How to Meet Singles in your Area

The thought that there is someone, somewhere who compliments you better than anyone else is comforting; like a warm cup of chocolate in the rainy days. Your journey starts with searching, but it doesn't have to be tedious. There are many places where you can go to find singles who are available to start a mutual relationship with you.

For starters, singles can be found either online or offline. The good thing is, you can do both. You can find singles online while meeting up with your matches offline. In this article, we will provide you with the best ways, and the shortcuts, on how you can make searching and meeting singles more meaningful and worthwhile.

The ultimate goal of dating online is to meet up with your matches in real life eventually. Ideally, it should not be a separate process to offline dating. Dating sites and apps help you to meet singles in the flesh by cutting the time you spend searching. Moreover, dating apps will boost your chances of meeting offline by matching you with singles who live nearby and keeping you visible on the dating radar. Maybe the love of your life is just waiting for you to appear on their match list and swipe right. The possibilities are endless!

Many dating apps and sites offer services and features such as singles events that members can attend to for free. Taking advantage of these features is like hitting two birds with one stone; you get access to a wide pool of single members who live near you while having the ability to safely meet up with them at a party if you want. Here are some of the dating site and apps that offer such features (you may click on each dating site links to view our full review):

• Match

Match organises "Match nights" and other fun events to suit every single's taste. Match nights are dinner or cocktail nights facilitated by the site where their singles gather and spend time getting to know each other. They also roll out food tour events, dating quiz night, music events, etc. if you are looking for something more specific.

• DatingDirect

If you are interested in singles events and parties, you can try out DatingDirect. Basically, their events will get you to meet other singles over a drink. What's great is that their events are usually offered for free.

• Soulmates

If speed dating and flirting classes are your game, there is Soulmates dating site for you. Soulmates is operated by British news daily The Guardian and has the majority of its members around the UK.

• Swing Lifestyle

If you gravitate towards the sexually-adventurous, then there is SwingLifeStyle for you. They have bulletins and public calendars on the site that lets everyone post their plans for the weekend. Most members use this to meet up as a group or let people know that they are up for some steamy sexcapade on a specific date.

But take note that most dating sites have an app for those who want to use their sites on mobile devices, while there are apps that do not have a desktop version. Example of these mobile-exclusive apps are Badoo, Zoosk, and iDates.

Matchmakers

Matchmakers, on the other hand, are a fun way to let technology find the most compatible match for you in a sea of like-minded singles. Basically, matchmakers analyse your personality obtained through a questionnaire and pairs you up with someone who most fits your criteria. If this piqued your curiosity, try out Elite Singles, eHarmony, or Match.

Casual Dating

Not all singles in dating sites are looking to tie the knot—some of them are casual daters who are after erotic interactions with other singles. No-strings-attached type of relationships are usually built in these sites, which includes Ashley Madison, C-date, and No Strings Attached.

Adult Fun

If you are looking for some adult fun, you are better off checking out these categories:Affair Dating, Erotic, and Hookup Sites. There are also a lot of sites under the SugarDaddy Dating and Cougar Dating categories if these are up your alley.

Special dating site niches

Dating sites and apps can also be gender orientation, religion, or ethnicity-specific, which makes choosing all the more fun. Check out the following categories if you find them suitable for you: LGBT Dating if you are a part of the rainbow community; Christian, Muslim, and Jewish categories if you are part of them; and, Asian, Black, Latin, Indian, and Interracial categories for ethnicity-specific online dating. There is also a BBW category if you are attracted to big, beautiful women, and an Over 50 category if you are a mature single who is up for some dating.

Now that you have chosen the right app or site, dressing up a profile that's worth the likes should be up your checklist. Photos are always a big help in making singles notice you, but it can only get you as far. Personality is still key to going beyond the virtual and building a genuine relationship with the person on the other side of the screen. Here are some practical ways on how you can get singles to notice you on online dating apps and sites:

• Keep your profile truthful and awesome

If you've been matched and happens to be in the same place at the same time, you wouldn't want to be accused of catfishing. If you are after creating meaningful connections in real life, keep your profile honest.

