Where to Find a Mate

When you're a single girl or guy, you may find yourself under pressure to find a mate as you get older. This pressure can become rather heinous as one reaches the age of 30. If family and friends are constantly asking when you're going to settle down or why you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend, don't fret. Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, and head to place where you can meet new people and possibly new mates.

Weddings

While weddings are a place to celebrate the union of a couple, it is also an opportunity to mix and mingle with new people. The actual wedding ceremony is not the place to scope out a potential beau and pass your number along, but the reception that follows generally allows plenty of opportunity to approach someone that you think is attractive. Take a look at who steps up to the plate when the groom throws the garter and the bride throws the bouquet to scour the room for eligible men and women. Also, pay attention to whom is there with a date, so that you don't step on any toes when approaching someone to make conversation and flirt.

Social Outings

When a friend has a housewarming party, house party, or birthday event, don't throw the invitation in the trash. You never know where you may run into someone you'd be interested in dating. Often, these are some of the easiest places to find a mate. Social outings generally involve games that encourage guests to get to know each other, and since there might not be much else to do other than socialize, it presents a viable opportunity to strike up a conversation with a potential beau. These sorts of outings aren't limited to those that friends put together, however. Social outings include sorority and fraternity functions (in college and post grad), community events, poetry slams, comedy nights, etc. It is important to expand your horizons and remember that you don't have to concentrate on meeting a potential mate at a bar or club.

Reunions

Reunions are also some of the best places to meet a mate, because people are reconnecting with those that they haven't seen in a long time. Perhaps the guy or girl you had a crush on in high school is single and looking just like you are. Or, maybe a person you ruled out, is now someone you deem worthy to date. Take a chance at high school and college reunions and give old school loves a second chance.

Online

Don't rule out online dating. Sites such as match.com, and even myspace.com and facebook.com, have made it easier for people to connect with others who have similar interests. Always be careful when meeting people online and take the necessary precaution, but don't be afraid to use your favorite social networking sites as an opportunity to date and possibly meet the man or woman you've been looking for.

Resources

• More Places to Meet a Mate