While I have been out of the game for some time, the journey from single to committed is still the same. En route you lose a heap of items you once loved and some you never needed to begin with, but in the end you find what you have been missing all along. That said, I hope the following may help answer a question recently posed to me by a close friend who is single, ‘Where do you find someone?!?’.

It took a bit of time to really think back to when I was actually looking or determine if I was ever even on the lookout, but after some review, I think I have an answer. For those singletons looking for a ‘someone’ and willing to embrace a challenge, I may just have the answer you need.

For the next month, if you follow these 4 rules, I guarantee* you will in turn find someone worth your time dating. Key phrase: worth your time.

1. Do not pick up any UP (unidentified person**) in a bar or club - no exceptions no matter how enticing. This does not mean avoid all socializing, partying or dancing (my 3 favorite things), but decide going into the bar or club that one should look but not buy if wanting something serious.

2. Do join a reputable online dating service or one you have not tried before that is popular. Yes there are still some very sketchy characters online, but these days it is more than a great idea to hit the net to find your next someone. At the very least a free dinner for some if it doesn’t work out.

3. Say ‘yes’ to every social invitation posed to you. It may be winter, but this doesn’t mean go into hibernation. It may be summer, but this doesn’t mean just sit in the sun and do nothing. Get out and about with friends. If you say ‘no’ too many times, chances are you won’t be asked again and last I checked you weren’t living with naked cover models, so cut the excuses.

4. Join one group hobby that you have an interest in signing-up for, i.e. co-ed sports team, group guitar, Spanish lessons, circus class. Some of you will have done the circuit of mutual friends or your friend’s friends. Solution is to make new ones doing something you enjoy.

Side Note: There are always exceptions to the rules, but if seriously wanting to find more than an FB this season (see previous post), follow #1-4 for one month solid and get back to me on the outcome(s). Feedback on where you go to find someone is also welcomed.

*99% certainty of outcome

**An UP does not apply in a bar/club outing where your friend(s) introduce you to their friend(s).