If you’re recently single in the city or have been for some time, you know all too well how daunting it can be to find yourself back in the dating world.
Dating at any age can be challenging and daunting, but dating as a busy professional with a full life of your own often adds special challenges to your dating portfolio.
And, what about dating in Toronto? Is it really any different than dating in any other city?
Articles written in Now Magazine and Grid TO Toronto say that Toronto is a cold city when it comes to dating. But, many other Toronto experts see it differently.
As a relationship expert, dating coach, psychotherapist and marriage counsellor in Toronto for the past 10 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand that you can find dating success, even in a large metropolitan city like Toronto.
In many ways, dating is similar to training for a marathon or any other significant endeavor. By seeking advice from a relationship coach, making the time commitment, keeping yourself in good shape physically and emotionally, dressing for success and being open to change you stack the odds of dating successfully in your favour.
In addition to getting yourself in top mental, emotional and physical form, finding a potential mate in Toronto takes the courage to step out of your comfort zone and, of course you need to know where to go to actually get out and meet people.
Taking a class or joining an interest group can provide you with the perfect opportunity to increase your confidence, meet new friends and possibly a potential mate, all in a casual, no-pressure environment.
Try the following local sources for interest groups and classes:
Meetup.com Do ever wish you knew more people that share your interests? A variety of Toronto groups including Toronto Soccer Meetup, 52 Weeks of Fun in Toronto, Toronto Professionals, Toronto Sunday Afternoon at the Movies, Toronto Photography Workshops, Try New Things in Toronto, Toronto Bike Meetup and many more can be found on Meetup.com.
The Centre for Social Innovation Is improving your community and the planet important to you? The Centre for Social Innovation hosts speakers, workshops, celebrations and more every month on a variety of topics such as capacity-building, SEO, blogging, analytics, and discussions on emerging issues.
Choir!Choir!Choir! Have you always wanted to sing but don’t know where to go? Choir!Choir!Choir! is a Toronto-based, no-commitment choir that’s become so popular that it boasts over 4000 members. Choir members meet Tuesdays or Wednesdays and sing songs like ‘Run to You’ by Bryan Adams, ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac and ‘Tempted’ by Squeeze.
Toastmasters International Would you like to become an exceptional public speaker? Believe it or not, there are 163 Toastmasters groups in the city of Toronto. Toastmasters helps you to improve your communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Volunteer Toronto Have you been thinking about giving back to your community? Volunteer Toronto offers training as well as access to and information about volunteer opportunities across the city. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to lend a hand, learn new skills and meet like-minded individuals.
Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation Fun Guide Did you know that Toronto Parks and Recreation provides classes and programs for adults as well as kids? Find fitness programs such as cardio, dance, muscle conditioning, aquafit, adult skate, adult shinny, curling and tai chi at recreation centres in your neighbourhood.
TDSB Learn4Life Community Programs for Adults Have you always wanted to learn a new language, hobby or skill? Learn4Life offers classes in the arts, business and finance, communication, computers, crafts, dance, outdoors discovery, fitness and wellness, food, games, hobbies, handiwork, health and safety, interior design, language, music, self development, sewing, sports, theatre, film and TV.
Alas, no ‘Dating Successfully in Toronto’ article would be complete without mentioning online dating.
So, what do I think of online dating?
I’ve worked successfully with many individuals that found their mates online. In this digital day and age it simply makes sense. Ultimately, if you want to find the right relationship, I would strongly encourage you to add online dating to your dating strategies arsenal.
But how do you choose with so many dating online options?
My recommendations in no particular order are www.match.com, www.jdate.com, www.harmony.com, www.perfectmatch.com, and www.lavalife.com. Find one that resonates with you and joins, but don’t just dip your toe in to test the waters. If you want online dating to work for you, put time and effort into writing an outstanding profile complete with professional photos of yourself.
Although dating in Toronto can be intimidating, with patience and a little guidance in the art and science of relationships, you’ll be well on your way to finding love in the city.
