My wife Yazmin and I met in college and have been married for a little over five years now. Married life has been a continuous process of learning, reflection, and relearning about each other and ourselves. For instance, I was raised in a culture where the man is expected to be the dominant one in the relationship and the primary provider for the family. However, Yazmin and I share leadership and responsibilities. There are tasks I lead, and others that Yazmin leads. She handles our finances, budgeting, and ensures all purchases are accounted for. I take care of paying the bills, the safety and security of our home, and together, we ensure our family is supported in all aspects of life, including spiritually, educationally, and health-wise.
Now, let me share some tips on where you can meet your potential significant other. Yazmin and I joke that we got our degrees and each other in college – two for the price of one. We often hear from friends that it gets harder to meet someone after college. So, if you're in college and have marriage intentions, don't leave without finding your significant other. If you must delay graduation, do so (just kidding, but really).
Shared Interests
Start with the easier ways of meeting people – through shared interests. You can meet people who are already doing the same activities you enjoy. If you like going to the gym, you may run into someone there who also enjoys working out. If you love yoga, you might meet someone in a yoga or Pilates class. Join clubs, classes, cultural dances, or groups centered around your interests. Sports leagues, book clubs, cooking classes, volunteering organizations, and travel clubs are great places to meet people with similar passions and values.
Friends' Referral
Meeting your potential significant other through friends is like getting a referral. Your friends know you well and they also know the person they're connecting you with, making it easier to bond. Parties, gatherings, and events organized by friends are perfect for meeting new people. A friend's mom even used weddings to find potential in-laws for her kids, and it worked out well. So, trust your friends' judgment!
Places of Worship
If religion is important to you, meeting someone at your place of worship can be very beneficial. Yazmin and I love praying together as a family, and if you're religious or spiritual, your place of worship is a great place to find someone who shares your values.
Professional Settings
While not my top recommendation, meeting someone at work or in a professional setting is worth exploring. You spend most of your waking hours at work, making it a sensible place to form connections. Just ensure you understand your company policies and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Public Spots
Public places can be great for meeting new people, though it might feel challenging at first. Bookstores, coffee shops, parks, community centers, trains, bus stops, hiking trails, and movie theaters are all potential spots. If you have a dog, take it for walks or to a dog park – you might meet someone there. If you enjoy hiking, join a hiking group or meet people on the trails.
Striking Up Conversations
When you meet someone, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation. Everyone is a stranger until you start talking and getting to know each other. That stranger could become your life partner.
Final Thoughts
It is important to meet your significant other from these places because by default, you already share something in common. Honestly, being married means that you are going to be spending a lot of time together. So why not spend that time doing things that you enjoy? Doing so will also continue to strengthen your relationship together. Put yourself in social situations where you can organically meet new people who share common interests and values. Be open, friendly, and authentic in your interactions. You never know where it will lead.
