Listen up, single ladies: Now is the time to claim a change in your relationship status and take action to make it happen. Whether you’re into “resolutions,” “goals” or “visions,” when you plan for the year ahead, it’s time to empower yourself to find the love you seek. Here are five simple ways to make love happen in 2015!
Purge The Past
You’re not going to find a love all your own digging through the ex-files. No more casual texting with past loves and acquaintances it’s clear you don’t have a future with—remember, that hasn’t gotten you anywhere. This means putting an end to Facebook stalking, rendezvousing or hearing out an ex. They missed out, and it’s time for you to move on. Every second you spend entertaining a dud is a moment you’re not making headway with someone new. The fastest way to free up time in your schedule for love is to stop penciling in bad news boyfriends of the past. Got it?
Make The First Move
If waiting for Mr. Right to walk into your life is taking longer than you expected, it may be a sign that it’s time for you to make the first move. Say “hello” first, give him a wink or make eye contact for at least five seconds to start. If flirting in person makes you sweat, try being the first to reach out to that cutie whose online dating profile you’ve had your eye on for weeks. If you start the conversation, there’s a good chance he’ll finish it—and you’ll like what he has to say.
Meet Your Friend’s Friends
Expanding your social circles is an excellent way to expand your dating pool. Reconnect with old friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Ask a coworker for an invite to their next gathering. You can even send an email to your closest friends asking if they know a great guy they can introduce you to. The love of your life could already be in your network, so it’s time to make the connections.
Change Your Routine
We’re all creatures of habit. As we find ourselves lost in the hum of our daily routine, we often walk down the same streets, run weekend errands at the same times and grab fast food at the usual places. This means you’re constantly interacting with the same people. A move as simple as switching up your gym hours or trying a new grocery store could mean bumping into a single guy you may never have crossed paths with before. That’s a great step toward meeting new people. (Wink!)
Try A New Way To Date
If you’ve never been set up on a blind date by a friend or given online dating a try, now is the time. It’s easy to fall into the same dating practices even when they’re not yielding the results you want – you know, like a decent date. Face your dating fears right now and try something new in 2015.
Follow ESSENCE.com Relationshops Editor Charli Penn on Twitter here.