The divorce is finally over. You’ve made peace with the past, taken the time to heal and are getting adjusted to your new lifestyle.
Even though you’re ready to move on, get out there and start to mingle again, oftentimes this is much easier said than done. If you are wondering which are the most opportune ways and the best places to be to make this happen, here are some suggestions for where to find a date, meet a mate or simply make a friend:
eRomance
Online dating is very popular. Some highly rated sites include Zoosk, Match, JDate,ChristianMingle, PlentyOfFish and OkCupid. If meeting a new person one-on-one for the first time is intimidating, check out these sites that bring groups of singles together:
- Eight at Eight: Eight singles (four men and four women) are matched for dinner based on profession level, education, children, habits and age group desired. At the restaurant, a moderator greets and introduces the group, buys first round of drinks, gets the conversation going and ensures separate checks at end of evening.
- Gourmet Connections: Chicago’s premier dining and dancing club for professional singles, they host events in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
- SingleSync: This leading Chicago-area social organization for single professionals aged 30 to 60 hosts dinner parties, dances and wine tastings as well as business, career and social networking-after-work meetings and more.
Give and You Shall Receive
Volunteer for a special cause. Attend fundraisers and/or charity events. These are great ways to offer support, help those in need and meet like-minded people. Even if you don’t make a love connection, at the very least you’ve given back to the community.
Have Faith
Become active at your house of worship. Attend religious services. Participate in programs and serve on committees. If faith is important to you, this is a great place to meet someone new who shares your values.
Get Physical
Join a co-ed league. Become a coach for local teams or volunteer to ref games. Take exercise classes and/or work out at a health club, park district or continuing education program. Check outMeetup.com to find individuals in your area who are participating in the recreational activities that you enjoy.
It’s Showtime
Volunteer for the performing arts by joining the Saints. Members usher at over 100 Chicago and suburban theaters, dance and musical organizations. In return, they are allowed to attend these activities and performances at no charge.
See and Be Seen
Enjoy the warmer temps by heading to farmers’ markets, neighborhood festivals, Ravinia and the Botanic Gardens. Enroll in a cooking class. Join a book club. Visit art galleries, museums, and other cultural venues. Become a Toastmaster. Take an improv class. Look over Make It Betters’ listing ofRecommended Events, and attend those that pique your interest. If you are doing things you enjoy, you will meet others who share your interests.
At this stage of the game it’s important to keep an open mind and heart. Maintain a sense of humor. Have fun. Step out of your comfort zone and try new activities. The more active you are, the wider your social network grows. Become the person you want to attract…and then the right ones will be attracted to you!
