According to a recent DatingNews.com survey of 1,000 American adults, single Americans are hoping to meet their partner in person this year.
65% say they are looking for romance in real life, with 48% looking to meet people through friends or colleagues, 31% through dating or singles networking, and 24% through internet-based or lifestyle events.
That makes sense, says Natasia Miller, a relationship expert and founder of sexual wellness company Wanderlust. “When you meet someone in person, you can gauge compatibility and energy levels that you can’t measure on an app.”
Miller shares some questions she recommends asking when meeting a potential partner.
“What you really want to measure is: Do you really like this person?”
“When you meet someone for the first time, you should really try to get to know them as a friend, not as a romantic interest,” says Miller. “What you really want to know is, do you really like this person?”
In the big picture, you’ll want to know how they conduct themselves, what makes them shine, and what their lifestyle is like, Miller says.
Try asking questions like:
Why did you come here? What sparks your curiosity about this event? Who are your favorite people to spend time with? What are your hobbies? What do you spend the most time thinking about?
The key is to see if you like being around the person enough to want to see them again. Then you can start exploring romantic possibilities.
Also, during the conversation, make sure you’re not the only one asking questions.
“When you’re with someone who’s curious and asks questions and is genuinely interested and listens, you really establish a strong foundation for a healthy relationship,” says Miller.
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