40 WAYS TO FIND YOUR LOVER
1 FRIEND OF FRIENDS:
In a world of unknown, online dating candidates, it’s hard to beat the known entity factor. Friends of friends come pre-vetted. You may not ultimately hit if off on a long-term basis, but at least you can be fairly certain they are not a psychopath.
2 DATING APP TINDER:
The tide is turning somewhat against dating apps but if you’re considering it, Tinder is the classic.
3 DATING APP BUMBLE:
Their motto is women make the first move. It’s from the makers of Tinder, but aimed at women — so no unasked for dick pics, which is always a plus. Only women can send the first message, and pornographic images are forbidden.
4 DATING APP HAPPN:
They say, find the people you have already crossed paths with. We say, could be considered borderline stalking. Using GPS tracking, this app gives you options of people you’ve previously come in contact with — their profile will appear on your timeline. Somewhat creepy, but if it works in tracking down the cute man on the bus, who are we to argue?
5 DATING APP ONCE:
They say, the dating app that brings you one quality match at noon each day. Quality over quantity, your daily choice is selected by actual humans as well as technology, hopefully increasing the chances of success. If you’re just getting started and are a little overwhelmed by the endless choices thrown up by other apps, this is a good option.
6 RTE’S FIRST DATES:
A little out there, but if you don’t manage to score a partner, this could be the beginning of a beautiful career in reality TV.
7 TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY:
Sometimes the best way to meet someone is when you’re fully engaged in learning a new skill rather than obsessively wondering whether you’re going to hit it off with the person sitting opposite you — you’re at your most attractive when not fretting about the kind of impression you’re making.
8 FLIPPING THE GENDER BALANCE:
Some dating coaches recommend specifically picking an activity where the gender ration is flipped, so be the only man at your local yoga class. Or make like the Sex and
the City ladies and visit a sports bar.
9 DATING APP PLENTY OF FISH:
They say, more conversations than any other app. Plenty of Fish is known to be one of the busiest dating apps. This is for those who mean business. This can work both ways. Lots of options, but also lots of potential for unpleasant exchanges. Critics say this app is most susceptible to catfishing, the use of fake online profiles. If you’re new to online dating, this may be overwhelming. Otherwise dive right in.
10 WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR:
Be proactive and pick five friends — they don’t need to necessarily be your closest, but maybe the most social, or the most sane, and insist each of them set you up on a date with a friend of theirs. What are friends for if not to sort out your love life?
11 QUIZ NIGHTS:
Looks might be what we first notice, but smarts are what will keep us interested. A good way to edit out idiots from the get go.
12 THE GYM:
Crucial that you avoid merely harassing someone who is there for some quiet ‘me time’. Some men swear by a policy of interrupting a woman’s training to point out how she’s doing a move wrongly, and then offering to show her the correct method. This is obviously the stuff of lunacy and anyone who tries this is, it goes without saying, to be avoided like the plague. Lingering stares seems to be the universal currency for signalling a desire to chat over the barbells.
13 MATCH.COM:
As well as their online service Match runs free and members-only singles events. It’s a heavily curated service, so a little less scary than some of the more at-the-coal-face dating apps.
14 2CONNECT.IE:
An online dating service which organises parties, pub quizzes and outdoor events. They also run speed dating events. Surely everyone currently dating needs to speed date, if only for the anecdotes.
15 EVENTBRITE.IE:
Search singles party or singles events, for a list of upcoming singles events. On the calendar currently are Valentine’s singles nights, a speed dating night for the 45-55 age group, and a talk on dating and relationships in the 21st Century.