Are you tired of constantly seeing the same people when you go out? Are you yearning to meet people outside of your own social sphere on campus?

Well, I have an idea that will help add to your circle of friends.

First of all, I have to give you a little background on me.

I call myself a “social smoker,” but I always carry a package of Marlboro Lights cigarettes on me.

However, to curb my habit, I never carry a lighter.

How, you ask, do I smoke without a light?

It’s simple, really. I just seek out other smokers or those with a lighter handy.

I have found that I meet the most interesting people whom I might never have come in contact with.

With my little quirk, I have met all types of people: from the frat boys, jocks, hippies and intellectuals to the stressed-out, trying-to-quit-“oh-my-gawd-I-can’t-take-school-anymore” type of people.

Take this weekend, for example.

I met at least 10 students just by asking for a light at the local watering hole.

There I was, cigarette in hand, wandering around until I found someone with the nearest cancer stick.

Then I simply walked up and said, “Hi. Can I borrow a lighter?”

Works like a charm every time.

Generally, people are more than willing to assist in the cause, especially if they are a little tipsy or looking to mack.

I haven’t carried a lighter for at least a year now, and in that time, I have heard the lamest pick-up lines, had the most interesting existential conversations and learned a lot about society.

Leaving your lighter at home is also the best way to learn more about people and strengthen your flirting ability.

For example, a heavy smoker often will have his or her flame level turned all the way up for a quick light.

Meek people often have theirs on a lower setting. But don’t worry — after talking to them for a little while, they come out of their shells.

A conscientious person will carry a child-proof lighter, but steer away from him or her if you are in a hurry, because it usually takes about five minutes to figure out how to unlock it.

There are even the showy types who carry a Zippo to impress you with their one-handed light.

Many times, people wander off and forget they lent their lighters to me.

I currently showcase a wide collection of lighters with different sayings and store names from all over the world in my room.

There is the hilarious but sad “I is a college student” lighter.

Or the classic, “My parents went to Maui and all I got was this lousy lighter” lighter.

I even have one from a gas station in Minnesota named “Kum and Go.” This has become the prize winner in my collection.

There is also one with a phone number on it. That guy must have figured out my little trick before I did.

In regard to enhancing your chances for a love connection, let me tell you a story.

I had been checking out this really cute guy last night at the library when I noticed a pack of cigarettes in his book bag.

I was feeling adventurous, so I sauntered over and asked if he had a lighter I could use.

My plan worked, and we ended up smoking and talking outside for a long study break.

If you are saying to yourself “Sounds great, but I don’t smoke,” don’t fret just yet.

If you really don’t want to pollute your body with toxins, just buy a lighter and give it a prominent place when you are out and about.

It should work in place of having to take up smoking, as many smokers have a built-in lighter detector.

So put that new Bic in you pocket and wait for the new faces to start lining up to take advantage of your resources.

The next time you are feeling shy and angst-ridden about not meeting enough people to fulfill your college experience, test out my theory.

You never know what could happen until you try, and the benefits are amazing.

Hey, it can’t hurt … well, unless you become addicted. But don’t blame it on me.

After all, it’s just a suggestion.