Susan
February 28, 2025
In today’s world, you have countless avenues at your fingertips for finding “The One” — both in the digital realm and the real world. Regardless of the many options, however (which can be downright overwhelming), many singles still struggle to make meaningful connections. Wondering how to meet new people? The good news is, you’re not alone — there are millions of other single people out there who are eager to get to know you. The key, of course, is putting yourself out there in the right places and in the right ways.
Luckily for you, I’m going to lay out exactly how to meet a high-quality man and how to meet a high-quality woman. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to meet people online or how to meet people without dating apps, these foolproof tips can totally transform your love life.
How to meet people online
It’s 2025, so why not use the Internet to your advantage? Not only is this a super convenient way to meet new people (without even leaving your couch or changing out of your loungewear), but it was alsothe perfect solution if you were trying to figure out how to meet people during quarantine because there are no health risks involved.
Dating Apps Remain The Main Way That Singles Meet
The best dating apps of 2020 include such classics as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge — but you might also consider branching out and trying one of the many innovative new options that have emerged during the pandemic. Take Swivel, for instance, which is a video speed-dating platform. My advice to you is to consider what you’re looking for before figuring out which app is right for you. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, your best bet is to seek out apps that connect you with like-minded people. For example, the ultra-exclusive app Raya is ideal if you’re a creative professional who’s looking for equally ambitious influencers. MeetMindful is perfect if you’re all about spirituality, yoga, healthy eating, and travel and want a partner-in-crime who’s into the same. And SilverSingles is a community solely designed for people who are 55+ and looking for someone special.
Experiencing swipe fatigue? You might try voice-chat apps like DialUp, which randomly connects users at predetermined times and lets them talk on the phone about specific subjects they’re both interested in (the “lines” include topics like breakfast and weekend projects). And if you’re tired of judging people solely based on their pics, you might download an experiential dating app like Avec, which centers around specific things you’d like to do. You can either post an activity that you’d like to do with a date, or search by a specific event (like a concert or movie you want to see).
Instagram/Twitter
BTW, while we’re on the subject of online dating, we should definitely tackle how to meet people on Instagram or X formerly known as Twitter. Whether you know it or not, these social platforms also double as dating apps these days — but you’ll have to tread carefully here to avoid coming off as creepy. Remember: Not everyone on these outlets are looking for a love connection. That said, if you start forming an innocent social media crush, there’s no harm in seeing if you can turn it into something more.
If you’re not sure where to start with this, try searching #single or #singlelife and adding those same hashtags to your future posts, or searching for people with hashtags that express your same interests (#winelover, #doglover, etc). You can also search your city hashtag (#Boston, #Miami, etc) or location tags of some of your favorite local spots. From scrolling through someone’s feed, you should be able to get a sense of whether they’re single or not. If you get the sense they’re unattached, try “liking” a post or two here and there to establish some flirty vibes.
Women may have an easier time sliding into DMs than men, but men can still shoot their shot if they do it smoothly. So, once you feel brave enough, go ahead and send them a private message — but make sure you have something interesting to say. Sending them a DM that says “hey, what’s up?” is kind of the kiss of death, because it doesn’t show any originality. Instead, comment on something specific in one of their photos. For example, you might message them to say “Hey, this pic from Rome is beautiful, I was just there last summer — what was your favorite experience there?” or “Damn, looks like you’re a pro chef — I’ve been trying to amp up my kitchen skills lately. What’s on today’s menu?” As a general rule, open-ended questions are way more effective than yes-or-no questions, because they inspire a more thoughtful response.
Happy hours Are A Great Way To Find Love
Happy hours offer an amazing way to meet new people from the comfort of your own neighborhood or a work break in the evening. You still need a little something to eat when working, so why not grab those half price apps. The advantage here is that chatting in person as opposed to dating apps allows you to get a better sense of the person since you aren’t online. It’s way less awkward.
Not only will you have the opportunity to meet cute singles who live close to you, but you can support some local establishments while you’re at it.
Or, why not host your own happy hour? Instruct each of your friends to invite someone you haven’t met yet, whether it’s a cousin, a colleague, or their old college roomie. Who knows? There may be a cutie or two hiding amongst your friends’ friends.
How to meet people without dating apps
If you’re getting sick of endlessly swiping through a sea of profiles, trying to analyze emojis, and overthinking your bio, you might find you’re craving an in-person connection — and I don’t blame you. Lots of singles forget that you still can meet someone the old-fashioned way, and in fact, there’s something extra magical about finding love organically. From the gym to the library and the farmer’s market, so many of the normal places you hit up in your everyday life are a hotbed of viable dating prospects.
Meeting people offline requires a little bit of creativity and a whole lot of confidence. My top tip on this subject, though, is to increase your awareness wherever you go. It’s so easy to miss out on someone amazing if you’re staring at your phone 24/7. So, next time you’re waiting in line for your coffee or sitting alone at a restaurant, take a look around you. Not only might you notice more prospects in your vicinity, but you’ll also look more approachable. Think about it: Would you be likely to strike up a conversation with someone if their head was buried in their Twitter feed? While you’re at it, don’t just look around — but allow yourself to make eye contact with a stranger. Eye contact is, without a doubt, the most powerful form of nonverbal flirting.
Local meetups are a great place to find love!
As far as where to meet people goes, start by thinking about the things you love and doing more of them. For instance, if you’re a total wino, you might sign up for a local class or tasting. Or, if you’re an art aficionado, make it a point to attend more gallery openings and exhibit premieres. This way, you’re more likely to find someone who automatically shares interests with you — and that common ground can go a long way in your compatibility.
Traveling
If you’re a jetsetter, make an effort to put yourself out there on your next trip. First of all, you can meet fascinating people in airports if you’re brave enough to strike up a convo. Post up at a bar somewhere and if you see someone sitting alone, ask where they’re coming from or heading to and see where the convo takes you. Whether you’re vacationing in London or at Lake Como, you can use sites like TripAdvisor to find out where the local hotspots for singles are, and sites like TourRadar to find out about tour meetups for single travelers.
Volunteering
Serving on a local board/committee or volunteering is another phenomenal way to meet people. VolunteerMatch offers an easy way to find local philanthropic opportunities that are catered to your interests and skills — and what better way to meet someone than by giving back to your community together? Speaking of giving back, charity galas are a no-brainer for meeting high-quality men and women. Choose one that’s for a cause you actually care about, and you’re more likely to make a meaningful connection with someone else there.
Find Love Through mutual friends
By the way, don’t be shy about leveraging your network. Let friends, fam, and acquaintances know that you’re not just single but also ready to mingle — and ask them if they know anyone interesting you might hit it off with. Then, you can ask your contact to connect you via text or email, and schedule a date from there.
Tired of dating in the same social circles? You may need a little help from a professional matchmaker, who can link you up with like-minded, successful people who meet your standards. When you work with me, you’ll have access to a highly selective inner circle that includes investors, CEO’s, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and supermodels, among other impressive singles. Once you get a better sense of what you’re looking for, I can help you start training yourself to be your own matchmaker — and look at single men and women with the same discernment that I do.
So, what are you waiting for? There are countless ways to meet new people both on and offline — now, it’s up to you to figure out where your journey begins.