HOW TO MEET NEW PEOPLE
As a single parent, meeting new people can
seem like a daunting task. In our busy lives, it can sometimes feel like we are
the only single person in our group of friends, or like all of the “good ones”
are taken. But this simply isn’t true, and there are hundreds of thousands of
people out there who feel the same way that you do. So, where are they?
Here are three simple things that you can
do to increase your chances of meeting new people:
1.
Break your routine
As a parent, or busy
person in general, there are definitely times that a routine can save your
sanity. But other times, it could be limiting your social life. Most of us live
the majority of our lives on quite a small train track – going to the same
bank, gym, grocery store, library, coffee shop, and post office, week after
week, year after year. Familiarity is comforting, and easy. As a result, we
inevitably see the same people over and over again, and often operate on
automatic pilot for a large portion of our days.
As the saying goes- “In
order to get something you’ve never had before, you have to do something you’ve
never done before.” Try something new- even something small, like a new coffee
shop. Go suburban off-roading, and keep your eyes open. You never know what, or
who, you might find.
2.
Smile
“Resting Bitch Face” is
the enemy of meeting new people- and this sad syndrome affects men as well as
women. We’re often thinking about work, bills, or how we’d give our left arm
for a nap, and don’t realize that we are frowning and even scowling at times-
but other people will notice it. Be aware of the people around you, and try to
make eye contact and smile. It instantly changes your face from a closed door
to an open one. Most of the time, you’ll get a smile in return. It’s always
appropriate, and appreciated, and is one of the easiest ways to make someone’s
day, including yours.
3.
Say Yes
Sometimes, we let little
opportunities pass us by without even knowing it.
Overthinking things or
being overcautious might seem like a good way to protect our hearts, but it’s
also closing our hearts off to new things. Practice saying yes to things- it’s
more fun than saying no.
Do you want to join us on
Friday night to go watch our friend’s band?
YES
You should let me babysit
Aiden for you sometime so you can get out.
YES
I’d like to introduce you
to my co-worker; I think you guys would hit it off.
YES
Can I buy you a drink?
YES
Would you like to go for
coffee sometime?
YES
Will you come to this
Speed Dating thing with me? I don’t want to go alone!
YES
We’re having a few people
over for dinner tonight - can you come?
YES
Of course, you can follow
up the Yes with anything you like, such as – “I have an early morning, but I’d
love an iced tea.” Leading with a yes, instead of an “I don’t know” or “I
shouldn’t” will put a more positive spin on any interaction. Sometimes, certain
events or situations may seem slightly out of our comfort zone, and that is
exactly the place that you want to go to meet new people. A little change can
have an amazing ripple effect. Give it a try.
The best way to increase
your chances of meeting someone with whom you really connect is to meet a LOT
of people. Play the odds, and get out and socialize as much as possible, and
you’ll increase your chances of making a new friend or romantic partner. People
meet every day, and not just in bars or on dating sites. You can meet someone
anywhere from the Auto Repair Shop to the Veterinarian’s office. Get dressed,
go out and do things that you enjoy, and keep your head up. When you open
yourself up to it, you’ll be surprised at how the universe meets you half way.
