The Quick Start Guide for Girls.

If for whatever reason: Your biological clock is ticking, your Grandma said she would leave you a million dollars if you finally got married or you are just plain sick and tiered of being alone, You have decided to finally buckle down, put your nose to the grindstone and get serious about this whole dating thing.

If you are in a place that you want to be sending out wedding invitations this time next year, than this is the article for you.

1. Take a fearless look at yourself.

This is tough - there is no doubt about it, and doing this in a speedy way is not ideal, but as you put yourself out there, it's time to take a good hard look at what's been holding you back from getting dates in the past. That includes Looks - hair, clothes, weight etc. as well as personality: do you come of as needy? Controlling? boring? enlist the help of a good therapist or counselor. Don't expect your friends and family to give you honest advice on this, they don't want to hurt your feelings, and a good professional will be able to give you straight forward advice on making healthy changes.

2. Post a profile on a dating website.

There are many pros and cons to Internet dating but Creating a post accomplishes two things.

1. You are making a written, public declaration of your intentions. Just like writing down a goal, this is a powerful way to commit yourself to dating more and getting married.

2. You have to describe yourself , as well as what you are looking for in a man, and put it all down on paper. This is a great opportunity to take a good hard look at your best attributes, What would make you a good companion? Wife? Mother? and what do you really want in a husband? All too often these important things have been have only left these important things to vague generalities swimming around in your brain. Writing them down and posting them on the web makes them real.

(oh, and guys might also contact you in hopes of getting a date.)

3. Ask anyone and everyone to set you up on blind dates.

Look, I know blind dates can be awkward, but blind dates are a great way to kick start your dating life. One of the key mindsets that you must have is " I am someone who dates " and I know of no quicker way to become someone who dates than going on blind dates. Blind dates not only gets you more dating experience, but also quickly expands your social circle. (maybe things didn't work out with that guy but it might with his brother/ best friend/roommate) it is zero risk on your part, you haven't been eyeing this guy for weeks, so what do you care if things go badly, and your family and friends might surprise you and set you up with someone you really like!

4. You are now a social person

You go out. You are no longer a home body. You attend activities, go to dances, host parties and participate in life. You are out more days a week than in, when you are out you smile and are friendly. Enlist the help of a friend if you can, but don't be afraid to go out alone if you must. This rule is simple. 4 days a week you are out doing something with other people.

These steps are not for the faint of heart, but implementing one or more of these steps can create dramatic results in your dating life. Good Luck!

Question: There are no LDS People to Date in my area, what should I do?

Question: There are No LDS People to Date in my area, what should I do?

Answer: As someone who lives in an area with a relatively low LDS population I can relate with your fear, but the reality of the situation is that you probably haven't fully tapped all of the dating opportunities in your area.
For example you may be able to name all of the single adults in your ward. (and if you can't, shame on you, you can't complain about this until you have at least know every one's name!) but what about your stake? Seriously, do you know all of the young singles in your stake well enough that if you met them on the street you could call them by name? What about the rest of your local area? Where is the nearest singles ward to where you live.

The fact of the matter is we as humans love to stay in social situations we feel comfortable with even, if these situations are less than ideal, i.e. not a whole lot of dating potential in your circle of friends. It's safe. There is not a whole lot of unpredictability. Familiarity often breeds contempt.

It has been my observation that most who use this excuse haven't fully explored all the possibilities. So before you completely write off the area where you live as a wasteland filled only with the undateable try this.

1. Attend as many single adult activities as possible. On every level. (ward, stake, multi-stake etc.) start making it a priority.

2. When you attend, you are going to be "on" happy, outgoing and ready to meet people. Resist the temptation to hang out with your regular group. (and if you can enlist their help, so much the better) it should be your goal to come away with as many new names (and phone numbers, if your a guy) as possible. This is a great low pressure environment to try out new conversation starters,approach everybody - not just guys or girls who you think you might be interested in.

3. Have an easy invite already in the works so your introductions can easily transition into an invite, if your a girl, invite guys and girls. You should make your event a simple and easy to attend a group affair.

Ah like so:

you:(talking to a group) You should all come up next Saturday, my friends and I are having a huge BBQ with Frisbee golf. Saturday at 2 you should come.

4. Guys by all means ask girls out. Make your date simple and inexpensive . If there is a question of distance. (which there is in my ward and stake.) be chivalrous and offer to make the drive.

Ah like so:

you: Hey Diane, I just heard there is a new bowling alley in town. I'm going to be in town on Friday anyway we should go.

You never know what you might be missing out on. You might have to look no farther than your own back yard.