Can You Still Date Without Dating Apps?

Many people predict online dating to be the future of dating, but 54% of people don't like dating apps or websites. These platforms can be a great way to meet new people you might not otherwise meet. But they can also be a time drain and sap your confidence.

So can you still date organically? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’! 

COVID-19 restrictions are still in place in many areas. Not all these options will be available at the moment. But you can still try the virtual alternatives for now. Many groups host Zoom meetings so you can ‘meet’ people without the nerves of meeting people in person.

And you can use this list to plan all the things you’ll do when everyone can spend time together properly again! Read on to learn how to date without using dating apps.

Follow Your Joy

This option is perhaps the most fun and healthy way to meet a new partner. It involves no strategy or planning.

It’s also very simple. Live your life and do what interests you. Take classes for hobbies you want to try. Learn a new language because you’d love to visit the country. Try an arty workshop because it looks like fun. Go to the gym or head to conferences about your interests.

There are two main reasons why this is such an important step. First, you deserve to enjoy your life whether you’re single or partnered. You need to put yourself first and build a life you love. That’s why we put such emphasis on it in our signature program, so you have a life you can’t wait to share.

Second, doing this throws you into the path of people with the same interests as you. You’re more likely to be compatible with people who enjoy those things. It’ll give you something to talk about, and the activity is a great ice breaker. You can also get to know the person without the pressure of dating hanging over you.

Also, remember you might not date the specific people you meet. But they might have some single friends for you!

Meet New Partners Through People You Know

Speaking of friends, ask your friends or coworkers for introductions. The advantage you have here is that your friend or coworker can vouch for people. 

They may not know if the person they'll introduce you to is a narcissist. But they'll be able to tell you if they're married or not—which you can't guarantee with a dating profile. Remember, dating websites can’t and won’t stop sex offenders from using them. And 42% of Tinder users are in relationships!

Make sure you ask people whose judgement you trust. Your friends who are in healthy relationships are more likely to have good quality friends they can set you up with.

If you don't know anyone you feel you can ask, you can always try speed dating or matchmaking.

Go Where Your Ideal People Goes

This one requires a little more strategy. First, figure out the kind of person you'd like to meet. What kind of partner do you want? Next, work out what hobbies or interests they would have. Then go to those places!

Here’s an example. You might want someone caring and environmentally conscious. So volunteering for green charities, litter picking in your community, or helping out at a nature reserve could be good options. The people you meet doing these things are more likely to have the qualities you’re looking for.

This one does come with a caveat. Make sure you pick an activity you actually want to do. Don’t just pick something for the kind of people you’ll meet there. That would be like going to the theatre to meet an intellectual partner when you actually can't stand it!

The advantage of this one is that you can pick up a new hobby or interest into the bargain. Or you might find a new favourite cafe or restaurant along the way.

Create Opportunities

You may already be in groups or societies related to your interests. For example, one of our clients joined a local research library because she does a lot of research for her blog. But she also wants to meet an intellectual partner who values learning. Win-win!

But what if you’re not in that position?

This is where we would recommend the website Meetup.com. It’s not a dating website—in fact, many groups crack down on people who message their members looking for dates.

It’s a great place to find groups related to your interests in your local area. It has more than 49 million members globally and its main goal is getting people off the internet to socialise.

Can’t find a group? Start one! Meetup will advertise it to its members on your behalf, making it easy for others to find your group. You’ll have a few months to see if the group works before they’ll charge an admin fee. This is a great way to meet a lot of new people quickly and without the pressure of dating.

Embrace Social Situations

Many people still suggest meeting in bars. Parties or get-togethers can also be a great option. Social situations give you the chance to mingle with a lot of people at once. There’s less pressure because you're simply chatting to people to get to know new faces. If someone gives you weird vibes, say goodbye and move on.

And if no one in your social circle organises get-togethers, become the person who does! Hold themed picnics or have forest bathing expeditions now the weather is warming up.

Ask your friends to each bring someone new rather than their partner. That way, it becomes an excuse for you to all meet new people and broaden your social circles.

Try Using Coworking Spaces

If you’re a freelancer or otherwise self-employed, you may spend a lot of time working from home. This cuts your chances of meeting someone at work, or at after-work gatherings.

In this case, try using a coworking space. They’re a great option anyway for networking purposes. Many freelancers find new collaborators by working alongside other freelancers. They also give you the chance to work among other people on your own terms.

Yet they can also be a place to meet other single freelancers. Some coworking spaces hold social events and other gatherings, so you’re not left out of the ‘after work drinks’.

Be Open To Random Encounters

A lot of these options need a degree of planning. But there’s a lot to be said for random encounters. You could bump into a good match in the queue at Starbucks, or walking your dog in the park. If you don’t have a dog, borrow your friend's dog and take it for a walk! Who knows who you’ll meet?

So don't hide away when you're in public. So many of us stick our earphones in on the train and stare at our phones. This sends out a 'do not disturb' signal to most people. Even if someone thinks you look interesting, they don't want to intrude. So switch to people watching. Read the adverts on the tube. Flick through a magazine but take pauses to look up.

A magazine is less of a deterrent than your phone because someone might use it as an ice breaker. Likewise, feel free to do the same! If someone is reading a magazine and looks up, ask what they're reading. If nothing else, you’ll brighten someone’s day by showing an interest in them. (Obviously back off if they clearly don’t want to talk to you)

Put yourself out there in public. The more you’re around other people, the more chance you have for meeting potential partners.

Yes, You Can Date Without Using Dating Apps

These options are all great ways to encounter interesting, funny, worthwhile people. And best of all, they let you date without using dating apps. But if you’ve been out of the dating game for a while, you may wonder how to attract someone while you’re trying these options.

If that’s you, then you’ll love our on-demand webinar. Check out ‘The five secrets to attract a high-quality partner for a loving & lasting relationship (without lowering your standards, compromising or settling!)’ In it, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make sure the person you’re dating is worthy of you and your love.