Fall is upon us. For matchmakers and love coaches, this marks the beginning of one of our busiest times of year (New Year is the other).
This is because the holidays and cold weather are fast approaching, and that inspires single people to turn their attention to finding a significant other. That’s why the fall is commonly referred to as “cuffing season” – as in handcuffing another person to you!
Handcuffs are not required, but there are three key things you can do to maximize your chances of meeting someone amazing this fall.
1. Delete all your online dating profiles
It might sound counterintuitive, but if you’ve been online for more than a couple of months you should delete all your old profiles.
Why? Because math. All dating websites and dating apps use algorithms that determine which matches you are shown and who sees your profile. These algorithms favor new users – they get shown the best matches and are shown higher in the search results of other users.
With lots of new users coming online this time of year, it’s in your best interest to capitalize on that traffic by becoming a “new user” yourself. New users are more motivated to actually connect, rather than neglect their profiles.
After you delete your old profile, set up a new one. And voila! The algorithm will smile on you.
2. Become a sports fan
Baseball is still with us, football has begun and basketball and hockey will soon follow. College or pro, the fall is the height of sports watching season.
This is good news for your love life because it means bars and local stadiums are more packed than ever, with men and women of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientation. It’s never easier to strike up a conversation with someone who looks intriguing than when you’re rooting for the same team, or talking trash to another team’s fans!
Pass on watching the game at home alone and accept an invite to a viewing party, or host one yourself! Watching out a local bar or restaurant works great as well. So get that jersey on and get social!
3. Up your flirting game
All too often eligible singles squander their opportunities to meet someone new because they aren’t comfortable flirting.
At its essence, flirting is simply making another person feel seen and special. There are lots of different ways to accomplish this – compliments, playful teasing, physical touch (be mindful of this with complete strangers!), etc.
The number one way to up your flirting game is by mastering eye contact + a welcoming smile. If you do this, it’ll encourage those organic interactions to take place wherever you find yourself this fall.
Winter is coming, but if you follow these tips you’ll have someone to keep you warm!
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 francescahogi.com or sign up for her free flirting mini course!