply angling for that ring on your finger from whatever deer you've caught in your matrimonial headlights. If you think it's time to implement some changes in your dating routine, you may find just what you need by "surrendering." --Jill Lightner