Summer Plannin’

Dear Little Red Book:

I didn’t date in high school and then I met my husband, so I don’t know where to meet people. I have a very good friend who is a 28-year-old teacher. She’s single and looking for love, among other things. She hasn’t dated much in her 20s, although she’s a charming and beautiful woman. I’ve been pushing her to get out more, but she said to me the other day that she doesn’t know where to meet guys. We live outside of a college town. Do you have suggestions on things she could do to get out and meet guys? I started going to a church with her before Christmas that a lot of young people attend, and this Sunday we’re going to a pizza place after with them. God is important in her life.”

Thanks!

Supportive Friend

Dear Supportive Friend:

Your friend is the perfect age for a relationship. Since religion is important to her, church is a good place to start and to continue her search. A person who steers away from religion could be a deal breaker for her; therefore, it’s necessary for her not only to continue attending service but to also participate in social events, activities and retreats. She may be timid to do this alone, so you or another friend may need to accompany her in the beginning. Outside of church, encourage her to reach out to her local community and surroundings for volunteer opportunities. I have a close friend who met his wife while volunteering for Habitat for Humanity…completely unexpected but welcomed.

Since she is a teacher, I assume she has summers off so now would be an excellent time for her to apply for summer volunteer opportunities or part-time jobs (i.e. summer camps, coaching a sports team). This will allow her to meet guys with common interests as her. I also encourage her to spend time visiting the local university or college. She could become acquainted with educated, mature and single men who are ready to meet a woman like your friend. Perhaps she could enroll in a class or seminar or head into the union and libraries on campus.

Readers, share your ideas or dating stories. Where did you find love? E-mail me at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.

-Katie

Tags: Dating, dating spots, Katie Greenan, Little Red Book, Mr. Right, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, nova mag, relationships