Make Dating Fun Again

Has dating become something you'd rather not be doing? Do you look forward to a first date about as much as a root canal? If so, it's time to inject some fun into your dating life. If you go in with a bad attitude, it will prolong your dissatisfaction. Mixing it up and trying something new can go a long way in changing your perspective.

One significant factor that is often overlooked in our search for "the one" is that we're looking for one specific type of person. When we do this, we discount many great candidates who may not meet our extensive lists of qualifications. We end up meeting the same types, again and again, which makes for slim pickings and a boring dating life. Instead, it's better to consider online dating a search for meeting interesting new people. Approach it like you would when you meet new friends: with an open mind. Think about the date itself, and what you can do to have fun and get to know the person. After all, this isn't a job interview...dating should be more fun!

Some ideas for getting out of your rut and enjoying your dates more:

• Go someplace new. Been looking to try out a new restaurant, or go kayaking in the park? Why not try it out on a date? This way, you can enjoy what you're doing even if you aren't connecting with your date.

• Ask more questions. Instead of turning your date into a sales pitch about your qualifications, be curious about who's sitting across the table from you. You don't have to interrogate, but your dates always appreciate a little consideration and curiosity about who they are and what they want.

• Try something active instead of grabbing a drink. This seems a no-brainer. If you are uncomfortable or tired of grabbing drinks and making up conversation, do something active like biking or walking dogs together. This way, you can engage with your date in a more relaxed fashion.

• Don't immediately judge your date. Instead, find something you like or that you find interesting about him/her. It's easy to start keeping tabs of faults or reasons why this person won't work for you, but why not keep more of an open mind? This way, you can be more open to the people you're meeting and start dating outside your comfort zone.

• Network. Even if it doesn't work out romantically, if you could see yourself being friends, maintain the friendship! I know many people who found their loves through people they dated and didn't work out. It's worth consideration.