How to get set up with Mr. Right

Now may not be the best time to mention that time you went out with your ex's good friend as an act of revenge, or that you hate puppies and rainbows. Act positive and upbeat when approaching people about being set up, says Talia Goldstein, a matchmaker and co-founder of dating website ThreeDayRule.com. That doesn't mean you need to oversell yourself. Just go for relatively normal and well-adjusted.

You should ask your hairdresser, your Pilates instructor and new acquaintances to set you up, says Goldstein. A girl once told me in passing she wanted to date someone funny and stable. Soon after that, a guy told me he liked a goofy Anne Hathaway type. I set them up, and they recently got married. Granted, I'm a matchmaker, but it goes to show that you don't have to tell friends too much information. Three or four adjectives is good enough. You never know who this person is connected to.

Keep an open mind along with an open calendar. When a friend offers up a potential date, don't interrogate them about where he's from, where he lives, what he does, how often he works out—and don't say no too easily. That means going out with a guy even if you discover he's a yoga-going vegetarian (and you're a die-hard carnivore). Trust your friend enough to meet the person, says Beyer.

It's OK to ask for a photo, but it can't be the deciding factor. If Facebook searching turns up zilch and you just can't bear the idea of a truly blind date, then see if your friend can offer up a picture—without going to the source. But Goldstein warns, If you don't like what you see, too bad. You never know what the guy will be like, and if you pass on a date because of a photo, chances are that friend will never set you up again.

Sure, no one likes walking into a restaurant and trying to look cute and confident while casually scanning the crowd in search of your sight-unseen date. But resist the temptation to make it a double date with your matchmakers. It's hard to get to know someone in that setting, says Goldstein. The other couple has inside jokes, and are comfortable around each other.

Don't make your friend a go-between. A setup is a gift—don't overwork it, says Beyer. Don't say, 'What did your friend think about me?' If he liked you, you’ll get a call.” (If you need advice, talk to a more impartial friend ... or your therapist.) The same goes if the match evolves into couplehood. The friend has a unique and individual relationship with both of you, she says. Be mature about it.

If at first your friend doesn't succeed at introducing you to the man of your dreams, then it's OK to go back to the same well a second time. As long as the friend feels that you were appreciative, they'll set you up again, says Goldstein. Chances are, round two will be better than round one!