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Let’s face it: dating is hard. And online dating is even harder. It’s the go-to method for singles searching for love, but it’s got a lot of drawbacks. You might encounter profiles that misrepresent the people behind them, an overwhelming culture of ghosting and flakiness, or a sense of dehumanization that comes from scrolling through dozens of people in mere minutes. Also, after spending all day staring at a computer for your job, do you really want to waste time staring into the abyss of online dating apps?
Relationships are all about authentic connections. We date to find a person who really understands us, who we can talk to, and who makes life feel less lonely. There are better ways to find love than through dating apps. Read on to hear about some of these under-appreciated methods for meeting your match!
There is a tried-and-true way to meet other singles IRL: get a hobby! Having an interest that gets you out of your house and into social spaces can be a great way to make connections and maybe meet your match. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, chances are there are clubs and groups that you can join.
Sports and fitness groups can be a great way to meet singles. Many local bike shops host group rides that are open to beginners and experienced cyclists alike. They can be a great way to meet people in a low-stakes setting. In addition, run clubs are all the rage these days. It turns out that people who prioritize their fitness are also usually pretty interesting and cute!
If you’re not a sporty person, never fear. There are plenty of non-fitness-related workshops and classes out there for singles hoping to connect. Maybe there’s a bookstore that hosts a monthly book club, or a wine shop that has weekly tastings. Your local university may have continuing education classes on everything from Spanish language to ballroom dancing to stained glass. For a low-effort way to find out about activities, check out the bulletin board at your neighborhood coffee shop. You never know what you might find.
If singles events sound cringe to you, they shouldn’t! There is nothing wrong with attending a gathering to meet other people looking for love. From speed dating to mixers, there are plenty of opportunities to get together with singles in a fun and interactive environment. There may be community or cultural events happening in your town, or professional networking events to meet other people in your field. No matter the occasion, go into it with an open mind and a smile.
While volunteering may not sound like the sexiest way to spend a Saturday, it can be an activity that’s both fulfilling and fun. In addition, research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of anxiety and depression—that’s a value add! If that’s not enough to get you signing up for a volunteer shift, think about the other singles you could meet.
If you’re volunteer-curious, start off by making a list of your passions and interests. What do you really care about? It’s important to find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your values so that it will be a good fit. Do you love animals? Look up your closest Humane Society. Are you great with kids? Local schools may have tutoring opportunities. If you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas, search for volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch.
Doing good deeds with a potential partner is a great way to build a connection and get to know one another. Chances are, folks who help their communities are probably pretty good people themselves. That nice person you’re volunteering with might just be your future spouse!
We all get by with a little help from our friends. One of the best ways to maximize your romantic opportunities is to call upon your social network for assistance. Let your social circle know that you are actively dating and looking for love. Ask them to introduce you to friends or acquaintances who are also hoping to be set up. There’s no shame in being a single person on the prowl!
If your friends aren’t being helpful, consider expanding your social circle. Do you have a coworker, neighbor, or acquaintance whose company you enjoy? Consider befriending them and getting to know their social circle. It might just be the move that leads you to love!
You’ve probably heard the song “Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof or its reprise in Mrs. Doubtfire. It turns out there’s some wisdom in that tune: matchmaking is one of the oldest and most reliable ways for singles hoping to couple up!
In 2024, matchmaking has evolved with the times. There are a host of personalized matchmaking services and professionals that might be able to help you find love. While dating apps put the onus on their users to sort through hoards of potential mates, matchmakers do the heavy lifting for you. In addition, you might find that a matchmaking service is able to see through the superficial stuff and identify people who actually reflect what you’re looking for in a mate.
Are you a jetsetter? Do you find yourself itching to explore new countries and feeling restless if you don’t have a trip on the books? If that’s the case, joining a travel club might be for you!
Intrepid Travel is just one of many companies that organize trips that are perfect for singles. If you’d rather find love on the ocean, Norwegian Cruise Line offers solo suites and daily activities so its single travelers can engage with one another.
There are countless other options for travel and adventure. It all depends on what kind of explorer you are. Whether you love to hike in a far-off destination or explore an urban metropolis on the other side of the world, there’s a trip out there for you—and maybe your future partner!
Are you a lifelong learner? If so, you may want to look into seminars and conferences where you may meet other singles. Don’t just rush to the next lecture your local university is holding, though—do a little research into the issues that matter most to you. Perhaps you could audit a college class or attend a self-improvement workshop.
While social media has its pluses and minuses, it can be a great tool for meeting other singles. After all, it’s 2024—sliding into someone’s DMs is a socially acceptable way to find a spouse. Whether you want to join a Facebook group or follow a hashtag on Instagram, there are many ways to find like-minded folks on social media.
Online forums may have had their heyday in the early aughts, but they’re still a reliable way to chat new people up. Reddit has its fair share of interest- and location-based groups where you might be able to meet like minded singles.
If you’re hoping to build genuine connections online, make sure to be yourself but also proceed with caution. It can be easy to think you’re hitting it off with someone online but not mesh so smoothly in face-to-face interactions. Try to meet up in real life as soon as possible to see if the connection is real.
If you’re looking to meet someone who really gets you, try Tawkify. Our team of professional matchmakers takes a personalized approach to dating, meaning they’re not trying to set you up with just anyone. Instead, they get to know you through one-on-one consultations so they can evaluate which high-quality singles align with your interests, values, and lifestyle. We focus on quality, not quantity, of matches. After all, all it takes is one!
In addition to our personalized matchmaking approach, we offer superior privacy and security for Tawkify clients. Safety is sexy. Between screening your potential matches and safeguarding your personal information, Tawkify is sexy (AKA safe) indeed.
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