I hear this question a lot! It’s easily one of the biggest questions singles have when they get serious about looking for love. Especially if they haven’t done it in a while.

You can probably relate. Whether you are new to dating (or new to dating again), or you’ve been at it for a while, most people go back and forth between the two. And a two-pronged approach isn’t a bad one, if you have a strategy in place. 

80% of my successfully coupled clients met their partner online. It can be wildly successful when approached correctly. On the other hand, when I was seriously searching, I met my husband in person. The timing made sense for us to meet that way.

It’s just not a one-size-fits-all formula when looking for love. There are seasons in your life, both literally and figuratively, when focusing on one approach can yield better results than the other.  

When I make recommendations to my clients, I take in several factors to help them devise the best dating plan possible.  

Here are 5 things I consider when helping singles looking for love, decide whether to date online or in-person. 

1. Your Personality

Are you an extrovert who is comfortable in large groups and meets people easily? Or are you more shy, reserved, and feel more comfortable in smaller groups?

Some of my most successful clients were not natural networkers. They needed smaller environments or interest-specific groups to connect with others.  

While an extrovert can feel comfortable dating both in-person and online, many introverts prefer online dating, where they aren’t subjected to energy-draining groups or activities. 

2. Your Energy Level

Speaking of energy, are you a high-energy person who is always on the go? Or are you someone who needs downtime or calmer environments?  

While this question can be related to personality types, it can also be a matter of life-stage. Are you in a season where everything around you is hectic, and you need dating not to be? Or do you need some excitement in your life, and getting out and connecting with people in-person would be just the thing?

No matter what others say, remember that in-person dating is not “better” if it exhausts you, and online dating is not “easier” if it drains you. 

3. The Time of Year 

Finding your perfect person is both about timing and numbers. So, it’s helpful to consider the literal season and the events and activities where you are likely to find a large number of like-minded singles.

For instance, January through February is the most active time for online dating. Anyone looking for love should absolutely have their online profile ready to go and a plan to evaluate online matches during this time.

However, in the spring and summer months, people often feel a renewed desire to be outside. This is a great time for getting involved in singles groups or Meetups that focus on outdoor activities. I met my husband through a professional bicycling group, where there was a social component as well.

Finally, the fall and holiday season is a great time of year for get-togethers. There are so many opportunities to leverage the connectors in your life for personal introductions. But it’s also the best time to get your online profile revised and ready for the January online dating opportunities.

4. Your Work Situation

Your work-life plays a major role in how and where you date. Are you with people all day in a busy, hectic environment, or do you primarily work alone or from home? 

If you’re looking for love but you’ve been alone all day, all week, then getting out of the house and back into the world might be ideal for you. 

Whereas those who end up overstimulated by a crazy day might find themselves better able to relax and connect with potential dates through intentional online dating.  

5. Your Interests 

I strongly believe that lasting love is best achieved through similarities and like-minded interests, values, and goals.

So when deciding whether to look for love online or in-person consider shared interests. It may not be a deal breaker if your partner doesn’t like bird-watching; however, it would be a bonus if they shared this interest. And it would be devastating if they can’t tolerate the outdoors at all.

A gamer and an athlete may find they have similar relationship values and life goals. However, if they can’t enjoy ANY of each other’s activities, it’s going to be hard to stay connected in the long run. 

At the end of the day, looking for love isn’t about deciding once–and-for-all to date online or in-person.

It’s about figuring out what aligns with who and where you are right now. 

It’s about creating a strategy and dating plan that best fits in with your season of life and adjusting when necessary.   

And it’s about knowing what you want in love and life, and knowing how to express that, regardless of whether you’re online or in-person.

If you’re serious about looking for love and want a plan that fits your life, let’s talk.

Don’t waste any more time or energy dating like everyone else. I’d love to help you devise a dating plan that will help you find the love you’ve been looking for THIS YEAR!

Go to www.talkwithcoachamy.com and let’s find a time to connect!

How do you know if you are truly ready for lasting love? Take my FREE “Are You Ready to Meet Your Mate” Quiz, and find out! Go to  https://motivatedtomarry.com/quiz/ today!

About the Author

is a certified life coach and dating/relationship expert who has helped hundreds of marriage-minded singles find lasting, committed partnerships since 2005. Through private coaching and group programs, she specializes in helping people date with clarity, confidence, and purpose.