I am continuing the discussion on where to meet people to date when you are watching your pennies. In my last post, I mentioned many sports-oriented groups and activities to meet singles.
What if you are not so sports-oriented and want to meet someone to date? Do you believe in volunteering and giving back to your community? In DC we have DC Single Volunteers(www.DCsinglevolunteers.org) . You can sign up for a volunteer project and they try to keep the projects gender balanced. One of my friends met her husband that way. Churches, temples and synagogues all have volunteer activities. That’s especially good if you want to meet someone within your faith who has a giving disposition.
Many museums, theatres and concert venues have social events and fundraisers with young professionals that support the cultural venue. They can be rather costly to participate in. However, if you offer to volunteer and help out with the event committee, you may be able to attend the event for free.
If you are a single parent or are interested in dating single parents, you can seek out the Parents without Partners groups. (www.pwp.org ) This is a nationwide organization with local chapters. They have many low cost activities. When I was getting divorced, I joined a personal growth group for separated and divorced individuals. Most events were $20 or less. If you brought a snack to share, you could come for free. I know several couples who have met through these groups.
If you live in the DC area, then visit my informational resource website, www.DCDatingInfo.com for listing of groups where you can meet singles. The cost of attending for many of these groups is very reasonable. Or you can visit www.heartmindconnection.com/free.html for suggestions of social groups catering to singles in the major US cities.
There is a wonderful resource at www.Meetup.com. It mixes online social networking component with the offline of meeting people face to face. You sign up and say what kind of groups you are interested in. If you put “singles” and your zip code, you will get emails about all the single groups meeting in your area and you may meet singles who may be looking for a love relationship. If you like what the group is all about then you can join. Some are very active and some are not at all.
For instance, I joined a new moms’ Meetup group and have met some very nice people. My dating advice to you is that it’s worth a try. Many charge very little to join their Meetup group and the events are reasonable in cost. Be careful about large single’s organizations using Meetup to promote their expensive activities. Most events are usually low cost at $20 or less.
So you can see you can be very prudent about the money you spend to look for a serious relationship. Which of these ideas sound right for you?
This inquiring relationship coach wants to know! In my next blog I will discuss how online dating is booming in a down economy!
Your relationship coach,
Amy
P.S. Get your relationship questions answered and helpful dating advice! Join my late February 2009 tele-coaching group to help move you forward towards your goal of meeting a partner for a committed love relationship with the support of other singles, as well. For more information visit www.GetLoveRight.com. Save 30 % by signing up early by 1/31/09.
