Virtual Socialising Launch 6th April
Social Circle are bringing you events that are designed to keep us talking to each other,
entertained, staying fit, on top of our mental health and wellbeing as well as learning new skills.
Together we are stronger. Steve xxx
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Singles in Manchester
I woke up one day and realised that I was the only one in my social group who wasn’t married with kids. I knew that I needed somewhere to escape to that didn’t make me feel like the odd one out. Thank God I came across Social Circle. You guys are life savers!
Sarah Louise
Sarah Louise
Did you know that Manchester is in the midsts of a dating crisis, with the highest concentration of singles in the UK?
Given most people want their happily ever after, it is natural that singles start to turn their attention to finding true love.
Everywhere you look there are matchmaking apps, adverts from dating gurus, and speed-dating events.
The online dating industry is booming with almost half of all singles trying to find their match online.
Yet for many singles in Manchester, a relationship still proves elusive. So if you are looking for love- read on for a simple, but effective strategy.
Time to Swipe Left on online dating.
Apps such as Tinder and Happn bringing in a staggering £11.7bn to the UK economy alone.
Yet swiping right seems to only bring in new ways of being heartbroken.
Firstly, it has been shown that the Algorithms are set up based on how popular you are. If you look like a model - the dating world is your oyster.
However, if you are one of the thousands of perfectly imperfect normal people then the very apps meant to be bringing you true love, could be creating a barrier.
Secondly, dating from behind your screen seems to bring out the worst in people.
From using old photos and filters, to awful behaviour such as ghosting and catfishing, it is no wonder so many suffer dating fatigue.
But what about those of us who still are hanging onto the hope of romance? Do we just give up?
Phone a Friend?
The traditional approach to love was the number one way to meet other singles in 2018. 39% people found their partners through friends –
beating online dating and hanging out in bars combined. It is our friends who often introduce us to prospective partners when we say we are lonely. Our friends know all our quirks and can see through the many mistakes we have made when dating. Arguably, they are the best people to choose a potential partner for us. For some this may have been successful, but you may also have had some cringe-worthy moments. There is nothing worse than being one of two single people at a dinner party and having your married friends exchange glances as you desperately try to make small talk.
The truth is that as we approach our thirties and beyond, then our friendship circle naturally shrinks.
Socialising can be a double-edged sword unless you do it right. On one hand, if all you do is hang around with the same married couples you are rarely going to meet anyone new.
If all you do is swipe right on Tinder then you are just going to end up on more dates with little to talk about other than Love Island.
So how do you build a social life that will make you look fun and interesting and introduces you to potential partners?
The first step is to meet other singles in Manchester.
Maybe you are already switched onto the idea that getting out and meeting new people is the best way to find a date. Thomas Edwards, founder of The Professional Wingman, would agree.
"The biggest advantage to meeting potential dates in real life is getting to experience their vibe right away, which is something no online dating platform can deliver,” “This increases your odds of making good choices on who to go on a date with. There’s no better way to gauge attraction and chemistry than to be physically present with someone."
This is why various speed-dating events and singles nights are so popular. Yet from our experience, these events are lacking. The combined time pressure, expectations and eyes on the rest of the room could quickly kill off any romance. Plus, it rules out the long-lasting chemistry that comes from getting to know someone as a friend first.
Ironically, it seems the best way to meet people is to get out and meet other singles in a safe and fun environment - without the pressure of dating.
By joining a social group, that offers a diverse range of activities in Manchester, you can find new friends and have a grand old time.
This way, you more likely to meet people, both romantically and otherwise, who share your interests and personal values. Plus socialising builds your social skills, interests and self- confidence will make you a better, independant and attractive partner.
Think how interesting dates and interviews would be if you can claim your interests include rock-climbing, salsa or hiking?
A little savvy research from local Relationship Coach and Author, Sam Owen, in her article ‘What your social circle says about you‘ suggests that if we keep our ‘ideal self’ in mind when socialising we will soon begin to attract people and experiences that reflect our ideals. Like attracts Like after all. For many, this involves stepping outside your usual social circle, and comfort zone, by going to places and events that you have always wanted to do.
As Sam sagely says:
"The people we surround ourselves with impact virtually every aspect of our life. Is it time to think about what your circle says about you and what it’s doing to you and your chances of success, health and happiness?"
Love happens when you least expect it. Our Success Stories
We are not a dating agency, and nor would we ever want to be! However, most of our members are Manchester singles who have joined us with a plan to go out, have fun and see what life brings them. However, fate has an uncanny knack of bringing love to you when you least expect it and there are several couples who have found their soulmates through social circle events.
