Besides, January is huge for people who are ready to meet someone and find a relationship, says Emily Fry, president of In Good Company Inc., a matchmaking service for straight, gay and lesbian professionals.
“It’s always been the biggest month, year after year,” Fry says. “When people have been lonely during the holidays, know that, come January, they are on the hunt.”
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
Experts offer tips for singles seeking to meet new people
Make the most of your single status during the holidays by socializing and dating. But keep your expectations in check. Relationship experts offer this advice:
• Be open to dating and meeting new people. Winter holidays can spark romance because people often let down their guard and want to spend time with others, says Anthony Erwin, founder and chief executive of StreetSpark, an iPhone app.
• Don’t over-romanticize a new relationship by moving it along too quickly. Stop worrying if that December coffee date will be around come Valentine’s Day.
• Make plans to be with friends and do activities together.
• Go shopping. It’s a great opportunity to strike up a conversation with someone new by asking their opinion about a potential gift, says Jamie McDaniel, president of Got Dates?, a dating and relationship service at havemoredates.com.
• Make a wish list of new activities, adventures, interests and events for 2011, recommends Jasbina Ahluwalia, president and founder of intersectionsmatch.com.
• Pursue interests or reconnect with old friends you haven’t had a chance to because the holidays offer more downtime.
• Attend religious activities around town. Hanukkah parties, Christmas caroling and Kwanzaa celebrations are great ways to learn about another culture and experience your date’s practices.
• Create new traditions or unique experiences to make the holidays memorable, such as going on an exotic cruise or visiting another country, suggests J.J. Smith, dating and relationship author of “Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating.”
• Keep holiday traditions and experiences that are important to you so it still feels like the holidays.
• Donate time to charity. By giving to others, you can reflect on things that you are thankful for instead of focusing on your relationship status.
• Host a party with other single friends to increase your chances of meeting someone new during the holiday season.
• Attend events solo because being alone makes you appear more approachable.
