5 Tips for Finding True Love

Valentine's Day can be a real drag for romantic hopefuls who have yet to stumble upon Mr. or Ms. Right.

But don't despair! He or she may waltz into your life quicker than you anticipate.

Here are a few tips for meeting someone -- not just any person, but a special individual with whom you can forge a path to long-term bliss:

1. Let people know you're single and ready to mingle. The term "networking" is thrown around all the time in the working world, but it can also be a handy tool in one's quest for romance.

Have you told friends and loved ones that you're looking? Perhaps they know someone whom they can fix you up with, or at the very least you can establish connections with people in their circle -- e.g., a friend of a friend's sister's cousin at the birthday party -- that may lead to a fateful encounter with a promising candidate.

You obviously don't want people all up in your business, either. For example, I wouldn't advise you to barrage your Facebook friends with posts about how elusive love can be, the myriad reasons your ex was a careless buffoon, and so forth.

Only keep those closest to you -- the ones you trust without hesitation -- in the know.

2. Try online dating. Many people flinch at the thought of setting up a dating profile because it makes them feel as if they can't find love the traditional way.

But they'd be surprised to learn that, according to eHarmony, a whopping 40 million Americans -- that's roughly 40% of the U.S. population -- use online dating.

Let's face it: We're not living in your grandparents' time anymore. People do almost everything online nowadays, from grocery shopping to banking to dining reservations. Why should finding a potential love interest be any different? You have to do your part to broaden your possibilities.

3. Join groups of people who share your interests. Whether you dig baseball, cooking, or horror films, there's a group for everyone out there. Maybe your local library is organizing a book club, or the nearby park you frequent is opening up a summer league. Seek out opportunities to meet people who enjoy the same things you do.

4. Don't rush it. If you've been single for a long time, you might feel tempted to hook up with just about anyone. But don't do this!

Do your due diligence. If you want a conservative, extroverted athletic type, imagine ending up with a liberal, introverted bookworm who couldn't throw a ball to save his life. You'll also want someone who, in addition to sharing some of your hobbies, is on the same page as you when it comes to firmly held beliefs and values.

5. But don't be unreasonably choosy either.
If you demand perfection, I hate to break it to you, but you'll never find it. Expecting someone to meet all your criteria is unrealistic. Give him or her a chance and you may just find yourself smitten when least expected. Remember, we all carry flaws.

Looking for love doesn't have to be daunting. And the funny thing is that once we stop trying so hard, it usually finds us.

In order to maximize your opportunities, though, you need to get out there -- whether that means taking dance lessons or joining an online chatroom. Rest assured that by taking stock of your love life, you can make it into what you want it to be.

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