5 Ways to Thrive While Being Single

It's a Friday night. You're fun. You're single. You're up for an adventure. But as you look through your contact list, you discover that many of your friends are married with kids or in a different age bracket and not up for a night out on the town.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Blog) - Choices for meeting and mingling with other singles doesn't have to be limited. Here are 5 tips to help you not only survive, but thrive as a Catholic single:

1. Resist the urge to stay in
Just because everyone on the street has already pulled the blinds at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night doesn't mean that you can't hop in your car and check out a hip new bar or restaurant. Don't let your surroundings diminish your desire to stay active in the singles scene.

2. Join a group, any group
Write down your top 3 hobbies and then find a group or a club that fits your interests. Athletic? Join a summer softball league or bowling team. Book worm? Find a local book club or start your own. Encourage others to bring a friend, and you'll be sure to meet new people on a regular basis.

3. Create your own social scene
The best hang-outs become the best hang-outs because of the crowd. Find a local spot in your neighborhood with a good atmosphere and encourage your single friends to meet there on a regular basis. You may be surrounded by couples and growing families, but chances are there are other singles like you in your area that are looking for some old-fashioned fellowship.

4. Expand your search
You may be tempted to stay within the small radius of your current location. By limiting your scope, you may be missing quality individuals who are worth the distance. Try visiting another Catholic parish or a shrine in the next state.

5. Don't lose hope
If you feel out of place in your current location, don't lose hope! By engaging in new activities and surrounding yourself with new people, you may find unexpected opportunities. Nothing is permanent unless you let it be, so keep your eyes open for the right path.

No matter what city you call home, don't shield yourself from other singles. Open yourself to the possibility of finding someone down the block or a few towns over. Love can be found anywhere, even while you are doing the activities that you enjoy.
Visit the CatholicMatch Institute for more articles about single Catholics and resources for dating and marriage discernment.

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