We caught up with Caroline Jennings, who met Peter Jennings over nine years ago. Given they are happily married with triplets, we thought we would ask her for details of how they met and what advice she has for other singles:
"When I joined Social Circle I was just having lots of fun, going on activities and meeting new friends. I joined as a lot of my friends were married with kids so it was always a nightmare to get anything arranged socially. I loved the flexibility of just looking at the calendar and saying 'yes I'd like to do that on Saturday night'. I met some great people, some of which are still friends today.
I saw that Social Circle were offering a Halloween Themed Weekend away, and signed up straight away. I planned my dracula costume meticulously, but I was there to have fun. I had no idea I was about to meet the love of my life. But there he was, dressed as a zombie, cooking up a storm in the kitchen. For me it was Love-At-First sight (or bite!). I decided there and then, he was the one for me. We didn’t exchange details there and then, but I got out of him that he was going to the Champagne Tasting - and I made my move there!!!
We have been together ever since, we have been together now for nearly 9 years and married 5 years. We have just had (spontaneous) triplet boys!! They are beautiful and 9 months old today. Our lives have changed a little since the boys came along (okay that is the understatement of the century !!) but we still try and get out for a drink or to local restaurants now and again - just like we used to with Social Circle.
What is my advice to other singles? Just enjoy yourself, love yourself and don't be on the look-out for love. It will find you. I promise.
"
It sounds good doesn’t it? Social Circle now offer oodles of events every month from cinema nights to themed murder mystery nights. Why not come and join in for free?
Perhaps our best known success story is the one of our founder, Stephen Sutherland. Steve arrived in Manchester as a single dad. Being new to Manchester, he found that social events for Manchester singles were somewhat lacking. So he started Social Circle. A few years later, he met his wife Louise. Steve has been quite outspoken on how Social Circle has changed his life, but this time we caught up with Louise for her version of the story.
"I was open to finding love but got quickly tired of dating. I decided to focus on all the things I enjoyed, which includes travel. I saw that Social Circle was offering a weekend away to Barcelona and signed up. I had not met Steve before that weekend, but I remember thinking: He is the One. We really complement each other well and still enjoy sports, travel and adventure together. We arranged to meet for a drink a few days after we got back. We have been together ever since and got married in 201. I had read the The Secret, so I really believe that everything happens for a reason, and that love will find you when you are focussed on enjoying life and really love yourself.
"
If you love travel and adventure like Louise and Steve, then why not join us on one of our weekends away? You are guaranteed to have a great time and make new friends. You never know, you may even meet the love of your life!
Good news Manchester Singles! The solution is oh so simple
As you can see - whether it's going on a walking tour, visiting a local museum, socialising in a bar or a restaurant, or something more active - you won't be stuck for things to do in Manchester again.
Social Circle offers plenty of options for Manchester singles. Salsa is a popular activity with no partner needed and a great way to meet new people.
The fine theatres, the Opera House, Palace Theatre, and Lowry Centre, provide some wonderful evenings of top quality entertainment throughout the year. With Social Circle, you can take advantage of the city's
many fine bars and restaurants to mingle and enjoy countless nights of wining and dining.
Singles in Manchester can also enjoy some of the city's fine attractions, whether it be Saturday shopping at The Trafford Centre or a Sunday afternoon visiting Manchester Art Gallery.
You never know when cupid’s arrow will strike - and, even if it doesn’t - you will so busy enjoying life that your relationship status won’t matter.
The fact is that we live in an age where 'natural' is the order of the day. Social media has made online conversations more accessible and natural, and at Social Circle,
we aim to capture that same spirit: people meeting people in a natural setting.
We even host mingle parties where you can relax and meet people -just like you - who are keen to expand their social circle.
The first thing to do is pop your details in the form below to find out more.
Our Top 5 Articles on Living the Single Life.
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Lonely Heart? Alone does not have to mean Lonely.
Is it possible to have a great life and enjoy being single without feeling lonely? Yes! In this blog we explore all the ways you can ensure that your single life is your best life.
Pros and Cons of Travelling Alone.
If you love travel, then you don’t have to wait to find a romantic partner to travel with. Follow our advice on travelling as a single. Who knows, the love of your life could be waiting for you at the bar on a beach front!
Too Fat to Fit In?
Why size should not stop you socialising. In a world where we seem to be surrounded by images of the perfect bodies of ‘ordinary’ people, it is easy to lose confidence in ourselves. The temptation is to avoid socialising and dating until we have shed those pounds etc. We believe that true friends, and your true love, will accept you for everything you are. Jiggles and All. This article will hopefully give your esteem a little boost and help you in your first steps to a happier, more fulfilled, you!
Your first time?
Advice for nervous socialites. Maybe you want to try new activities, maybe you are new to Manchester and want to connect with other Manchester singles. We know you haven't been out yet, and we know why. You are nervous. We have all been there. Our blog looks at easing any social anxiety and encourages you to take the first steps to meeting new people.