Throw Away the Box

I recently heard a new twist on the expression “think outside the box.” It was - throw away the box! This advice might be well worth heeding for some singles, those who keep doing the same things in their attempts to meet someone new.

Single people often lament that the good ones are taken or that they just can’t seem to meet someone who interests them. When I ask about this, it seems they’re doing the same one or two things over and over, hoping to get a new result. They go to the same bar or club or use the same Internet dating site. While it’s true that someone new could stop by on any given night or join a website for the first time, there are also many other things to try in addition to what they’re already doing. Here are some ways to meet singles that I’ve been told have worked for other people:

• Frequent the produce aisle (to meet women) or the hardware store (to find men) and ask questions.
• Take a class in a subject your potential partner might like.
• Join an outdoor or other special interest club.
• Volunteer for a group or organization that has lots of other volunteers or guests you could interact with.
• Be active with a church or spiritual community.
• Try a different dating website or meet-up group.
• Research singles groups, dances, and events on Google.
• Attend fund-raisers, charity events, or other social outings. Volunteer to work the event if the ticket price is outside your budget.
• Go out with your friends and let them know you’d like to meet someone.
• Try something you said you never would, such as speed dating.

The most important thing is not to give up! A good friend of mine used to tell me that it was all a numbers game. I believed her and kept at it. Roger and I will celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary this June.