WELCOME

I don't know what it is, but there is something about this time of year that excites my senses and pushes me out of my shell and out into the changing outdoor world. It's a time of new beginnings and stirring memories of season's past- when the world was anew with possibilities and the promise of dreams coming true.

Now is one of the best times of the year to stretch your comfort zone as you reach out for new experiences and relationships. There are so many single people like yourself who are sitting and reading this, or browsing their online ad or staring at their screen saver and asking themselves- "What is my next step and where can I go to meet that right person for me."

In order to help inspire you into taking productive action towards your relationship goal- I decided to write an article this month that offers tips on how to increase your chances of meeting the kind of person you seek- regardless of your geographic area or age. Take a few notes, then let the season inspire you into action- the rest is a combination of luck, timing and knowing what you must have and what you absolutely do not want- from your future partner and relationship.

If you need focused help with meeting and dating, consider coaching. I offer assistance from one session up, depending upon your needs. Learn how to present your best self and connect with that interesting and attractive stranger. You can view my services at: http://www.consum-mate.com/services.htm.

I also offer eclasses that provide tools for developing relationship readiness, more effective meeting and dating skills and productive and satisfying use of communication. These can be found on: http://www.consum-mate.com/eclasses.htm.

Want to jazz up your online profile, get feedback on what is working/not working in your approach, or have a new one written for you? Email Toni@consum-mate.com for details on how I can help.

If you are looking for articles that offer a lot of free dating help and advice, you can find these on: http://www.consum-mate.com/articles.htm. If you haven't clicked on our surveys, consider doing so. We are always looking for your input in order to provide what you need most. These can be found on:

http://www.consum-mate.com/survey.htm or http://www.consum-mate.com/site-survey.htm

Whatever your relationship needs, we can help you to fulfill them at Consum-mate.

A big thanks to all of you for subscribing to this newsletter. Consider forwarding it to a single friend or loved one who may be in need of some relationship building advice.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Secret forces are bringing compatible people together. If the man permits himself to be led by this ineffable attraction, good fortune will come his way. When deep friendships exist, formalities and elaborate preparations are not necessary."

                                                    - Ching quotes

FEATURED ARTICLE

You'd rather stay home with a good book…

A night out with the guys is all you can handle now…

Dating has begun to feel like work- all hustle and stress with no end in sight…

Do any of the above sound at all familiar?

When I talk to singles about their greatest relationship issues and needs - the problem of meeting the "right" people always comes up. It seems that almost everyone is acquainted with the bar scene or the blind date- and more recently, online dating. While these have all led to successful matches, they are not the only options- and for many who have tried them- the results have been disappointing and left individuals with the belief that they will NEVER meet anyone, EVER.

If you are one of these people, I recommend that you not give up quite yet. The world is a big place and there are opportunities and new adventures all around you. All that is required is an open mind, a willingness to take (calculated and thought out) risks, and a spirit of adventure. It is also important to remember that if you keep doing what you have always done- you will keep getting the same outcomes. In other words, it's time for some new approaches. The first step is to come up with a list of "dating leads," that are tailored to your interests, local availability and access- and that are realistic and doable.

In order to help you take this first step, the following are all great ways to meet like-minded people. They also have the added bonus of opening up new social and professional networks for you to explore, connect with and, perhaps find love and more through- in the not too distant future.

• Sports- Do you have an interest in softball, volleyball, tennis or golf? Or perhaps you are more into the extreme ones like scuba diving, rock climbing, caving, white water rafting, and marathons. Whatever your passion is- "Google" it. Find out what is available in your area and make some calls or send some emails. Then, get a budget together for the time and money it will take- and decide which one (s) is best for you at this particular time in your life. As the season moves towards summer- the world will come alive with single wanting to play- and looking for others who share their leisure interests and/or passions.

• Local political campaigns- Do you have an interest in politics on any level? Would you like to be more involved in your community and the larger world around you? Campaigns are always looking for talent. Whatever your area of expertise or interest, this is a great way to get your feet wet, learn something new and meet all kinds of people you would otherwise not come into contact with. Get involved and who knows what great new experiences could be in store for you.

• Professional associations- It seems there are associations that represent every field of work and every profession out there. Many of these are very active and looking for people to be involved on many levels- from minimal participation to taking a position of high ranking leadership. They also hold meeting, host receptions and other get togethers- and offer a lot of opportunity to meet people who share your work or vocational/business interests and goals.

• Hosting neighborhood get togethers like wine tasting events, potlucks and cookouts. Too often I have heard singles talk about the low number of parties, dinners, and other events that they get invited to. Why wait for someone else to do this? If you are a bit shy or inexperienced, find a co-host and/or begin with something simple and small. Ask your single friends to invite their single friends. Wine and cheese, dessert and coffee or arranging an after work happy hour are all easy for people to fit into their schedule and require less work on your part.

• Volunteering for a cause you are passionate about. This is an option that is available everywhere. Every organization, from the local animal shelter to the neighborhood schools, parks, homeless shelters and private, non-profits- are all looking for good people willing to give a little time and caring. Wouldn't it be nice to meet a good and caring (and attractive) single person of the opposite sex this spring?

• Book stores and coffee houses- if you like books and java. I may be married, but I pay attention to the what and who in my environment. Bookstores and coffee house are frequented by intelligent, single (and often alone) people. Check one of these out this weekend. If you see Mr/Ms Interesting- notice what they are looking at or reading and ask them a question about the book/author. If no one interesting is there at the time you arrive- hang out for a while and enjoy a cup of coffee and/or a good read.

• Niche websites for singles. You name it- it is out there. Love animals? Check out the animal lovers site. Vegetarian? Yup, there is a site especially for you, too. If you are unfamiliar with any of these, go online and try a variety of different key words that describe your particular lifestyle/interest and see what comes up.

• Cooking classes if you are a man, golf lessons if you are a woman. Many cities, towns, counties around the country (world) have inexpensive classes for adults that cover a wide range if interests and skill levels. Consider checking them out, especially if something is offered that you have always wanted to learn more about. Even if no one of real interest from the opposite sex shows up- you still could learn to make that killer soufflé for your next "singles" gathering.

• Participating in charitable events in your community. Every good cause has fundraisers. They are often a nice dress-up affair, with great food, an auction and lots of (interesting) people from your local community. Ask around and maybe you will have someplace (soon) to wear that little black dress that has been hanging quietly in the corner of your closet.

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*  On the metro, in the line at the deli, at your local grocery store. Check out my article that discusses this in detail on: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/view_newsletter.php?newsletter_id=1409554235

Through friends who have lots of nice friends. This one is always a winner. You can never have enough friends and you can never have enough friends with nice, cute friends.

These should help to get your creative juices flowing and help you to come up with a great list and some specific plans of your own. Once you have the where and when figured out, it's time to look and the "how" of your meeting and connections with others. Go to: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/view_newsletter.php?newsletter_id=1409568324 for help with emotional intelligence and dating.

Happy dating.

End NOTES

Now is the time to get out there and pursue your relationship goals and dreams. There will never be a better season than spring or a better time than right now. Don't wait for the "right" time or the "right" feeling. All it takes is desire and a willingness to try something new. Have fun and let me know how you are doing by emailing me at Toni@consum-mate.com