San Rafael, CA -- Take a shower, brush your teeth, clip your toenails and put on your best duds because September 19-25 is National Singles Week.

It is yet another reminder to the estimated 84 million American singles that they have no significant other, but that's not such a bad thing says a singles expert in San Rafael, Calif.

Rich Gosse, author of eight books on the subject of being single, says when you're single, "You have freedom to do what you want. If you want to travel you can, you don't have to get the permission of someone else."

But for those who don't want unquestionable freedom, Gosse says the most important things you can do is get out of the house, go where singles mingle and don't be afraid to initiate contact.

If you do all these things and land a date, Gosse says don't make the common mistake of being a blabbermouth.

In his words, "The secret to a good date is to shut up and listen to what the other person has to say."

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