Here's one the best ways I have found to meet other singles while enjoying what you would do anyway.

Create your own group to do something that you enjoy. Last summer we took up golf and were quickly hooked. What better way to get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun and also get exercise. Golf courses are usually very attractive, with lots of trees, some bodies of water, and just very nice places to spend summer days.

My friend and I decided to set up our own singles league this year. The course that we played at didn't have a heavy crowd on Friday nights and we were usually free then, so we booked the course.

During the few months before we began to play, my friend advertised in local papers and had others put up flyers at local businesses and factories. We asked everyone we knew who was single to join us and encouraged them to invite their other single friends.

We started off small and were pleased to find that we are attracting some really great people we might not have otherwise met.

Another way we attracted members was to go on Yahoo and Match.com and invite people we found interesting who stated golf as an interest.

The best part of this experience is that you are enjoying something you would do anyway. It's a natural way to be with people and there's absolutely no pressure to pair up. Golf is a great sport to get a sense of how people behave and react. Some seemed more competitive than others; some have a shorter fuse when their ball goes in the woods or sand traps. Others are just having fun and show up with big smiles and a positive attitude. Perhaps we wouldn't learn all this so quickly if we met at a dance or bar.

Another plus has been getting tips as we play from more seasoned players. Each week my golf game is improving and I am learning more about the game.

We also have moved beyond the game to having dinner and drinks after the game. We search new places to try each week and have enjoyed house parties once we knew each other well enough to feel safe and comfortable. Now we are branching out even more and going to concerts together. Everyone keeps an eye out for other events in our community that we could enjoy.

I've made new friends and some of the people are beginning to pair up and see each other outside the group. It's a great way to introduce other people you think might hit it off, without the stress of a one-on-one blind date.

Now there's always something to do on a Friday night and we are having fun. What better way to attract a partner than when you are relaxed and enjoying yourself.

Not a golfer? What do you enjoy that you form a group around? Euchre, bridge, tennis, volleyball, books? Don't stay home alone on Friday nights. Whatever your interest, there are others to meet and share that with.


About the Author
Rosemary Heenan is a Certified Integrative Coach Professional. Her specialty is coaching successful, professional, mid-life women who are ready to add a great relationship to their lives. She has been a college professor for more than 28 years. Sign up for her free newsletter at http://www.rosemaryheenan.com