Weβve all had that feeling. Youβve been single for a while and it suddenly hits you that youβre ready to get out there and meet more people.
But how?Β Where do you meet people?
Check out my top five ways to meet more people and hopefully bag a few dates in the process.
1. Sign up to online dating apps
Online dating is the easiest, most convenient and obvious way to meet people. You can do it from anywhere, at any time and from whatever device you happen to have on you at the time.
And in most cases, itβs completely free.
But what online dating apps should you be using?
There are a ridiculous number of online dating apps on the market and which one/s to use can depend on a number of things, including:
- location
- hobbies and interests
- budget
- your dating intention
- how technical you want to get with compatibility and algorithms
When I was dating, a handful of years ago, I tried:
- eHarmony (paid for)
- Match
- Tinder (which is where I met my partner)
- Plenty of Fish
- OKCupid
I actually wasnβt sure whether I wanted to meet someone properly or just be a bit more sociable so I didnβt want to invest hard earned cash on subscriptions.
2. Meet more people at an evening class
During lockdown, things like this obviously werenβt possible but soon thereβll be no excuses.
Whatever your hobbies and interests, be it learning new languages, painting or dancing, thereβs a class for everything and everyone.
And the bonus of doing something youβre interested in, is that youβll meet other people who are interested in the same thing.
A lot of couples I know like to keep their interests separate as it gives them quality time on their own but I equally know couples who like to do very similar things and will find themselves in gaming cafes together for hours on end.
So if this idea floats your boat, have a search for classes in your area.
When I was single, I tried salsa dancing and met so many people. I wasnβt looking to meet people for dates at that time but it really gave me the confidence I needed to get out there.
3. Try business networking
It might sound crazy to some, but business networking is a great way to meet new people if youβre looking to bag some dates. If you run a business or work for a company, get to as many networking events (both online and in person) as possible.
Not only will you meet loads of business connections who could potentially be really great for you and your business, you might meet someone who you have a real connection with, Iβve seen it happen.
A lot of in-person business networking events are essentially a huge room of like-minded people who you already know are ambitious and driven to succeed (nice qualities) having a drink, a bite to eat and a bit of a natter.
If anything, itβs good practice when it comes to starting conversations and keeping a conversation going.
If you do meet someone in business who you fall head over heels in love with though, probably best to make a clear definition between business and pleasure β or things could get messy!
A great one I go to in Nottingham is RSViP Business Networking.
4. Walk your dog in a new place
I canβt tell you how many new people Iβve met since getting a puppy. Thereβs a whole new social world out there when walking your pooch and itβs very rare that I take Cassius (my Border Collie) out and come back not having got the name of at least two other dogs and their owners.
Iβm in a relationship but we both come back from walks commenting on how many people weβd met and that if we were single with a dog that weβd probably end up locking eyes with someone eventually.
And itβs not just other dog owners you might stumble upon, most passers by will coo over your pooch and exchange a few words.
5. Join a running club and meet more people
A lot of people I meet during my dating photography sessions say that theyβre on a mission to get fit. And I remember when I was single, prioritising my fitness, trying to lose a few pounds and getting into shape as best I could. I think it is what a lot of singles do when theyβre about to start dating.
Like a peacock on display β they do what they can to have a positive mind and a healthy body, ready for the next step in their life.
So, why not join a running club. Youβll meet people who you know like to keep fit so you know youβll not be bagging dates with people who prefer to sit on their arses all the time.
Talking while you run is really good for you too, so if you can get in to a rhythm with your running while having those early-day conversations with someone who sparks your interest, thatβs great!
You never know, things might run wild!
How do you plan to meet more people?
Iβd love to hear how you plan on meeting people or how you met your partner.
Get in touch to share your story and get 10% off any dating photo shoot – don’t forget to mention this blog!
Photo byΒ Johannes PlenioΒ fromΒ Pexels