How to Find a Life Partner: A Woman's Guide to Finding the One

Once again, lonely on a Friday night. Sitting on the couch watching reruns of Wheel of Fortune with our hand in a nice big bowl of hot buttery popcorn. When will this misery end? If you are anything like me, trying to find the right someone is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Whatever the reason may be, we often spend much more time kissing frogs trying to find our prince than actually assessing out wants and needs and finding the guy that really fits us. How can we find someone who fits us emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually if we never leave the couch?

The first step to finding a date is to grab a pen and paper, sit down at a table, and write your wants and needs down on paper. What do you want out of a potential partner? What qualities will make them an asset to your life? In this part you have to be realistic. Write them down in order of importance to you.

For example, if financial stability were very important to you, it would be higher on your list. If sense of style isn't that big of a deal, but is still important, it should go near the bottom of the list. When you are done making your list, take a look at the list you have created. Now you need to write a list of qualities that you have that you will be bringing to the table. What do you have to offer a potential partner? If you have nothing to offer someone, the odds are of you finding someone who fits all of the qualities you listed in someone you want in your life, is next to none. You have to be willing to give in order to get.

Ok, so now you have the lists in front of you. After sizing the two up, are there any similarities? Those similarities will help you to gauge who would best suit you. After all, just like a cake mix, it wont be a cake unless you mix all the right ingredients!

Now let's figure out where we need to find a date. The best places to meet a date are the most obvious ones. High on the list would have to be in Social Organizations. If you are involved in any type of outside activity, the odds of you meeting someone who has the same life goals, or interests is very high. If you join an outdoor hiking club, you may just end up finding someone who likes to go hiking as much as you do.

Go to Church. If you go to church on a regular basis, or any other place of worship, you may be able to find that perfect someone. My only problem with this is that in certain religions, romance and courting takes time so if you aren't into waiting, or willing to abide by the religious restrictions, avoid this meeting place.

Did anyone say college? Yes, if you are in college, you take classes with people who may be in the same field of study. That, in itself, can open many doors for you. It is much easier to talk to someone about what you are studying if they themselves are as well. You will always find things to talk about. There are many opportunities to meet others at college, through organizations, rally's, sporting events etc. You just have to stay open-minded and keep your eyes out.

Online Dating. While this method isn't for everyone, many couples have found success through sites like Match.com. They are able to put their wants in an online spreadsheet and then a computer "scores" potential partners who have the same interests and likes that you have to make the match as close to what you want as it can.

Sometimes you job can lead you right to your future spouse. From Conventions you may attend to business contacts you acquire, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new exciting individuals in your field. I would shy away from interoffice romance however, as those tend to sour and can make the workplace truly unbearable to be in. Rumors can start, and if the person whom you are interested in just happens to be your boss, well just count on someone believing you get special rewards. It has happened!

If you have a group of friends, check out what they have to offer. As women, we are naturally geared towards hooking up our girlfriends with any eligible guy we think can fit them. We know our girlfriends almost as much as we know ourselves so if it just so happens that we know of a guy at our job whom we know would pair well with you, we have the obligation to introduce you both.

Last but not least is the tried and true nightclub adventure. Where else can you go, let your inhibitions run wild and find someone for you? It may seem like a stretch, but there has been instance where people meet, and marry, people they have met on a night outing. You already have established one similarity, out having fun. The next step would be to invite that person outside of that environment and get to know them better. Bars and clubs are notorious for hot steamy one-night stands, but if that is not what you want, take it slow and get to know them first.

Above all else, have fun searching. Look in the places you least expect and you will be sure to find someone for you. Expand your horizons, and keep all options open. Don't ever lower your standards; just widen them so more people can fit into you pool of possibilities.

Last but not least. Never forget who you are and don't accept anything less than what you are willing to give. Outside packages can always change, but the inside stays true. Now slip into your Friday Night Dress, complete with stockings and those sexy heels, put on some makeup and out the door!

Good Luck!