2. Don't think of the blank "page" as an opportunity to unload all the details of your life on an undeserving recipient. Everybody loves to talk about himself or herself, but the listeners get the big bonus points. Ask insightful and thought-provoking questions about who they are, rather than detailing your seven-step laundry strategy.

3. Once that's done, there is an amazing little device on your tool bar. It's called spell check. Nothing reeks of lack of effort more than spelling mistakes.

4. Okay, so you did your spell check, but did you reread your message for grammatical errors and the potentially devastating effect of the mistakes the spell check didn't pick up? For instance, "L" and "M" are close together on the keyboard. If you wanted to say "I love you" but hit the "M" instead, you'd end up with "I move you." A nice sentiment perhaps, but you also might find yourself renting a truck on the weekend.

5. Last, but definitely not least — the sign-off. This is your last chance to hook 'em. Make it personal by making it your own. It's easy. Just add "ly" to almost any word and you get a salutation like "kissingly, Susan" or &happily, Bobby Joe." Stay away from, "Depressingly, Stan" or "Desperately, Mary." And forget business salutations. "For further information please contact" never sounds right — unless, of course, you're breaking up. But even then you can be creative, "No longer reachably, Margaret."

Bonus suggestion
6. When you've surpassed the getting to know each other phase, get your flame's physical address and send them a real letter — on fancy paper, maybe even lightly scented. It's romantic, it's personal, it's thoughtful, and best of all, it's a keepsake that never has to be deleted from a too-full electronic mailbox.

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