Alexis considers 5 new ideas for finding love

by Alexis Thompson
Girl Friday
Friday, 12th August 2011

Last week I wrote about taking a new, positive approach to dating. The dating scene can be tough, often filled with disappointments and false hopes, so I felt it was important to take some time out from it all, in order to gain a fresh perspective.

The result? Well I certainly feel more optimistic about life as a singleton, plus I feel more optimistic about my chances of finding love.

I have the right attitude, so now it's just a case of looking in the right places. I reached the conclusion a while back that night clubs, bars and alcohol, are definitely not the right ingredients to finding love. Instead I want to look for more sophisticated and fun ways to meet somebody.

For a long time now I've felt that my search for love has turned into a chore, and dating is something that I've come to dread rather than enjoy. I want to put the fun back into it by trying things that will not only introduce me to new people, but also things that I will enjoy. I also want to take the emphasis out of finding Mr Right and instead just enjoy dating for what it is. After all, they say that you're much more likely to find love when you're not looking for it at all.

So, to get me started I've drawn up a list of fun, simple and yet slightly more sophisticated ways of meeting people. Over the next month, I will be trying out each of the things on my list and reporting back on how successful it's been. Wish me luck, and if you have any other suggestions, then please tweet me @singleinsuburbs with your ideas.

1. A pop-up restaurant

The latest craze to hit London, where people with a passion for cooking invite strangers into their homes to rate their culinary skills. I've been lucky enough to receive an invite to one next weekend, and I think it could be the perfect place to meet a potential date.

The atmosphere will be much more intimate than a noisy bar or club, plus I'll be sat with a bunch of strangers. Throw some wine and good food into the mix and it's bound to spark some entertaining conversation, perhaps even a romance.

2. A new hobby

This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time now. However, the thing I had in mind may not seem like the best way to meet single men in their twenties and thirties.

I've decided on Yoga, mainly because I want to focus my mind and relieve some of the stresses of being a twenty-something singleton trying to survive in London. However, I have heard more and more guys are considering taking it up as a hobby too.

If Yoga doesn't work out, then I have plenty of other things in mind. From writing groups, to hiking clubs, dance classes to drama workshops. I'm going to keep an open mind about this one and maybe try out a few things. After all, the more like-minded people you meet, the more likely you are to find someone special.

3. The gym

I recently signed up for a months membership at my local gym and I'm already hooked. After two years without setting foot in a gym, I'd forgotten how good an hours run on the treadmill can make you feel. Well, it's more like a 45 minute power walk, but over all I'm feeling much more motivated, plus my local gym is full of good-looking guys.

A few of the regulars have caught my eye, so now it's just a case of plucking up the courage to start a conversation with one of them.

4. Online dating

I have to admit that I'm still a little dubious about this one. My biggest concern is that I'll spend hours emailing someone, only to meet them in real life and realise that we have zero chemistry.

Still, it's a good opportunity to see what's out there and to get back into the dating game without making too big a commitment. I'm going to cast my doubts aside and give it one last shot. I may not meet Mr Right online, but I'm sure I'll meet a few potential dates.

5. Speed Dating

In all honesty this is something I've spent my entire single life trying to avoid. The idea of having to make conversation with strangers under a strict time frame of only a few minutes, scares me a little.

However, I've heard from friends that it's actually a fun way to spend an evening, and some of them have even met future boyfriends from it. Intrigued, I've decided to give it a go. I just hope they're right.

topic tags: chat up, first date, first move, online dating, speed dating

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about the author

Alexis is a 27-year-old and very often, cash-strapped journo, searching for her ideal man in London. After being single for almost a year, since splitting with her first long term love, she's decided to ditch the night clubs and bars, and start finding more mature and sophisticated ways of meeting her Mr Right. Join her every Friday as she describes the trials and tribulations of discovering love in a city that has little time for romance, as well as offering advice to those in search of the same thing or who may not have realised they've already found it.

Alexis writes a weekly blog for Dating Trail. If you'd like to be be first to find out about her next installment then please follow us on Twitter or 'Like' our Facebook page for updates.

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