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One of the best parts of having a platonic guy friend is having a go-to for the male perspective. And now I'm going to share my guy friend, Peter, with the world -- by answering your questions and then getting his take.

"I've been single for quite a while now. Even though I go out with my friends on the weekend, I've found guys aren't as willing to come up to talk with me as they once were. Is it time I took things into my own hands and approached the men I'm interested in, or are the dudes not approaching me because they're not interested? And if it's up to me to be the ballsy one, what's the best way to do it?"

Kristen: Seeing that it's no longer the 1950s, I'd say if you wanted a guy bad enough, then it's obviously fine to make the first move. But being a shy gal myself, I can definitely see why you're apprehensive. If you're nervous about totally throwing yourself out there, take into consideration the vibes you're giving out to guys. Maybe they're intimidated to come up to you because you're surrounded by a group of your hot friends or maybe you are coming off a little bitchy and not smiling as much as you should be, without even realizing it. Tweaking your body language and your approachability can totally change how guys perceive you.

Peter: Yes, definitely make yourself seem approachable! Guys might not be coming up to you when you're out because there's this invisible force field fueled by the d-bag dudes at the bar, so girls are always on the defense and have their guards up and the nice men know this. And if you're not all that confident with going up to a guy, a small smile is huge and the hottest thing ever. It's like saying "I know you're looking at me and I want you to talk to me but in no way am I coming over there but I might meet you half way at the bar" without actually saying it.


Kristen: Ah, yes, a sly smile and the ever-so-subtle, non-creepy mutual glance supposedly works every time. But, If you do have the confidence to go up to a guy, more power to you, sister. And if it takes a drink to give you a little boost, so be it!

Peter: But you have to do it with some tact, don't lay on your confidence too thick because we can smell right through it, and you don't want to come off fake. Find something to bond over immediately, like making a joke about someone in the bar, or a comment about the bartender. And make sure you speak up and speak clearly, because having to say "what" every other minute is the worst and it just gets awkward. Let's face it, you aren't going to the bar alone -- and if you are you probably have no chance, because that's just weird -- so you need to look for signs he's into you. It would take a lot for me to leave my friends to hang out with you all night and vice versa, so if I did, take the hint that I want things to go further!

Tell us: Have you ever made the first move? Any tips?

Kristen Rollins blogs about relationships for Lemondrop and, being single herself, is waiting to approach Mr. Right (Now) at the next bar she visits. Peter Fertiguena runs Academy Printwear. He doesn't go to bars alone, which means you can try and hit on him as much as you'd like.