The New York Times Magazine ran a fascinating article yesterday, entitled “Wednesday Night Is All Right For Loving.” Its author, Nate Silver, teamed up with OkCupid, “a matchmaking site that takes a playful attitude toward the data it collects (like which camera takes the most successful profile photos).” Silver wanted to know which days of the week are the best to meet someone at a bar. Based on OkCupid’s study, it’s Wednesday. Dress appropriately. Not all bars are the same.

If you’re looking for love and not sex, it makes sense to make sure that the cute guy chatting you up is on the same page. (Hint: If his eyes are on your body more than your face, you might want to give him a pass. If he suggests “getting out of here,” you definitely want to pass. If he wants to see you in any other setting, tell him to give you a call. After he does, provide your own transportation and meet him in a public place.) Based on OkCupid’s study, it’s Wednesday.

Speaking from experience, I know that Wednesday is a fine night to find true love. I met my husband in a bar (he doesn’t drink), and we had our first date on a Wednesday. If you’re going to a bar, take a friend and enjoy her company. Don’t look like you’re casing the place for a live one. Not all bars are the same. You may be utterly uncomfortable in one (check the vibe) and perfectly at ease in another. Breathe deeply, treat the bartender well, smile with your eyes.

Avoid being the woman wearing too much jewelry, too low cut a shirt, too long nails (scary) at all costs. Breathe deeply, treat the bartender well, smile with your eyes. If someone with romantic potential talks to you, and you run out of things to say, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. When you come back, look the guy in the eye and say, “That story you told me about ________ was so interesting. Tell me more.” You just have to be approachable and interested in other people.