Everyone has the right to find love again. Each new encounter represents a certain expenditure of emotion, and anxiety about the future. There isn’t any fixed social code that dictates when, how, or where to signal interest in a new potential partner.

Anything’s possible. The key questions you need to ask yourself are: What am I looking for? And what am I willing to risk in this search?

There will be certain times and places where you can meet a new love or make new friends. And if you know what you are looking for and what you’re willing to risk, having a sense of clarity gives you the advantage of being conscious of your needs, projecting self-assuredness rather than nervous insecurity, having clearly defined expectations. First dates or initial conversations should simply be an opportunity to talk, without any pressure. Try these ideas for meeting people:

Take a course in a subject that really interests you   Although it may have nothing to do with your career, you will meet people who have the same inclinations you do.

Join a gym or sports club  You could make new friends, find a new partner or just meet someone interesting. And participating in a sport or working out at a gym will get you into shape. You’ll enjoy a new social life. You’ll fill your free time.

Strengthen your spirit  Go to places that have spiritual significance for you, it could be a church, a temple, a mosque, etc. Learn about religions or new spiritual practices that can strengthen your connection with divine or universal energy.

Travel   Go on a cruise, or travel to a destination where you can meet new people. There are many resorts that make it easy to make new friends.

Go on the internet    Thank God for the internet!! I could tell you all about my personal experience in this area, but that would fill up an entire book in itself. I went on one website, and partly as a lark and partly as a test, I posted a photo of myself and listed some of my hobbies. And that’s how I met my husband. It’s incredible how destiny can bring together two people who live so far apart. I was in Buenos Aires, while he was in New York City. With all the love relationships I have had in my life, he is definitely my one and only soul mate.

Try it, you have nothing to lose.

Cultural places   Art and beauty bring people together. Go to museums and cultural events.

Go see live music   Music is a force that can tame the wildest beasts. Go to all the shows and concerts that interest you, even if you go by yourself.

Sporting events   If you like a sport, but you’re a man and think you won’t meet any women at an event, I can assure you that many couples out there first met at things like car races, horse races and other events.

Go to all the parties you can   It can feel really hard to go to parties and social events when you’re newly single, without a partner, but that’s the point: you could meet somebody new.

You can try any or all of these suggestions. Try it, get out there, you have nothing to lose.

Leave your fears and prejudices at home, and get on a new Love Diet.

Mabel Iam is the author of international award-winning self-help bestseller on love, sex, psychology and astrology. Mabel is a psychotherapist, romance therapist, adviser and expert in relationships as well as TV and radio host and producer. 

Network with Mabel Iam, visit her website www.mabeliam.com or for consultation call (305) 864 5310.