Dating apps aren’t for everybody. Don’t worry if you are done with Tinder, Bumble, and the rest of them—it doesn’t mean that you’re giving up on love. People have always found romance without dating apps, and they will continue to do so in the future. If you’re swearing them off for good, however, here are some other suggestions for finding a partner.
- Hit the town. If you hate dating apps, you always have the option of dating the old-fashioned way: going out and meeting people in person. Covid has made this classic way of finding love much more difficult—and downright impossible—for some. But social distancing measures can’t be in place forever. When it is safe and legal to do so where you live, try spending more time enjoying the local nightlife. Gravitate towards places that align with who you are as a person. This way, you’ll have more chance of meeting your best match.
- Join a club. You could try going to a club to meet the love of your life, or you could try joining a club. It doesn’t matter what kind of club it is, or if the meetings are held in person or online. What’s important is that you spend time with a select group of people who have at least one similar interest to you. Even if you don’t meet the love of your life at a club meeting, you might meet someone who puts you on the path to meeting them.
- Learn a new skill. Learning a new skill is a great way to meet new people in general. It’s also a brilliant way to find your soulmate. Typically, you’ll get to meet other people who are interested in learning the same skill as you. It doesn’t matter if you’re learning a new language or how to sing in tune, as long as you choose a skill that has group classes. Some hobbies lend themselves better to finding love than others. Social dancing is a great one! Try salsa or ballroom dancing to meet (and have fun with) a bunch of new potential lovers.
- Hang out with your single friends. At first glance, it might seem like hanging out with single friends is counter-productive when you want to find love. But on the contrary, there’s a good chance your single buddies are looking for love too. And even if they’re not, the single lifestyle tends to include more socializing and mingling. So be sure to tag along with them whether they’re checking out the local nightlife or heading to a party. They might even need a wing-woman for a double blind date!
- Hang out with your taken friends. Your single friends can help you find love, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard your taken friends. It was Charlotte from Sex and the City who said that bachelor friends of married men are New York City’s greatest untapped resource … and she wasn’t wrong. Socialize with couples to expand your social network and possibly meet other singles along the grapevine. Nothing brings two people closer like understanding the feeling of being the third wheel, right?
- Attend networking events. Your job might be the last thing you think of when it comes to ways of finding love. But if you work with or near other people, then it’s still as good a way as any. Try to attend more networking events and work catch-ups. You’ll see your co-workers in a different light and possibly be put on a path towards meeting some new potential love interests. The only thing to be careful of is dating co-workers themselves. Always think twice before mixing your professional and romantic lives.
- Get set up on blind dates. If you don’t feel inclined to scan through profiles trying to pick out a date, let someone else do it for you. Agree to go on a blind date set up by someone you trust. Or if the offer never comes through, ask! A blind date can be a total disaster, it’s true. But it can also turn into a wonderful surprise.
- Volunteer. Anywhere that you can meet like-minded people will work as a potential space for finding love. You never know who you’re going to meet when you donate your time to a good cause. Now, that’s not to say that you should half-heartedly offer your time to needy charities just so you can meet new people. Do the work that your heart tells you to and, if it brings you love, that’s an added bonus.
- Use other apps. You might not like dating apps, but have you sworn off all social apps? If not, you can still use other digital platforms to meet new people. Social media is one of the most popular ways of forming new connections. And even though the people you come across might only be looking for friendship, you never know who you might meet through Instagram or Facebook. Expand your social circle and you’ll expand your romantic horizons.
- Follow your passions. Whatever you do on your journey to finding love, try to be yourself and follow your passions. Do the things that you genuinely want to do and you’ll be more likely to attract people who align with you. If you love reading, go to the library. If you love nature, hang out at the beach or go hiking. It’s only natural and inevitable that you’ll eventually run into people that have similar interests and passions to you.
