Its 10:00 oclock on a Saturday morning. Youre at the supermarket shopping for a few items You figure not too many people will be out and about since its still early, so theres no harm done if you throw on your old baggy sweats with the chocolate stained t-shirt. You even wrap a wrinkled scarf around your head for good measure. As youre walking down the third aisle taste testing the grapes, in walks the man of your dreams. Hes tall. Hes handsome. Hes of age. Hes got all his teeth. No wedding ring. And no visible signs of psychosis. He looks up at you and smiles. You want to smile back and get your flirt on. But, you look down at your granny sweat pants and feel too embarrassed to reply.

We all know that in the end it is whats on the inside that truly counts. And for the most part, this is true. But by now you also know good and well that no self-respecting man wants a sloppy, raggedy looking woman who doesnt care enough about herself to at least make the effort to look neat and presentable. Im not saying that you have to look like youre ready to hit the runway each and every time you walk out your door. Or, that youll get a summons from the fashion police for an occasional backslide. But at the same time you shouldnt look like you just crawled out of bed without showering, combing your hair or ironing your clothes either.

When a man first meets you he cannot see your heart, your winning personality and all the good things you have to offer. The only thing he has to go on is his first impression of you, in essence, the way you look. First impressions really do matter. So hook it up, girl. Be the queen that you are. Dont dare be seen in public looking like youve just stuck your finger in an electrical outlet or come down with a bad case of the flu. Its not about putting on a show for someone else. Its about thinking enough of yourself to treat yourself special every day.

As a single mom, its easy to get caught up in the routine of the daily grind and believe that since its just you and the kids, theres no good reason to take the time dress neatly, wear your hair in a flattering style or pamper yourself from the inside out, but the truth is when you look better you feel better. And it shows. You radiate confidence and become more attractive and magnetic no matter what age or size. So go on down to the mall and buy yourself some scented lotion, a new blouse or that funky little dress that shows off your curves. Throw on your sexy jeans with the form-fitting jacket. Clip on your 18-inch ponytail. Put your lashes on and work it girl. Work it.

This article is excerpted from Cassandra Mack's book, "The Single Mom's Little Book of Wisdom: 42 Tidbits of Wisdom To Help You Surive, Succeed and Stay Strong."