Subscribing to an online dating site is too much direct, one-to-one, personal contact with virtual strangers for my comfort level. Whether you’re just shy like me or jaded from the online dating scene, there are ways to meet and greet other singles that may be more effective, fun, and comfortable.
I didn’t get out much these past few years. Extended unemployment and caretaking for my elderly parents drained my socializing energy and personal finances. Resolving this New Year to meet new people, make new friends, and begin dating again, these are my action plans:
Signup at Meetup.com (it’s for groups and clubs)
It’s a free site for anybody to find and join local groups and clubs. Minimal profile information is required; no need to be witty or pretty to join a meetup group. Search your zipcode and upcoming group events will display. Have a looksee, join groups or not, RSVP to events or not – it’s easy and fun.
My area has a wide variety of groups including singles specific, couples only, religious, political, business, and just for fun activity clubs for all like volleyball, softball, hiking, scrapbooking, and card games. Some groups ask for a small annual contribution ($5-ish) after you attend a few of their group events. Some events can be costly, so avoid the day trip excursion clubs if you’re on a budget and opt. for the $5 movie night club instead.
Attend Local Interest Club Meetings (look for co-ed groups)
Local newspapers regularly list groups and club meetings and events. Many are singles magnets without being overtly so. Bonsai gardening clubs can be popular with apartment living male and female singles, athletic stores sponsor running and walking clubs, county parks and recreation sponsor co-ed softball teams. Attend at least 1 new meeting or activity a month until you find the right fit for your interests and personality.
Join LinkedIn.com (it’s for career connections and events)
It’s not just for the unemployed or those seeking a better job. Connecting with others in the work and business world, without the Facebook (too)personal journals, is a great way to build a professional singles network without being blatently obvious online. There’s an option to display your marital status on your profile page. Ask your friends and family to forward a profile if they notice somebody single that you might like.
Join groups, follow employers, connect with everybody you know whether single or married. Include coworkers, former coworkers, friends, neighbors, high school and college alumni to build your network. Participate in group discussions and “Like” or “Share” others updates to see and be seen. Write a recommendation for a former coworker that is looking for work. Use the free events app to find local professional networking events to attend and meetup with other potential singles.
Volunteer for a Charity Event (look for public event opportunities)
Charities are always in need of volunteers. Pet rescue groups need foster homes and helpers at public adopt-a-thons. Walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons need volunteer helpers as well as participants. VolunteerMatch.org listed 91 opportunities in my area. What a great way to help others and meet new friends (and potential dates).
Getting out of the house, away from the computer, and attending meetings or events is a much more comfortable way for me to make new friends and get to know potential dates (before an actual date) with minimal pressure. Have any other non-online-dating-site ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments section below.