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?
PThe 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?"
