The truth about online dating: It’s not all it’s cracked up to be
In the age of online dating, it can be easy to forget that there are still many ways to meet people in person. In fact, meeting people in person can be the best way to find that spark you’re looking for, and someone who’s right for you. A study found that online daters were more likely to break up than in-person daters. The study looked at data from more than 3,000 couples who met online or in person and found that online daters were 30% more likely to break up within the first year of their relationship compared to those who met in person.
In 2020, there were over 50 million active users of online dating sites and apps in the United States. The average person spends about 10 hours a week on online dating sites and apps. And yet, many of us are still single and still searching for our soulmate. So if online dating isn’t for you, that’s okay! Stand out by meeting people in person and make a first impression that your dating profile never could.
Meeting people: It’s not as hard as you think
Meeting people in person can be a great way to make real connections and find someone who is truly compatible with you. However, it can be daunting to know where to start. Especially if we’re out of practice in the real world from all the swiping. Escape the dating race and try something new! So here are 5 tips for getting to know people in person, including what to do and how to make a good impression.
- Put yourself out there. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to get out there and meet people if you want to meet someone new. Go to events, join clubs or just strike up conversations with people you meet in your everyday life.
- Be your self. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to impress someone. People can spot a fake a mile away, and you’ll be much more likely to connect with someone if you’re authentic.
- Be sure. Confidence is attractive, so make sure you project an air of confidence when meeting new people. This doesn’t mean you have to be arrogant, but you have to believe in yourself and your ability to find someone great.
- Be a good listener. People love to talk about themselves, so make sure you’re a good listener when meeting new people. Ask questions and show a genuine interest in what they have to say.
- Be positive. A positive attitude is contagious, so make sure you bring positive energy to your interactions with new people. People will be more likely to want to spend time with you if you are upbeat and fun to be around.
5 Places to Meet People in Person (That Aren’t Bars or Clubs)
Meeting people in person can be a great way to find love, friendship and companionship. But it can feel overwhelming to know where to start if you’re not into the bar or club scene.
The good news is that there are many other places where you can meet people who share your interests. By identifying your hobbies, interests and passions, you can much more easily find and connect with people who are already on the same wavelength as you!
Here are 5 ideas for meeting people in person that aren’t bars or clubs:
- SOCIAL EVENTS: This could include anything from a party to a concert to a sporting event. Social events are a great way to meet people who share your interests.
- Classes: Taking a class is a great way to meet people who are interested in the same things as you. This could be a cooking class, a dance class or even a language class.
- Work: If you work in a social environment, you are likely to meet people through work. If you’re not, try to get involved in some work-related activities, like attending team-building events, joining a company softball team, or even a committee you’re passionate about.
- Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering is a great way to meet people who are passionate about making a difference. You can volunteer at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter.
- Collaboration spaces: Co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular and are a great place to meet other singles. You can work on your own projects while meeting other people working in the same space.
How to use technology to expand your social circle
So you’ve put yourself out there, going to all the places you’ve heard are great for meeting singles, but you still haven’t met anyone you click with. What gives? Well, you may not be using all the resources available to you. There are also a number of apps and websites that can help you meet singles in your area! These apps can be a great way to find events and activities happening in your community and connect with people who share your interests.
Here are some of the most popular apps and websites to meet people in person:
- Google Maps: Google Maps is a great way to find businesses, events and other points of interest in your area. You can search for specific businesses or locations, or browse by category. Google Maps also offers street view so you can see what a place looks like before you go.
- Come across: Meetup is a website and app that connects people with similar interests. You can find groups for anything from hiking to book clubs and board games. Meetup is a great way to meet new people and make friends in your area.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite is a website and app that lists events happening around the world. You can search for events by location, date and category. Eventbrite is a great way to find out about concerts, festivals and other events happening in your area.
- Next door: Nextdoor is a social networking app for neighborhoods. You can use Nextdoor to connect with your neighbors, get news and information about your neighborhood, and find local businesses and services.
- Facebook: Facebook is a social media platform that allows you to connect with friends, family and other people who share your interests. You can use Facebook to find groups and events in your area and connect with local businesses and organizations.
Get out there and explore!
So there you go! These are just a few of the many ways you can start meeting people in person. So get out there, explore your community and meet some new people! And who knows, you might find your soulmate along the way. And in the process you’ll have a lot of fun meeting new people and exploring your community. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today!
POSTSCRIPT If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try meeting people in person in a completely unexpected way. For example, you could go to a karaoke bar and sing your heart out, or you could try your hand at an open mic night. You never know who you might meet!
But most importantly, have fun! Meeting new people should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t take it too seriously. Just relax, be yourself and let the chips fall where they may. You have it!
