I realize in the grand scheme of life, deciding where to eat out is a very marginal problem, but still, I'm always surprised how much time we waste answering this question. For years, Billy and I have stared at each other volleying the "I don't know. Where do YOU want to go?" exchange between us.

The engine behind our culinary-decision paralysis is typically found somewhere between the statements of "I don't know" (ignorance), "I don't care" (indifference), and "You decide" (avoidance).

However we end up there, the result leaves us staring at each other in our driveway with the motor running, waiting to back out and get on our way.

Fortunately, we've stumbled upon a few tools that have helped solve the problem. Usually one of these approaches gets us into making a decision.

1. Make picking a restaurant a game.

If nobody is feeling picky (and "almost ANYWHERE" sounds "fine"), but you just can't seem to pull the trigger, try making the selection process more fun by playing what we call the "3-2-1 Game."

This is selection by elimination.

Someone in the party names 3-5 places that would be acceptable (the taco place, the pizza joint, the cafe, etc). Then, the next person is charged with the job of simply eliminating one choice off the list (i.e., "not the cafe.") Then. it's back to the list maker who eliminates a second choice - "not the taco place." This continues until only one choice is left standing... and off you go!

Why it is so much easier to remove choices than build them, we have no idea, but the system seems to unfold more easily that way.

2. Make dining out an experiment.

In Atlanta, there's a publication called "The Knife & Fork" that rightfully calls itself "The Insider's Guide to Atlanta Restaurants."

This publication is strictly old-school in that it's published on non-glossy white paper (newsletter-style) and mailed to your home monthly. The author, Christiane Lauterbach, is highly opinionated and specific in her recommendations, and I've found her insights to be fair and precise.

The beauty of the guide is that Christiane hits a few of the swanky eateries in Atlanta each month, but spends more time shedding light on those culinary jewels found in random strip malls and far flung locations, inspiring me to explore new places.

If you don't subscribe already, call 404-378-2775 to get it coming your way. (There's not an online presence - old-school, remember?)

3. Make eating out a budgeting decision.

Eating out can definitely impact the old budget, but there are afternoons when the cook is off duty (or out of town) and the kitchen is closed...regardless of the pocketbook.

It is in those moments that we decide to let the budget rule the choice...and we're always surprised how much we still love it. I've mentioned before how much I ADORE the omelet and pecan waffle at Waffle House, but there are lots of other fantastic spots that are cheap.

Whether it's the $1.55 tacos at El Senor Taco or the feast you get at Daddy D's, dining out doesn't have to leave you broke.

We love Atlanta Magazine's annual Eat Cheap issue and keep a short list of where we can feed the family for less.

4. Make restaurant choices an adventure.

Billy and I are about 70 deep into Creative Loafing's 100 dish list (AKA "The List"). When we can't think of where to eat, we pull out the tattered list (it's now over a year old) and figure out where we need to eat next. While there have been highs and lows in what we've tried, the mere fact that The List pulls us out of our comfort zone is worth the effort. Even if you don't live in Atlanta, publications in most cities put together favorite dishes. Google is your friend. Do a little searching and try something new. You can also try downloading Atlanta Magazine's dining guide for your iPhone - I love this app!

5. Make finding a new restaurant a community experience.

So much of my career has put me on the road that I've always had to rely on other people's guidance to figure out where to eat.

Sure, you can go to Yelp! and read random people's opinions, but I've often found those reviews to be unreliable, conflicting (some love, others hate), and not necessarily paired with my tastes. I find ZAGAT surveys to be a better tool because they weed out the rabid fans and the people who have a bone to pick.

If you frequent one city in particular, it's worth investing in the guides or the online/app version. However, the BEST approach is to talk to people whom you've shared dinner with and who maintain similar tastes.

For us, in Atlanta, that means that we compare notes with Lindsay for the latest search for Mexican food, with the Whites for the great spots outside the perimeter, and with Hyunah for the latest restaurant openings.

Eating out should be a fun experience and if you figure out how to make the decision process painless, you're halfway there!

Any other approaches to making selections? I'd love to hear 'em!!

5 Ways to Solve the "Where Should We Eat? " Dilemma