Spring is just around the corner and you know what that means: socialisation. With winter wrapping up its tortuous hold on us, people will finally break free from their couches and their lonely winter hibernation. We will go outside. Breathe fresh air. Wear one layer of clothing. Most importantly, we will flirt and want to fall in love because . . . of the dopamine.
Dopamine, a wonderful little chemical in your brain that causes you to want things, is triggered by fresh experiences, and is often released at the start of spring. I mean, what’s fresher than spring air and bees buzzing and birds singing, right? (See, you’re probably horny already).
However, like the road salt that rusts our cars, the cold months might have also eroded your confidence and your game plan. You might be wondering: how do I meet real, three-dimensional women again?
With a new season harking a new beginning, my recommendation would be: everywhere and anywhere. Because, why not? Try something new, or try something again that hasn’t worked before in the past. All bets are off in the spring. With people itching to go out and all of that dopamine going around, we’re all a little happier in the springtime; you might as well take advantage and flirt your ass off. (I can personally attest that most of my relationships have started in the spring.)
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of options of where you might be able to find the lady of your dreams (or the season). Let the March Dating Madness begin.
Online Dating
Online dating has become the Millennial go-to pick-up place, but for good reason: we’re all attached to our phones and computers, so that’s probably the most logical place to look for love. If you haven’t tried online dating before, read my article from last year that details the do’s and don’ts of finding love on the world wide web. For those who have tried online dating but without much success, try another dating site. Maybe that means finally joining the swiping rage on Tinder or maybe that means forgoing free sites and forking over some cash for a site like eHarmony. Still not convinced? Well, more than a third of marriages begin online. Yeah, get swiping.
Speed Dating
With speed dating, you know if a spark exists or not within seconds. No more having to count down the minutes through a traditional date that’s gone bad. In a society that demands instant results, what’s more effective than that? Plus, there’s no time for awkward pauses or moments, and you’ll have the chance to meet more than one lady in a night. Can you say the same for a night hanging out at your fave watering hole? Single In the City holds speed dating events in and around Toronto.
Ask Your Friends
A lot of times we don’t ask our friends to set us up with anyone because we might be embarrassed or we assume all of their friends are already coupled up. But that’s dumb because a) they know you well, so who better to set you up with someone? And b) if they know you, and you’re single, then chances are they might know another single woman or two. Maybe they work with a single co-worker, or she could be a neighbour or a family friend. Who know? So just ask! Expand your social circle and you might be surprised with who you find.
Join a Social Sports League
If you’re the active type, joining a social sports league might be the ideal way to meet a woman (plus, the months of lying down on your couch and eating comfort food is probably doing your body no favours, either). So, sign up for a session of your fave sport—The Toronto Sport and Social League has tons of activities to choose from—and get ready to compete for more than just love. And remember: the couple who stays together, sweats together.
Just Go Out
Leave your house. I know: we all love Netflix and the comfort of our homes, but they’ll be there for you when you get back. So, get outside and get some fresh air. Go to your local park and listen to those bees buzzing and the birds singing. Have your morning coffee at a new spot. Keep your eyes peeled at the grocery store. Accept that invitation to your friend’s dinner party. Take your workout outside. Just get the fuck out of your house. Because the woman you’re dreaming about—she’s not at your house. She’s out there, somewhere. I promise.
Brianne Hogan is a freelance writer based in Toronto, something of a humorist, and considers herself more Bridget Jones than Samantha Jones. Though she won’t reveal which parts, she will admit to liking emotionally unavailable men and drinking lots of wine. You can follow her on Twitter @briannehogan.
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