Single and don't want to be? Luckily, summertime is the best time for flying solo. There's plenty to do, and with the longer days most people are eager to get out and take advantage of the warm weather.
Here are a few tips for making the most out of single life in the summer. And who knows? You just might meet someone special along the way.
1. Make New Friends.
I often hear single people complain that all of their friends are married or that their friends don't like going out, so they have no one to spend time with. If that's true for you, find some new social companions.
Expanding your social network beyond your usual circle opens up a whole new pool of people, which includes new potential partners.
Reconnect with that former co-worker you always got along with but haven't seen in years. Strike up a conversation with that woman you see in your spin class but have never said more than "hi" to.
Humans are social creatures, and that's even more true in the summertime when our socializing opportunities are at an all-time high. Take advantage and be open to new experiences with new people!
2. Say YES!
Now, I'm not suggesting anything as daunting as saying yes to every single opportunity that presents itself -- you don't have to go shark diving if you really don't want to!
However, I challenge you to say yes more often that you normally do -- the next time your neighbor invites you to a party, just go. Nevermind that you might not know anyone there, or that it's on a Friday night after a long week of work. Same goes for that play someone suggests you see, or that free concert in the park next Tuesday night.
Life will pass you by if you don't take advantage of new opportunities. You never know who you might cross paths with outside of your usual routine. And even if you don't meet your new boyfriend or girlfriend at that concert, at least you will have had a good time!
3. Do Your Research.
We have an infinite amount of information constantly at our fingertips: no more excuses for not knowing where to go or what to do. Yelp will give you local business reviews in seconds. Listing sites such as www.timeout.com, www.meetup.com, www.fusicology.com and your local newspaper's website can give you the latest upcoming events.
Use social media to keep up with events and parties. Follow local news outlets and event listing sites on Twitter. Don't ignore those Facebook invites people send you; stop and take a look at what's happening in your city.
You can do some of the inviting, too! Plan a potluck picnic in the park and invite everyone you know, and tell them to bring a friend! Or have a party on your rooftop or organize an outing to a sporting event.
4. Have a Fling!
With all that hot weather and scanty clothing, it's no wonder summer is a great time for hookups. Maybe it's been a long time since you went on a date with anyone you couldn't envision marrying.
It might do you some good to take the pressure off and just spend some time with someone for the sake of just enjoying yourself.
Having a fling doesn't necessarily mean having sex; sometimes a few fun dates, or a hot make out session are all you need, especially if it's been awhile since you enjoyed some amorous companionship.
If you're planning any vacations before the summer is out, that's the perfect excuse for a fling! Download a dating app like Tinder or Bumble to make it effortlessly simple to meet singles wherever in the world you might be.
Just remember to be really clear with yourself (and your matches) about your expectations and boundaries. Practice common sense safety and have fun!
5. Remember: "Perfection" is Not Required.
A lot of women (and some men) spend much of the year stressing about their bodies and how they'll look in that bathing suit or short shorts.
If you are like most people in this country, you might have fallen short of your fitness goals. Oh well. Join the club! Summer isn't about having a supermodel body (and neither is any other season).
Invest in some flattering seasonal clothes, hold your head high and rock that summer dress or swimsuit. Look and feel your personal best. Remember, confidence is sexy!
6. Get Out and About!
See a theme here? This is the single most important way to make the most out of your summer. Sitting inside in the comfort of your A/C won't bring you any lasting memories.
The happier you are and the more joyfully you live your life, the more people are drawn to you. From picnics to beach outings to sitting and enjoying your coffee or dinner at a sidewalk café, the opportunities for fun are endless.
Don't be afraid to go it alone if necessary. Take a book with you to that café, take a leisurely walk downtown, head to that singles mixer or strike up a conversation with the stranger buying beets next to you at the farmer's market. You never know where it might lead!
Francesca is a love and lifestyle coach for singles. You can catch her as a regular expert guest on NBC’s The Today Show, and on The Hoda Show on SiriusXM’s Today Show Radio channel. Get more dating advice, and even book a free session at www.francescahogi.com!