As a Matchmaker, Dating Coach, and Dating App Profile Writer, I often hear,” There are no good singles around,” and” Lori, where do you meet men?”

To be clear, I wish I had a magic wand that could provide the answer, and I could monetize it. In full disclosure, I am also single and ready to enter a relationship.

In order for something to happen, one of the two needs to ignite, so prepare to speak up, be open, and sometimes start the conversation. Nothing is worse than missing an opportunity!

Meeting potential paramours was a piece of cake when we were much younger. You met them at school, at work, at dances, at social events, in the supermarket, at the gas station, and through your personal and extended community. Now, with everyone’s social distancing, and wearing suits of armor, it’s more difficult. Technology has taken over. Dating sites have never been busier, with more people joining, hoping to find love. Virtual dates are the norm, and coffee dates have replaced actual dates. Most people at our age are skeptical about online dating, fearing being scammed out of money and doubting the algorithms even work. So, where are good places to meet someone?

The answer is everywhere. You will inevitably encounter someone, somewhere and somehow, while out in the world. Get out of your house. I know that seems like no-brainer advice, but unless you expect the Fedex or Amazon delivery person to knock on your door for something other than a package delivery, you won’t be meeting anyone.

On a serious note, the following are time-proven ideas of where to find people, and they are in your everyday life. (and yes, some are common sense)

Get ready!

The critical thing to remember is that the more time you spend out of your home, the more opportunity you’ll have to meet someone. It may not be a romantic interest, but finding friends and community is equally important! Also, learn to “date” yourself because you can’t be with others until you find your own self-love.

Lori Mendelsohn is a Matchmaker, Dating Coach, Dating App Profile Writer, and host of the Singles Over 50 club on Clubhouse. You can reach Lori at lori@avconnexions.com.