DEAR READERS: Did you know? Yes, today's column is one of those, a "did you know" collection of facts and figures about — you guessed it — Singleworld. Don't come up gasping for air, dear reader; it's all in the interest of science — or is it? A new survey by ConsumerAffairs of 400 online daters revealed that only 14 percent of male online daters and 11 percent of female online daters use background checks to investigate potential mates. And when asked their attitudes toward information discovered, their response was astonishing — at least it was to this blond columnist:

—Thirty-two percent of men and 23 percent of women are willing to date someone who is currently married.

—Fifteen percent of men would "let it slide" if they learned their date has a history of disorderly conduct.

—Thirty percent of women would ask their date to explain himself if he's been arrested for possession of marijuana.

Skout, a global app that helps you widen your social circle, recently surveyed over 3,700 people in the U.S. and has prepared a list of what's in and what's out this year. And it seems that friendship is definitely in:

—Fifty-five percent of those surveyed say they will look for a new job this year, and 53 percent have experienced getting a job through a friend. (Friends with job benefits, eh?)

—Eighty-four percent say they get a better workout when they exercise with a friend.

—Seventy-eight percent of men and 60 percent of women say they are open to a friend's setting them up on a blind date.

—Eighty-two percent of women and 71 percent of men plan to improve their appearance.

And what's out this year?

—The man bun has been voted out of style.

—The least popular diet is the raw food diet, with 33 percent of people saying it makes them want to throw up.

The "Single File" resolution for this (and every) year:

I RESOLVE to keep my single status incidental, knowing it does not define who I am or what I can contribute to the world. In the larger picture of my life, marital status is not nearly so significant as meaningful involvement.

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at [email protected].