Finding a Date /

Is everybody always asking you if you have a boyfriend/Girlfriend? Do they ask why you haven’t got one? Or when are you going to get one? Do you feel pressured into taking someone with you to events or parties? Or feel uncomfortable going to weddings without a partner? Or do you just wish you could meet someone who you get along with and enjoy the company of? So where do you find this person and how?

There are many ways of meeting new people and making new friends. You need to get out there as there are plenty of people in the world for you to meet and you are sure to get along and want to be with at least one of them! Although to put pressure on yourself to find someone is probably the worst thing you could do.

Be relaxed about it otherwise people may get the feeling that maybe you are too desperate or you could end up with totally the wrong person just because you think that’s the best you can do.

Coming across as being too desperate could put people off when they meet you. You need to treat finding a date as a casual thing but also you do actually have to put some effort into it. For instance if you feel you have not met anyone new recently, you need to put yourself into new situations where you will meet new people.

Clubs /

You could join a club or class, going to the gym and keeping yourself fit is not only a way to keep yourself looking good (therefore more appealing to the eye of a potential date) but it is also a good way of meeting new people and feeling good about yourself. Joining an evening class like Painting or something you are interested in is also a gateway to meeting someone new. That way you know you have at least one thing in common with them and you get to do something you enjoy.

Local Paper /

Look in your local paper for events like singles nights or speed dating, if you don’t feel confident enough to go by yourself maybe ask a friend to go with you. There’s no shame in going to events like these as it has grown very fashionable in recent years. Most of your local bars will have a singles night on. If you are up for it maybe take up Salsa or Jiving as these clubs often do singles nights or even on a normal night its very social so you are bound to make new friends!

Friends of friends /

Make sure you also go to those parties or socials that your friends invite you to. Or even your friend may invite you along to events that their friends might be organising. This is a great way to meet someone new and broaden your social circle. Remember: Don’t be shy, if you want to get to know someone, ask them out! Don’t wait for them to do it. Be proactive!

Singles nights /

Online dating is the thing to do and is a very acceptable way of meeting people since it has become trendy to do so. Everyone does it and it a great way to match yourself with someone who has similar tastes as you. Don’t let friends put you off by them thinking it is weird to meet people online. They just simply do not understand it or may have never tried it. Online dating does not hold the stigma it once did. But remember to always sign up with a reputable site.

Decide what kind of person you want to meet and what qualities you like in people. This is a good starter in knowing what you want. It does sometimes take awhile to get to know someone to see their true self, So don’t write someone off straight away, they could have more layers to them than you think.

A lot of couples originally meet at work /

I’m not sure dating someone from your work place is the best idea as if it goes wrong your work place could become very uncomfortable to be in. Work friends could help you to find someone. If you have a good relationship with your work colleagues then you could find out if they have any single friends that they think you might get on with.

You could double date with friends. This is a nice way to get to know someone as it is a little more relaxed and you have more people there to relieve you from trying to think of conversation if you are a little shy but don’t sit there leaving everyone else to talk while you are silent.

Confidence /

Do you not have enough confidence in yourself? What are the things that could make you feel more confident? Start first with your appearance. Get a new haircut, change your wardrobe, get fit, these are all things that will make you feel good about yourself and make you appeal to a prospective date. If you feel you are stuck in a rut, start to make small life changes, like taking up a sport or hobby.

For a start you will have more topics to talk about and you will feel more positive about yourself. You could even try to set yourself small goals like asking 1 person out on a date a week or trying something new every month.

As I have said before you need to be proactive and open to meeting new people in different situations. The more new situations that you put yourself in the more confident you will grow and everyone is attracted to a confident person and someone who is confident in their own skin.