You’ll never meet anyone if you stay home every night watching reruns of the Golden Girls, even if Betty White is awesome. Also, when Blanche is getting more action than you are, it’s time to re-evaluate. That being said, put on some nice duds and hit up your friends’ house parties and mingle. No one says you’ll get a date on the first try, but more social connections widens your already exhausted network of friends. At the very least, you’ll be one savy social butterfly. Another great way to meet new people is to go to events. Volunteer, go to auctions, openings, museums and conferences – theses are all great venues to meet people you wouldn’t have normally crossed paths with.
Don’t – Avoid Dingy Clubs
While it may be fun to reminisce about your youth, one shouldn’t expect to meet a quality partner at the local watering hole. Nor should one assume that clubbing every Saturday night will result in a successful hook-up. It probably didn’t amount to anything good when you were in your prime... and it sure as hell won’t amount to anything good this weekend. You ain’t no spring chicken, and by now, the next wave of young hotties have poured into your old hangout. Do yourself and your ego a favor and skip the club scene.
Do – Be Open To Going On Blind Dates
While many of you out there think that being set up is embarrassing, think of it this way: Wouldn’t it be more embarrassing if everyone just thought you were too much of a gargoyle to set you up with anyone in the first place? There must be something seriously wrong with you if your sister’s boyfriend refuses to introduce you to some of his good-quality guy friends. Some of the best love-connections are made when people are set up. Your friends know you, and they know them... do you really think they’d set you up with a serial killer?
Don’t – Asked To Be Set Up
Letting your friends fix you up with someone is one thing, hounding them to set you up with everyone they know is another. Avoid putting your friends in awkward situations by nagging them on a constant basis. If they thought you were right for each other, they would have done it already. Something is obviously wrong. Deal with it and move on.
Do - Take a Class
Remember how it was in school? There was always a cute boy or girl that would catch your eye. Hopefully by this point you’ve mustered up enough confidence to actually approach someone you find attractive. One of the best places to meet people remains to be in a classroom, so why not take up that hobby you’ve put on the backburner? You’ll meet people that already have something in common with you so icebreakers are a cinch!
Don’t – Take a Class You Have No Interest In
The worst thing to do is to enrol in something you really don’t care for. First impressions are key and no one will want to associate with someone who slacks on group work or who shows no interest in the topic being discussed. People will see right through you and your lousy attempt to pick up chicks or dudes.
Do – Join Reputable Dating Sites
While a couple of years ago it may have been taboo to say you met your husband on the Internet, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have changed the face of dating forever. The Internet is a great way to ‘shop’ for just your type of guy or gal. Be warned that not all profile pictures are representative of the actual product. Do your research like you would any purchase or you may find yourself with something you cannot refund or return... like a stalker.
Don’t – Visit the Personals on Craigslist
Craigslist is great for buying vintage furniture and sub-letting apartments but not so great when searching for that special someone. People looking for love on Craigslist are often posers, shut-ins or just plain creepy. It’s one thing to visit someone’s profile where you can see pictures and contacts, it’s another thing to read a badly spelled two-line ad that begins with, “Meat me in the park if interested. Midnite.” Unless you have a lifelong goal that involves being wined and dined…and subsequently murdered, I’d avoid the Craigslist personal section.
If you can’t live with yourself, I doubt anyone else can. Dating is all about putting yourself out there. Get up, go out, and most importantly of all don’t live for the next relationship.