• Choose the right dating apps and sites for you

Every dating site has a unique membership structure. There are dating site and apps for serious relationships or short-time casual dating. Some cater to specific gender orientations or religions only. If you already know what you want, you are better off going to a site with a membership structure that fits your desires. Otherwise, go to a dating site with a general orientation that caters to a broader audience.

• Channel your personality in the bio

Stand out in a sea of profile pictures by channelling your character in the bio. Matching technology used by the sites are a huge help, but having a personalised bio essay will surely help you get noticed.

• Upload photos that show you doing your interests and hobbies

In dating sites, pictures are still king. Aside from telling, show the community your unique self by uploading pictures of you doing your interests and hobbies. If you happen to have joined an erotic dating site and wants to show the community what you've got, consider wearing a naughty mask to keep your identity safe.

• Don't leave your profile blank, but only share information you are comfortable with

Leaving your profile blank is a big no-no as it gives a fake user impression—the least thing that you would want to happen to your profile. Spend time filling your profile, but make sure that you only share information you are comfortable with. Always remember that you are not obliged to disclose more than the necessary information.

Meeting up with singles may have been made more possible by dating sites and apps, but this can also happen without setting it up online. Most dating apps geotags your location so that you show up on another person's radar and into their match list. So the next time you visit a public place, make sure to keep an eye out for hotties near you.

But finding the most compatible ones will, of course, depend on your interests. Thus, the places you frequent are most likely a potential singles spot that you just don't know yet. Here are some ideas:

Activities You Can Try to Meet a Single in Your City

Aside from the places mentioned above, you can also try out the following activities to help you meet other singles in your city:

• Volunteer for a cause
• Try yoga or a new sport
• Learn a new skill
• Join a social club
• Attend sexy dance classes and meet flirty singles

• Catch his/her eye and smile

There has been a considerable amount of research that suggests non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, affects behaviour. If the one you're eyeing out responds to your gazes in a friendly way, this means that he or she is ready to get into more interactions with you.

• Send him/her a drink

Sending someone a drink is an open invitation for a conversation. Now, the key to not looking like a creep is being patient and waiting it out. Let the other person decide if they will accept your open invitation.

• Approach confidently, but politely

Even if you know that there is already a little flirting going on, talk to them respectfully by being formal upon introduction. Maintain eye contact and stand with good posture. See how the conversation goes from there but always be polite.

• Don't be too serious

Meeting singles is supposed to be fun. As long as something doesn't get you in trouble, then you are welcome to do it.

Dating online and offline is fun, but safety must always be your priority. These tips are not meant to be a buzzkill but a way to help you can keep dating fun while ensuring your safety. Here are some ideas:

• Meet somewhere you feel comfortable, better at a public place

You are not only putting yourself emotionally out there, but you are also meeting a physical stranger you only knew online. Always meet in a public place for the first few meetings until you feel

• First time meeting? Don't overdo the booze

It is important that you're aware of your surroundings the entire date. It is also rude if you get wasted during a date that was supposed to be spent getting to know each other.

• Let a close family or friend know where you're going

Always let someone know where you're going, who you're meeting, and when. This adds an extra layer of safety.

• Consider bringing pepper spray, but be really careful in handling it

This isn't as sexy as the other essentials—condoms and lipsticks—but you should consider bringing protection if worst comes to worst.

• Don't settle for less

There are days when you will feel like the time is running out, and the pressure is high. Even at a time like this, remember that you deserve the best one out there. Do not rush into things; be picky if you want! The good thing with online dating is that it makes you realise how far and wide your dating possibilities are.

Dating is what you make it. Prepare to be disappointed, but never be discouraged. Meeting singles should not be treated as a daunting task, but an enjoyable pursuit. The fun is all in the details! With a little patience and some luck, your stars will finally align.