Published in Dating     0 comments – join the discussion!

There are certain times when you go out hoping (if not expecting) to meet a potential romantic partner. For instance, going out with friends to a local club or bar, or meeting with somebody from online personals or an online dating site. Most of the time however, you're just living your life. You stop by the bank to make a deposit, you buy a printer cartridge for your printer, and you pop into the coffee shop for a cappuccino. Chances are, you probably don't think about meeting people when you're doing these everyday things.

But you can! The truth is, if you try, you can meet people anywhere you go, even the places you least expect. Want to give "everyday dating" a try? It's as simple as following a few little suggestions:

1. Look nice when you go out

When you know you might be meeting people, you put on your nicest clothes and fix your hair. But chances are you don't put much effort into your appearance when you're running to the grocery store for a loaf of bread or shopping for a new laptop. If you want to meet men or women in everyday situations, however, you're going to have to start. Now, this doesn't mean you have to go the whole nine yards whenever you have to make a quick bank deposit. After all, sometimes you just want to get in and out and finish your errand. But when you're feeling friendly and wanting to meet somebody new, dress up a bit, even if it's just for coffee.

Dressing nicely, looking polished, and wearing a bit of perfume or cologne, is, of course, the best way to get attention from the opposite sex. But it's also a way of subtly (even subconsciously) telling them that you're available and interested. When you're obviously trying to look good, it changes the dynamic from "I'm shopping for apples" to "I'm standing next to somebody attractive of the opposite sex." This is exactly what you want.

2. Smile at strangers

In some places this sort of behavior is automatic, people are just friendly. But in other places (especially larger cities), most people aren't overly friendly to one another without cause. Smile at that attractive man in the blue suit stirring cream into his coffee. You never know what kind of response you'll get.

3. Let your guard down

When most of us go out, we're running errands and trying to live our day-to-day lives, and we put a wall up. We women in particular use that wall to protect ourselves; we don't want to spend time talking to strangers or end up in an uncomfortable situation with a man. It's important to always be careful, cautious, and aware. But avoiding dangerous situations doesn't necessarily mean you have to have a wall up at all times.

If you let down your guard in public (but be safe about it!), you'll be surprised at the positive things that can come from it. If you uncross your arms and decide to be open to conversation with strangers while waiting in line (instead of absorbed in reading the headlines of the National Enquire), you never know who may chat you up.

4. Leave your MP3 player at home

When you know you'll be waiting in long lines, riding the subway, or sitting by yourself with your coffee, you generally bring something along to help pass the time. But sticking headphones in your ears and blocking yourself off from the world will also block you off from the chance to meet people. So put your book down occasionally when you're at the coffee shop, or leave it at home. Keep your MP3 player in your pocket when you want to meet somebody new. The more "present" you are in everyday situations, the greater the chance of meeting somebody.

5. Flirt... even if it seems strange

Most people are used to flirting and playing coy at the bar or on a date. But the idea of doing the very same thing next time you're at the bank may seem a little odd. You should try it! Flirting with people you meet in everyday situations can be a great way to take small talk to the next level, and letting the person you're speaking to know you're interested in more than their deposit slip. As a bonus, flirting in everyday situation is great practice for those times where you're really out to meet people, such as group dates or in clubs.

Good Luck!

Bookmark & Share