It is safe to say that the dawn of digital technology has immensely changed the way we live. In so many ways, it made life, in general, simpler. And in many ways, a little too much for our own good.
Take dating apps as an example. When Tinder burst into the scene, it made meeting new people and romantically being involved with them pretty much a piece of cake. You see a person that catches your eye and you “swipe right” to express interest. On the flipside, you “swipe left” on those that don’t.
Sure, dating apps are a fun and interesting way to meet people, but nothing beats the mystique of encountering someone for the first time with no pre-conceived judgments on their physical appearance and personalities based off a one-liner. If you are one of these old-school individuals and seem to have a difficult time in the dating scene, here are the best ways to meet new people who can potentially turn out to be “the one.”
Get a New Hobby
Have you always wanted to learn how to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but have not mustered the courage to do so? The perfect time to start will always be now, and you will see the fruits of your labor in more ways than one.
Not only will you develop a valuable skill and boost your self-confidence through martial arts, but it is also a good way to meet new people. The great thing about it is that you will already break the touch barrier through grappling, making for smoother and easier interactions outside the gym.
Take Advantage of the Post-Work Happy Hour Invites
While it is tempting to just lounge on your couch and vegetate in front of the TV with some popcorn and cold beer, it is also good to say yes to your co-workers and their happy hour invites from time to time. After all, a healthy dose of a good company never hurts.
It would also be a great way to get to know your colleagues a little better and strengthen the camaraderie between everyone. Who knows, you might just create a strong bond with that co-worker you have had an eye on since day one.
Go on a Solo Trip
This may seem counterintuitive to the idea of meeting someone, but as proven by the film “Before Sunrise”, you can very much meet people even during that long, cross-country train ride across Europe.
This would work best during travel, as you will see that the chances of you stumbling upon someone who is in the exact situation that you are in are quite high. It also makes for a great romantic film plot: meeting in a foreign land, seeing and enjoying the sights, and creating “sparks” between you two.
Say Yes to Blind Dates
Or any offers from friends to be set up with another individual. The initial apprehensions are understandable since it is pretty much a stab in the dark, but what’s the worse that could happen?
If anything, it should be comforting enough to know that these people you are being set up with are vouched for by friends of yours, so it would be about trusting their judgment. Assuming they are good friends who care for your well-being, they likely would not pair you up with someone undesirable, and if it doesn’t work out, there is always the next best option that is friendship.
Go on a Speed Date
Before Tinder and Bumble came about, the closest resemblance to it was speed dating. It gives people a chance to get a glimpse of the person for a few moments and make their own judgments, but the difference is that there is an immediate interaction.
If you are more comfortable with this kind of setup, speed dating would be the better option compared to dating apps. As previously mentioned, nothing beats the experience of getting to see a person and knowing of their existence the moment you lay your eyes on them.
While there are success stories from people and dating apps, it would still be nice and refreshing to meet people the old school way. If you are having trouble with it, do not put too much pressure on yourself, as the best relationships are formulated through the most natural means.
