Related articles:

Dear Abby: Seek 'Mr. Perfect for You'

Other articles by Jeanne Phillips:

Dear Abby : Holidays aren't for everyone Dear Abby : Wishing unhappiness for ex Dear Abby : Don't listen to pessimists Dear Abby : Do people pretend an interest? Dear Abby : Hubby needs vow reminder Dear Abby : Who pays for birth control? Dear Abby : Time to make princesses work Dear Abby : Try compromise on holiday Dear Abby : Is wearing a thong so wrong? Dear Abby : To stand or sit during pledge

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DEAR READERS: As promised, today I'm printing my own tried-and-true list of how to meet a potential mate. (Because some of my suggestions have already been offered by others, I'm abbreviating this list.) Read on:

Simply put, decent people are found where decent people gather. You will never meet anyone sitting at home, so get out of the house and become involved. Enroll in an adult education class, take a class in auto mechanics, welding, computer training, sailing, navigation, golf.

Volunteer your services. There are plenty of underprivileged, disabled, elderly and teens who could use a friend. Get involved with your church or a civic organization. Join a political party and volunteer to help at a polling station. (You'll meet everyone in your district!) Join a professional organization — Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, manufacturing organization or any organization having to do with your profession.

Take dancing lessons — square dancing, line dancing, ballroom or salsa. Take up fishing or hiking, join a gym or health club. Do some entertaining and ask your friends to bring along a friend. If you have children, join Parents Without Partners.

You may not meet "The One" right away, but you'll make new friends — and one of them may have a friend who's perfect for you.

● DEAR ABBY: I was sitting with a friend today, and we began talking about the rising gas prices. After a few minutes she said, "Why don't Americans do what they do in Europe?"

I asked her what that was, and she told me that Europeans take a regular day off from driving — which not only saves gas, but also brings families closer together.

What an excellent idea for people here in the United States.

I think it is a simple solution to a growing problem and could make a huge difference. Do you think this is possible? — Jim H., Naples, Fla.

DEAR JIM H.: I certainly do. When people are determined enough, anything is possible.

We may not be able to control gas prices, but we can decide how we want to spend our money. For those who need to economize, walking, riding bicycles, ride-sharing and public transportation are sensible solutions.