When it comes to dating, relationships, and meeting new people, it’s impossible to find one approach that works for everyone. Maybe swiping on a dating app has worked for a friend of yours but has only lead you to a string of bad dates and lackluster conversations. That doesn’t mean you should give up on trying to meet people; it could just mean you need to vary your approach! From a free chat line to a new cooking class, the possibilities to spark conversations with interesting people are endless! If you’re ready to change things up, try out these 5 alternatives to online dating:
1. Take a Class That Interests You
Have you been eyeing a spin class at your gym but have been too shy to try it out? Grab a friend and sign up! Taking a class is a great way to meet new people that you’ll get to see on a consistent basis. This could be at a gym or even in a more traditional classroom setting. If you’ve been eager to take a class at a local community college to learn a new skill or brush up on an existing one, you could connect with others with similar interests.
2. Try a Free Chat Line
Text messages often get misconstrued, so when you initially meet someone through a dating app, it’s hard to tell if there’s a real connection through a chat room. So many of us have also found how a great conversation over text doesn’t always translate to an exciting conversation in person. A free chat line allows you to talk to an interested individual on the phone to see if there’s a spark. Whether you want to keep it to flirting over the phone or end up meeting up in person is completely up to you!
3. Join a Weekend Sports League
Sports leagues aren’t just for students anymore. If you live in a major city, chances are you can find an adult league for almost any sport to participate in on nights and weekends. Many leagues set up a post-game happy hour at a local bar or restaurant where you can mingle with members from other teams. Break out the cleats you haven’t strapped on since high school, it’s game time!
4. Explore a MeetUp Group
Whether you’re into running, cooking, learning new languages, or going to concerts, MeetUp has a group for almost any interest imaginable. By engaging in activities you already enjoy, you’re guaranteed to have fun while making new friends or meeting new love interests. Can’t find the interest you’re looking for? You can start your own group for others to join!
5. Broaden Your Network
If you’re still finding that you’re having a tough time meeting new people that you feel a connection with, think about how you can broaden your current network. If a coworker has expressed interest in going to a networking event in your field, accompany them. If a friend invites you to their improv show, support them by attending. You never know who you’ll meet when you start putting yourself out there!
Whether you get yourself out of your comfort zone by trying a free chat line or you finally take that class you’ve been meaning to try out, remember that the key to successfully meeting new people is finding the avenue that works best for you. When you stop limiting yourself to a chat room within a single dating app, you just might discover that finding a connection is easier than it may seem!
When you do find the right one, check out our Things to Keep a Relationship Healthy.
