How to Meet Someone Without Dating Apps in 2021
Not everyone wants to date through a smartphone. And while this was the norm during 2020, there are many more options now. Find out how to meet someone without dating apps in 2021 and you can transfer your love life from the confines of a small screen to the real world.
How to meet someone without dating apps in 2021
Lots of singles have been suffering from dating app fatigue lately. During the multiple lockdowns of 2020, making online links was the only way to go. However, as this continued, many people became tired of this, and the inevitable endless swiping right or left. As a result, more and more of us are deleting apps and looking for alternative - maybe more traditional - ways to meet.
How to meet someone in real life
But with so much time away from ‘normality’, it’s tough to remember how you even go about meeting someone in real life. Bars and clubs may be open, but there are still some restrictions in certain areas and not everyone is comfortable mingling in environments with no social distancing. For this reason, an organised event or activity may be a better route if you don’t fancy a night on the town. Quiz nights, themed parties, music gigs, sports fixtures and charity events are all good places to hang out and get to know potential matches. And it increases the likelihood of finding some commonality. If nothing else there’s a focus for the setting, giving you both a starting talking point.
Dating without apps
Speed dating is the ultimate organised event for those looking for love. It’s much more targeted than attending random events. It also takes the pressure off you as an individual, with a host to guide the intros and tell you what to do when. Work, family and life admin can leave you with little time or energy - especially for dating. These nights are a great way to switch off from all of that and have some fun. Speed dating makes meeting fellow singles as effortless as it can be. And if you’re happy dating virtually, but without apps, you can book an online speed dating event.
Dating in the workplace
Around one in five people meet their significant other through work. With most offices closed and remote working being the standard, this hasn’t been too easy for many. A Teams call isn’t exactly conducive to flirting. But many workplaces are re-opening now, meaning you can scout out the talent in more ways than one!
This does come with an element of risk though, as it can get complicated if you get involved with a co-worker. With this in mind, it’s sensible to look among those with whom you don’t interact directly on a regular basis. Other departments and locations are ideal. Or it may be a case of going along to team nights out as an opportunity to be out and about in bars in your local area - you can always act as a wing person for a colleague and vice versa.
Reconnecting with the past
Friends Reunited was big in the 1990s, not least as it helped rekindle the romances of many childhood sweethearts. These days it’s more likely to be social media that provides these kinds of connections -with the added benefit that you can check profiles to see who’s single. Looking to the people from your past is a super way to increase your reach. You could organise some group reunions and send a few PMs inviting old friends (and old flames) for coffee, to get the ball rolling.
Do remember that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can seek to meet someone face to face at the same time as chatting on dating apps. Often trying lots of different things is a way of casting your net wide - and catching some fish in the process! But if apps aren’t working for you and are getting you down, it’s a good idea to give them a break for a while or to ditch them completely. We have plenty more ideas on ways you can meet new people, in our article on finding singles in your local area.
Related Questions
Why is it so hard to date in 2021?
If you’re struggling to meet someone this year, don’t despair. It’s been a tough time with a great deal of uncertainty. But there are still plenty of opportunities and options you can explore. Speed dating events are a great way to refresh your approach to finding a partner in 2021.
How do you stand out when dating?
Being yourself may be all you need to stand out. However, there are some failsafe tricks that anyone can use to help get noticed; a pop of colour in your outfit, some funny speed dating questions, an eye-catching accessory or an interesting anecdote for example.
How do you spot a fake dating profile?
Unfortunately, bots and scams are rife in dating apps and websites, but it’s not too difficult to weed them out. Often these profiles will present as too good to be true (such as model-like pictures and aspirational jobs) or will be very limited in the information they offer. Ultimately, if in doubt, ask the person for a video call, or to meet in person. Seeing a real face is the best way to uncover a catfish.