So, what’s the best part of the Monday morning Public Relations meetings? How about dating tips from none other than me, the company’s well-established family man. Back when I used to date (six years ago), it was a different dating environment. Still, I feel I have a lot to offer to my younger colleagues in the Quality Assurance department who sit in on our 10 a.m. rap sessions about ongoing projects.

Here’s what I sent out last week to an entire department of people without fear of judgment or care for my own corporate image – probably not the best personal PR move (this material has been slightly edited for public consumption):

Suffering is key in meeting the “right” person

Most of the people I know put too much emphasis on meeting the “right” person, like dating is some sort of means to an end. The thought seems to be that if you go on enough dates – if you put in your time – then suddenly that qualifies you to meet your soulmate. This is just fantasy.

Meeting someone happens only when you come to a place in your life when you stop searching, when you truly reach rock bottom and realize love has to find you. When your mind loses its ambition and changes its focus, whether you are cognizant of it or not … BANG, you find the person you were meant for. The key to reaching this psychological state is suffering (NOT JUST the sheer number of dates.)

So take on as many bad dates as possible. The girl whose friend you’d rather be dating … take her out. The (girl) with bad breath and who changes the stations on your car radio without asking … bring her dinner. The woman slightly older than you who thinks you look like Ricky Schroeder, which reminds her of some other guy she went to high school with who wouldn’t talk to her … as creepy as that might make you feel, accept her invitation for a drink.

Pile on the suffering. The more you feel bad about yourself, the greater your chances down the road. This is your life. This is your love. Suffer greatly and it will come.