“I don’t want any coaching Paul, just tell me where to find a good man.” Daily, my inbox contains a message with this exact phrase. Since my start as a professional matchmaker and life coach in 2008, there has been no single question more popular over the years. So let's get to the bottom of it, shall we? When answering any query, I like to look at data because just as Jay-Z famously said “numbers don’t lie.” The most extensive research study I’ve found on this topic was conducted by Oxford University in 2011. The study is titled “A Global Shift in Social Relationships of Networked Individuals.” It includes data analysis on thousands of new couples from 17 countries whom have met offline. So, literally, these thirteen places are where the men are – and some of them are going to surprise you.
Singles’ ministries may not be happy to hear this news but the church’s role as a matchmaker has shrunk every year for the last 20 years. Only 1.6% of couples met this way.
Use sites like Meetup.com to find adult sports leagues in your area! One point six percent of couples studied met this way.
This is one of the top ways to meet new people that I suggest to my clients. A strong 3.8 percent of couples met this way.
The block is hot! This truly underscores how proximity is the single biggest indicator of love. Approximately 3.8% of couples met this way.
At one point in history, this was the number one source of meeting a significant other. Believe it or not, 3.8% of couples met this way.
If you attend The Superbowl, NBA All-Star weekend or ESSENCE Festival, you’ll see why this is an effective way to meet people. I’m telling you, 4.2% of couples in the study met this way.
As long as you’ve done the research and confirmed it’s not your cousin, it’s cool. Approximately 4.6% of couples met this way.
Yes, it’s true. There is a chance you can meet the man of your dreams at the gas station because 5.3% of couples have met this way.
This is where I met my wife. A whopping 7.3% of couples met this way. You probably know many couples who’ve connected in the classroom or on campus.
Given how many people meet at social events is why I created Flow Dating. An outstanding 9.3% of couples met this way.
The most powerful thing we can do for our relationships (platonic, business, and romantic) is to increase our social circle. Nearly 15.7% of couples met this way. Start networking!
Okay, I had to look twice when I read this. Folks are really finding love in the club. Usher would be proud! I know you won’t believe it, but 18.8% of couples met this way. Yes, really!
Coming in at number one is none other than the spot many of us spend more hours at than anywhere else – our place of employment. Chances are, if you’re single, that guy sitting next to you at the weekly meeting is who will be jumping the broom with you. Yes, 20.2% of couples met this way. Maybe you should grab that drink after work after all.
Comments, concerns or questions about my advice? Tell me about it below! Paul Carrick Brunson is a 2013 NAACP Image Award nominee and a 2012 iDate Matchmaker & Relationship Coach Of The Year nominee. His bestselling book It’s Complicated (But It Doesn’t Have to Be) is in stores now. Contact him directly on Facebook or Twitter anytime or visit his website.
