How to Meet a Partner IRL

It might seem almost impossible to meet a new partner without the help of a dating app in 2018, but that’s how all dating was conducted a few years ago remember? Let’s not forget Tinder is only six years old!

If you're suffering from online/dating app fatigue and want to meet someone in a way that's less focused on texting, WhatsApps, and liking their goddam thirst traps, know you can meet other humans face-to-face.

Sex and relationships expert for Lovehoney Annabelle Knight explains how.

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How to get a girlfriend, boyfriend, or partner

Through your uni or former school

Everyone has some kind of missed connection from their uni, college or school days. You know, that person you always wished you'd dated but the circumstances were never quite right.

Keeping in touch with uni, college or school groups and going to meet ups/reunions/hang outs is a great way to get together with old friends and pore over your great memories (and, maybe even hook up with that person you never got to back in the day.)

Social media, obviously

Meeting people online is totally fine and nothing to be cringed out about, especially as you can use social media that isn't dating-specific. Sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are great ways to reconnect with people from your past, or find cool new people from your work or mutual friends.

If you're into it, you can always share your experiences online (only if you feel comfortable doing so) and comment on stories/like pics featuring your friends and therefore their friends. Plus, if there's someone you take a liking to, you can learn very quickly whether they may be a good match based on how they interact with their friends and family.

Volunteer

Donating your time for a cause you're passionate about will help you to meet someone with similar values, and that can create cute shared experiences. But, obviously, don’t volunteer somewhere for the sake of getting a date. You should only do it if you want to broaden your network of friends, help an organisation that means something to you, and learn. But, it's through that network that you might potentially meet a new partner.

Get out of the house

As simple and basic as it sounds, staying at home is not going to get you that many dates. If you do genuinely want to meet someone, be proactive with your friends and suggest new places to go - galleries, museums, gigs, bars etc. Basically anywhere that'll shake you out of your comfort zone and introduce you to new people. If you're able, try and do something new every week or month which will bring you into contact with new people, whether that's joining a club or meet up, or a class for whatever hobby you're into.

Make eye contact

This is like swiping photos in real-life. But the difference is the person is right in front of you and able to make a direct connection. You instinctively know who you are attracted to, and there's nothing wrong in making that clear through eye contact when you are out. Just obviously be respectful of other people's boundaries, and don't creep any out - that goes without saying.

Use your friends

In the nicest way possible, use your pals. After all, they know your great qualities, likes and dislikes. And, crucially, they know better than anyone if someone who is a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to let them know you're up for introductions to new people, and do the same for your single friends and work mates.

Work out

We're not just talking about going to the gym here (which is obvs great if you go to classes/see the same people when you're there), but all manner of clubs and teams for whatever kind of exercise you like: triathlons, yoga, hockey, football, etc.

Meeting weekly to work out and maybe go for a drink afterwards will mean you meet a whole new set of people - and therefore their friends... it's all about widening your network.

Accept invites

Yes, of course it can be intimidating to go to events on your own, but it's normally possible to get a plus one and bring a friend. If not, try and get out of your comfort zone if you can and go on your own. It's daunting but gets easier with practice. Plus, the chances are your friends who invite you to these events will have cool and interesting mates you’ve never met before. You can always ask them to intro you if you're feeling shy or awkward.