So your divorce is final, and you’re ready to start dating again. Many people will suggest online dating sites as the quickest way to get back out there, but the digital approach isn’t for everyone. You may prefer meeting people “the old fashioned way” – in person. To meet singles who share your interests and personal lifestyle, consider what’s most important to you.
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If you have an active lifestyle…
- Qualities you’re looking for: A passion for fitness and exercise; someone who cares about wellness, nutrition, and health.
- Where to meet singles with active lifestyles: Join a health club; take a yoga class; walk or jog at your local park; sign up for a 5K walk or run.
- Great first dates: Walking, hiking, kayaking.
If you’re into pop culture…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who’s as interested in books and movies as you are.
- Where to meet singles who love pop culture: Movie openings; book stores; book signings and events at your local bookstore or library.
- Great first dates: Outdoor movies in a local park; an outdoor concert; a picnic.
If you love to read books…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who loves to read and discuss books.
- Where to meet singles who love to read: Join a book club; visit the library or your local bookstore; attend book signings and events.
- Great first dates: Trade lists of your favorite reads over a cup of coffee; attend a reading or “meet the author” event.
If you love music…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Interest in the same music; passion for new music.
- Where to meet singles who love music: Events sponsored by local bands; CD release parties; concerts.
- Great first dates: A concert; a used music store; profiling your favorite artists over dinner or coffee.
If you value education…
- Qualities you’re looking for: A passion for lifelong learning; someone who wants to grow alongside you.
- Where to meet singles who value education: Public lectures at your local college or university; a professional development or life enrichment class.
- Great first dates: Dinner and conversation; a wine tasting; a walk along the shore.
If you’re spiritual…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who shares your faith and spiritual awareness.
- Where to meet spiritual singles: Local churches, mosques, and synagogues; events sponsored by faith-based organizations.
- Great first dates: Coffee and conversation; a concert; an invitation to join you at an event sponsored by your church, mosque, or synagogue; a walk in the location that most inspires you.
If you’re into food…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who loves to eat and loves to cook.
- Where to meet foodie singles: Take a cooking class at a local culinary institute; attend wine and food tastings; attend events featured in your local paper’s food section.
- Great first dates: Your favorite restaurant; a wine tasting; a specially-prepared meal at home.
If you’re passionate about politics…
- Qualities you’re looking for: A passion for transformative governance; someone who enjoys a good debate; someone who wants to better society.
- Where to meet political-minded singles: Local events sponsored by the political party you’re most aligned with; town hall meetings; political clubs and rallies.
- Great first dates: Attend a political event or rally; tour the state capitol; attend a bill signing.
If you’re a pet lover…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Someone who loves animals as much as you do; great compassion for others.
- Where to meet pet-loving singles: Pet adoption days; your local pet shelter; the pet store; a dog training class.
- Great first dates: A visit to your local dog park; volunteering together at a local animal shelter.
If you’re an artist…
- Qualities you’re looking for: Loves art; is an artist; values artistic expression.
- Where to meet artistic singles: An art gallery; an art auction; a fundraising event for local artists.
- Great first dates: An art gallery; a collaborative art studio; a coffee shop or bar where local artists gather.
If you’re a writer…
- Qualities you’re looking for: A fellow writer; well-educated; expressive; thought-provoking.
- Where to meet single writers: A poetry reading; a coffee shop or bar where local writers gather.
- Great first dates: Dinner and conversation (perhaps talking about writers who’ve influenced you); drinks or coffee with mutual friends.
If you’re a student…
- Qualities you’re looking for: open-minded; eager to learn; focused and driven.
- Where to meet single students: The student center of a local college or university; bars and coffee shops where fellow students gather.
- Great first dates: Studying together; going out for coffee; attending free events sponsored by your school or community.
