Cupid may be popular in some circles, but in others, he wouldn't do much better than Giuliani did in the New Hampshire primary. Are most singles shunning Cupid because they are content with their solo-status? "Many feel it's not worth the trouble to look for love," says author and dating coach, Ronnie Ann Ryan.
According to Ryan, author of "MANifesting Mr. Right: It's Never Too Late to Find the Love You Want", "Many singles are disenchanted or they've simply dropped romance as a priority because the adult dating game has become so complicated."
A recent study conducted by the AARP of single people ages 40-70 found that only 16% are willing to do anything to find love. However, since the US Census says that approximately half of the adult population is unattached, there's never been a better time to be single.
"Once people make finding love their priority, the dating process becomes a lot easier," says Ryan. "Today there are more ways than ever for singles to connect. People who invest time looking for love are often well rewarded." Ryan suggests that her clients create a Dating Action Plan that helps to map out their strategy for meeting new people.
Let's help Cupid regain his status. For those singles that are willing to put some effort into the dating game, here are four savvy strategies for finding love this Valentine's season:
1) Get Out of the House -Mr. /Ms. Right isn't Likely to Come Knocking
Dating has become big business because there are so many adult singles. That means there are many ways to meet new people. "To increase your chances of finding the right date for you, try a mix of venues such as dances, speed dating, and meet up groups," says Ryan. "Look in your local paper, your town's online calendar, on craigslist.com and meetup.com."
2) Relax and Enjoy Yourself
Meeting new people can actually be fun. If you take the pressure off and just enjoy getting to know people, you will undoubtedly encounter some very interesting prospects.
3) Enlist Your Network
Don't hide the fact that you'd like to find a relationship - tell your friends and family! You might even share your desire with a few trusted colleagues. Your personal network is one of your best resources for drumming up blind dates, so allow those close to you to help with your search.
4) A Wink and a Grin - Friendliness Wins
It's hard to imagine having to dole out this advice, but people need to be more sociable. If you find that you constantly have your guard up, you might want to consider starting a new practice: smile! By showing those pearly whites, you'll makes others feel good and that feeling will come back to lift your spirits as well. "When you smile, you are much more attractive," says Ryan.
The desire for love and companionship is a basic human need. But romance doesn't often happen spontaneously - you have to put forth a bit of effort. According to Ryan, "Once you're in love, no one ever complains about the time and effort it took to get there." Make finding love a priority today.
About Ronnie Ann Ryan, the Dating Coach
CT-based Dating Coach, Ronnie Ann Ryan, author of MANifesting Mr. Right: It's Never Too Late to Find the Love You Want, provides dating strategies, coaching and web dating profile writing that has helped over 1,000 people jumpstart or accelerate their search for love.