Amy Pugsley Dating can seem daunting when you are busy but there are ways for single people to take some of the pressure off when schedules seem impossible. Running from the office to the gym and everything in between often leaves people feeling like there is no time left to meet that special someone. Contrary to the feelings of dread around fitting in “just one more thing” there are some ways to make time for dating no matter how packed your calendar is. Here are 5 dating tips for busy people…
Eyes Peeled for Opportunity
Maybe the idea of dating seems overwhelming because it has been socially constructed as a pre-arranged event that involves a lot of pomp and circumstance. Why not make every part of your day an opportunity to find love? When you are single, it’s easy to be pessimistic about dating opportunities, but maybe you haven’t given the people in your vicinity a chance. Keeping your eyes peeled for opportunities is a simple way to incorporate your love life into your everyday life. What about the guy that you always seem to bump into at the coffee shop? Or your dentist, who always makes you laugh? These could be love interests that you have been overlooking for years.
Date as a Second Job
Okay, dating as a second job sounds weird, but the concept is easy and is all about your mindset. Busy people are often juggling a million things and unless an event is scheduled it can easily be forgotten. Pretend you have an obligation to dating the same way you would if you took on a part-time job. If you say okay, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are date nights you will already have the mindset that you owe it to your side hustle to give it an honest shot. Carving out this time will ensure that you don’t go weeks or months without going on a date.
Be Forthcoming About your Schedule
The scenario of missed timing or miscommunication always plays out in romantic comedies, but this is very much avoidable in real life. If you meet someone new and go out a few times and feel you have a good connection but it is hard to nail down plans, or you have a bunch of commitments coming up—leave nothing up in the air. Tell your new beau right away and clear the air so they know your feelings and intentions. If you are forthcoming about your schedule, they will know it’s not personal and strictly time restrictions preventing you both from getting together. This allows you to have a future together, or not, but at least you will have given it an honest shot.
Do it Old School
With dating apps and meet-cutes in movies (you know the scene where two unsuspecting singles accidentally bump into each other and later become a romantic couple) everyone thinks love is somewhere “out there.” What if you tried going old-school and asking around about eligible singles the way people used to in the old days? Your mom’s best friend owns a gym with a wealthy clientele, why not ask her if she knows any eligible bachelors? Why not take your co-worker up on the offer to set you up with her handsome cousin? At the end of the day, there are probably a ton of people in your peripheral that you haven’t given a chance to. Skip the dating app and give networking a try!
Consolidated Dating
Okay, it does sound mechanical but busy people need to do normal things too—going for food, getting a massage, or decompressing with a movie are all things that can be consolidated with dating. If you are trying to find time in your busy schedule, why not consolidate the things you want or need to do with dating? You don’t always have to go for dinner (although if you are a foodie or it’s dinner time, why not?) you can make dating part familiar and part new. If you love hiking and want to get your steps in why not do that as a first date? If you try and consolidate interests it will ensure you get to do what you want during the week but also have time to go on a date or two.
