Feel like you’re out every weekend but meeting all the wrong types of men or perhaps no men at all? We hear you. And, despite what your mother’s been saying, you’re not just imagining the severe lack of single men – according to trend spotter Bernard Salt, we’re in the middle of a shocking man drought.
By Chloe Schneider
According to Salt, the ratio of single women to single men is roughly 16:1 in Australia and major cities have it worse than country areas, so much so that single women in the city have been making their way to the country just to meet men!
While this might seem dismal, the truth is there are still plenty of good single men out there. The problem lies in finding them.
Matchmaking agency Found You conducted four months of research prior to their launch and discovered that ladies, particularly those living in Sydney, have it all wrong when it comes to seeking out single men. The company gave a few common man-hunting haunts a ‘Soul Mate Score’ – the lower the score, the less chance you have of meeting your soul mate. These options scored a dismal three out of ten or less;
– Pubs, Bars, and Nightclubs
The majority of guys are here to hang out with mates, and maybe have a one-night stand. There are exceptions to every rule but Found You gives clubs a low, low two out of ten on the Soul Mate scale.
– Coffee shop
Found You says that hard-working guy working on his laptop at your local coffee shop every day is probably unemployed, taking advantage of free wi-fi, or too busy to pay attention to you!
– Gym
If you’re going to the gym to meet guys – stop wasting your time and focus on your workout. Every gym-goer is too concerned with their own appearance, and their workout, to even bother sparking up conversation.
– Tours and Cruises
If a guy’s on a cruise, it’s likely he’s there with his girlfriend or wife. If not, he’s looking for a good time, not a long time.
Before you start packing your bags for a country town or another country, open yourself up to some less-conventional techniques…
– Just be Present
Put away your mobile phone, turn off your iPod and be present when you’re out and about. Whether you’re going for a walk on the beach, doing the groceries, or visiting an art gallery, make yourself available to people who want to start a conversation.
– Online Dating
Online dating long ago lost the stigma that once surrounded it. Going on a few dates may also make you realise that what you thought was your type, actually isn’t and this can be a rewarding experience in itself.
– Matchmaking Agencies
Matchmaking agencies like Found You are also a fantastic way to meet men that are suited to you. The best thing about agencies is that these guys are dedicated to finding a relationship – they wouldn’t have bothered with the membership fees and process if not. .
– Speed Dating
If you’re in the midst of a serious man drought, speed dating and other singles-only events can also be the perfect opportunity to start honing your flirting skills and will force you to create your personal ‘elevator pitch’ that tells a man exactly what you’re about in a sentence or two.
Good luck ladies!