A few days ago I came across an article that asked the following question: Why is 2013 going to be a better year for you?
The reality is time itself does not change. What takes place at a given moment gives time its relevance. In essence time is a man-made creation to document events as they occur.
Resolutions
The start of a New Year offers us a psychological clean slate/fresh start. Anything that made us unhappy or disturbed us was last year. This is the time we create goals and plans to have the kind of year we want to have. Among the most common resolutions are to lose weight, quit smoking, quit drinking, find a new job, start a new business, or finish something we have already begun. Essentially a resolution is a plan of action.
Action
One of the few instances where many people are reluctant to make a resolution is in the area of dating and relationships. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard women in particular proclaim: “I’m waiting on God to send me a man.” So apparently it’s not enough that God has made (7 billion) people with about half of them being men, but he also has to gift wrap and personally deliver one to your doorstep? Even a lottery winner purchases a ticket!
To get anything in life requires some type of action on our part. Not many of us would buy into a strategy of waiting on God to deliver us a job. We would instead research companies, reach out to contacts, join networking groups, search job sites and email resumes. Waiting is a cop out which often leads to depression. The only cure I have found for depression is taking action. If you want something different you have to do something different!
Dating Strategies
If you are someone who actually would like to have a companion, go on some dates, or simply want to increase your social activities in 2013 then you owe it to yourself to be proactive. The following are some ideas which may be of help.
Visit Meetup.com
Meetup.com is an international website dedicated to bringing people of similar interest together. This not a “dating” site per se which makes it the perfect vehicle for someone who prefers a passive approach to dating. The purpose of the meetings is to share ideas, gain insight, network, socialize, and have fun with those in your area. Meeting groups include everything from meditation, yoga, wine tasting, volley ball, tennis, writers groups, singles groups, and on and on. In fact you are invited to start your own meetup group. Odds are if you don’t end up dating anyone you’ll still improve your social life.
The Discovery Center is Chicago’s Lifelong Learning Center. It offers independent adult education programs. These classes are primarily one session lasting from one to two and a half hours. The courses are for the most part in the $29-$49 range with an additional material fee. You will want to check out the Friends and Lovers category. The goal is not so much to meet someone in the classes although that may happen but rather to gain some tips which may help you in a particular area. There is a wide variety of courses from “Flirting Excursion”, “How to Talk to Anyone Anytime”, “Get Him to Put a Ring on it” to “Networking for Kinky People”. If you’re interested in meeting (me), your favorite Chicago Dating Examiner feel free to sign up for my own class; How to Find and Choose Your Ideal Mate. (January 23rd)
The Discovery Center is located at 2855 N. Lincoln 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60657 (773)348-8120
Online Dating
I know there is still a lot of skepticism when it comes to online dating. The general belief most people have is everyone is a jerk, liar, or cheater on the website (except) for them. The truth is the same folks that are online go to the grocery store, mall, beach, park, movie theatre, nightclubs, and church. The Internet did not invent liars and cheaters. The Internet is nothing more than a tool. Just like a fork can be used to eat a garden salad or a large slice of double fudge chocolate cake. The problem is not with the tool but rather how people use the tool. Having said that, it is important to research the best or top online dating sites before joining one. Not all dating sites are equal. Some cater to particular races, religions, and age groups. Naturally the (free) or inexpensive sites are likely to have a higher number of people looking to take advantage of others. The important thing to remember is to use good commonsense when dealing with strangers. Take your time getting to know someone via the website before exchanging your personal contact information. Remember it’s not where you meet but whom you meet that counts.
For additional tips review my article titled: 6 Common Mistakes Women Make With Online Dating.
If someone should ask you: Why is 2013 going to be a better year for you? Tell them:
"Because I’m going to make it a better year!"
It’s your life! Take the wheel!
(Feel free to pass this on to three friends)
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