Waiting is the worst. Who likes to stand there with nothing to do but count the freckles on the person's neck in front of you? But think of it this way: there’s nowhere else to go, so why not start a conversation? “It passes the time and you never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone,” says relationship expert and therapist Dr. Juliana Morris, who points out that if even if Mr. Right isn’t directly in front of you, it’s good to practice striking up conversations with strangers. “You never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone,” she says.
Participate in your church (or temple).
Wherever a community gathers, there’s a good chance of meeting someone—and places of worship are no exception. “Churches are redesigning ways to stay connected to attract community members,” says Shaklee. “Sign up to receive invites from your local religious organization for events like leadership conferences, modern music performances or evenings hosted by a quality speaker,” she suggests. According to Shaklee, some churches have coffee shops to athletic facilities so that even non-members can share feel comfortable sharing in the fellowship.
Take a solo trip on a group tour.
“Traveling can be a bring out the best of you,” says Morris. “Your mind is learning, you see new sights and cultures, and it can be a wonderful backdrop to get to know someone.” Many travel companies offer group trips designed especially for people traveling solo. At Exodus Travels, 66 percent of their clients sign up for tours alone. Another option is Contiki, an eco-conscious company that appeals to younger travelers (think 18-35). Whether you prefer to cycle through Vietnam, or eat your your way through Paris, there’s a tour for you. Even you don’t meet your soul mate on the Inca Trail, you’re growing as a person, and that’s always attractive.
Flying is a first-class meeting zone.
If you decide to take a trip, keep in mind it's not just the destination…it’s the journey. “I always tell clients to look their best during traveling because people are bored and watching,” says Morris, who points out that not only do fellow travelers often have things in common, but they also have the time to connect (now that's a positive spin on a delayed flight!). A simple question like, “Are you flying home?” Or “What book are you reading?” can lead to much bigger conversations. “I know multiple people who have met their spouse in airport travels,” encourages Morris.
Answers & Comments
Say hello in the grocery store line.
Waiting is the worst. Who likes to stand there with nothing to do but count the freckles on the person's neck in front of you? But think of it this way: there’s nowhere else to go, so why not start a conversation? “It passes the time and you never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone,” says relationship expert and therapist Dr. Juliana Morris, who points out that if even if Mr. Right isn’t directly in front of you, it’s good to practice striking up conversations with strangers. “You never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone,” she says.
Participate in your church (or temple).
Wherever a community gathers, there’s a good chance of meeting someone—and places of worship are no exception. “Churches are redesigning ways to stay connected to attract community members,” says Shaklee. “Sign up to receive invites from your local religious organization for events like leadership conferences, modern music performances or evenings hosted by a quality speaker,” she suggests. According to Shaklee, some churches have coffee shops to athletic facilities so that even non-members can share feel comfortable sharing in the fellowship.
Take a solo trip on a group tour.
“Traveling can be a bring out the best of you,” says Morris. “Your mind is learning, you see new sights and cultures, and it can be a wonderful backdrop to get to know someone.” Many travel companies offer group trips designed especially for people traveling solo. At Exodus Travels, 66 percent of their clients sign up for tours alone. Another option is Contiki, an eco-conscious company that appeals to younger travelers (think 18-35). Whether you prefer to cycle through Vietnam, or eat your your way through Paris, there’s a tour for you. Even you don’t meet your soul mate on the Inca Trail, you’re growing as a person, and that’s always attractive.
Flying is a first-class meeting zone.
If you decide to take a trip, keep in mind it's not just the destination…it’s the journey. “I always tell clients to look their best during traveling because people are bored and watching,” says Morris, who points out that not only do fellow travelers often have things in common, but they also have the time to connect (now that's a positive spin on a delayed flight!). A simple question like, “Are you flying home?” Or “What book are you reading?” can lead to much bigger conversations. “I know multiple people who have met their spouse in airport travels,” encourages Morris.