A lot of us are ready to settle down, but it’s harder than it looks. Annoying dating apps, constant competition, and busy schedules make it difficult to go out and actually meet people, but there are ways you can make dating a little easier. Here’s what you can do to improve your chances of finding love.
- Figure Out What You Want. First things first, you need to figure out exactly what you’re looking for. If you don’t know, how will you ever find it? I’m not suggesting you create a lengthy list, but have an idea of the characteristics you’d like to avoid. Was your ex a closet alcoholic? Then you probably don’t want someone who drinks excessively. Right?
- Surround Yourself With Positive People. Your vibe attracts your tribe and your tribe is responsible for how you feel about everything. If your friends are critical and negative about love, you will be too. If your friends are hustling, trying to find their soulmate, you will be too.
- Actually get out and socialize. The more you go out, the more likely you are to meet people. The issue? Going out can be a real hassle. That’s why it’s important to go places you actually like. Do you hate bars? You don’t have to frequent them to find true love. You can hit up pumpkin patches or farmers’ markets. People meet people everywhere!
- Stop Being Afraid. Fear gets in the way of everything; including your love life. You can’t take chances on people if you’re afraid of the pitfalls, but how do you stop being afraid? You accept your flaws and stop trying to be perfect. It’s not easy, but getting over your fears is crucial to improving your chances of finding love.
- Work On Your Energy. The thing about love is you never know when it’s going to happen. You might meet your person at the mall, in a class, or at the gas station. Who knows! What’s important is you’re always ready. I’m not saying you always need to be dressed to impress, but you need to appear approachable and confident. You don’t want to give off a vibe that turns people off from saying hi.
- Make The First Move. Whether it’s someone on a dating app or IRL, it’s OK to make the first move. Guys are shy and kind of lame when it comes to love. If you want to get things moving, take charge. Sometimes, you can’t just wait around for other people to do something — you gotta do it yourself.
- Change Your Daily Routine. Do you go to the same coffee shop every morning? Are your happy hours always at the same bar? It’s no wonder you’re having a hard time in the love department. Get out of your comfort zone! You don’t need to drastically change your habits, but switch things up a little bit so you have a better chance of meeting someone new.
- Run Away From Toxic People. Do you date guys who treat you like garbage? No judgment! A lot of people (including me) have a thing for tortured souls. We want to be the one who helps them change their bad-boy ways. The thing is, we can’t change people’s lives — they have to do it themselves. If someone treats you like crap, leave them. Don’t accept anything but unconditional, honest, and passionate love.
- Open Your Mind. There’s nothing wrong with having a vision for your future partner — just as long as you’re willing to compromise. The person you think you’re going to end up with now isn’t who you’ll end up with. They might share some of your must-have characteristics, but they won’t be the same…they’ll be better. That’s why it’s important to be open-minded.
- Get Real About Love. Do you believe in love at first sight? That’s fine, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to experience it. Not everyone meets their soulmate and initially feels a spark. Love is patient and it might take years for you to see someone in a certain light. Don’t over-romanticize love or avoid relationships because he doesn’t make you vomit with joy on the first date.
- Look Up From Your Phone. You can’t find Mr. or Mrs. Right if you’re constantly on your phone. Put it away! There’s nothing more annoying than public texters, AKA people who socialize while staring at their phones. I know we live in a digital world, but no one wants to flirt with the person who can’t look up from their iPhone.
