5 Old-Fashioned Ways to Find a Great Match (No App Swiping Required)

Hate the single life but hate online dating even more? That doesn’t mean you’ve just given up on finding love.

Take a look at your social calendar from the past month. How proactive have you been lately? How many dates have you been on?

If your goal is to be in a loving relationship in the next 12 months, you need to go on a few good, solid first dates every month. So where can you find these first date prospects?

If you’re disillusioned with online dating or just don’t feel comfortable exposing yourself to this type of risk, here are some fun, alternative options that are definitely worth considering.

Here are 5 traditional ways to find a great match without even opening an app:

1. Singles Events

Successful dating takes practice, and the best way to get it is to surround yourself with single people and do it often.

With that in mind, I encourage you to attend singles meetups twice a month. Do a quick Google search to find Meet Up groups, speed dating, and singles event clubs in your area.

Your mission at the event? Bring a smile to the face of every person you meet. Bring your personal business cards so you can easily share your contact information with every new acquaintance.

old-fashioned ways of meeting people Pexels / Pixabay

2. Dating coaches

We don’t know what we don’t know and we don’t see our own blind spots, right? Dating coaches can give you pointers on what you might be doing wrong and what you might want to do in the future.

Luckily, some of the best dating coaches give out a ton of free advice through blogs, podcasts, and webinars. Some even offer a free introductory call.

3. Your personal network

It’s bold, but I did it myself, many moons ago, and it was incredibly rewarding. Create a one-page “personal CV” that playfully introduces who you are (with photos) and describes the kind of person you’d like to meet.

Send this to 50 of your closest friends and colleagues with the subject line “Who do you know?” This approach has resulted in over 20 introductions made to me through my personal network.

How many people meet their partner through a friend? According to a study conducted by Microphone.

And to my great surprise, it was mine mom who made the strongest couple. Amazing!

4. Throw your own singles party

This idea is simple and very fun. Plan a simple, fun get together (for Happy Hour at a local hot spot) and invite ALL the great singles in your world.

Require that each person bring a member of the opposite sex with them so that each person can actually contribute to creating an enjoyable experience for all party attendees.

As the organizer, be sure to collect the contact information of everyone who shows up, so you can stay in touch and keep track of everyone who seems to be “invited.” You can host the party multiple times, sending invitations to even the most interesting guests.

5. Matchmaking Register

Register with all the local matchmakers in your area. Many modern matchmakers have advanced technology that allows them to conduct deep, targeted searches for clients.

Julia Ferman is a personal matchmaker, consultant, dating coach, media personality, professional speaker, dating industry conference and event producer, and blogger. She has been a guest on countless television shows including Good Morning America, The Today Show, Dr. Phil, and Fox News.