Soul Mating

Meeting people you enjoy and can have a good time with isn’t always as easy as it seems it should be. Many find it gets even harder after they complete college and are in the working world without such a readily available dating pool. However, there are a few ways you can make it easier on yourself. Both the Internet and places around your town or city can provide many opportunities for you to meet men and women who share your interests, are smart, and are looking to connect. Check out these tips and resources to help you meet the nerdy, smart or artistic person of your dreams.

General Tips

Use these tips to reel in a smart and interesting single.

1. Have a conversation starter. So you’ve found someone you think you want to strike up a conversation with, but you don’t know how to go about it. Work on coming up with ways to strike up a conversation with someone. It can be especially easy if you share an interest or are at the same event.
2. Comment on what they’re doing. If you see an attractive young person reading your favorite book, strike up a conversation about it. It gives you an opportunity to talk about something and share an interest.
3. Don’t be condescending. You might be a total genius but you don’t want to make your potential date feel like you think they’re stupid right off the bat before they’ve had a chance to show you what they’re made of so keep the condescending comments out of the conversation.
4. Be open to new ideas. Just because you’re not familiar with something your date is talking about or maybe you don’t agree entirely doesn’t mean they’re necessarily wrong. A little controversy can make for a more interesting discussion, provided you keep it civil.
5. Figure out what you want. If you love reading and want someone who shares that passion then work on finding others with that interest rather than settling for someone who doesn’t. The same goes for any other interest. Figure out what are your deal breakers and what you’re willing to bend on as well.
6. Be yourself. Being fake with someone isn’t going to make for a good long term relationship. Eventually your true self will come out, so be frank, honest and open from the get go and see where that takes you.
7. Just ask. Want to go on a date with someone? Want their phone number? Just get up the nerve and ask. The worst they can say is no.
8. Look your best. While there are probably a few exceptions, approaching someone for a date while you look like you just crawled out of bed after a long night of drinking isn’t likely to win you many affirmative replies. Clean yourself up before hitting the dating scene to ensure you’re putting your best food forward.
9. Use your skills to impress. If you make a mean website or can write beautiful poetry, use these skills to woo the person you want to date. You’ll get to do something you enjoy while making the other person feel special.
10. Show genuine interest. Even if you don’t share in all your date’s passions, take a real interest in the things they do outside of your common interests. They’ll appreciate it and you might even find a new favorite hobby.
11. Stay positive. Anyone who’s been single for awhile can tell you that rejection is just part of the dating game. Learn to take your letdowns in stride and work towards more success the next time.
12. Understand you can’t share every interest. You may have a laundry list of interests you’d like to share with a potential mate, but be realistic. One person may not be able to fulfill all of those things but could still be a great match for you.

Places to Meet and Mingle

The internet isn’t the only place you can meet intellectuals and artists. Check out these places around town for additional dating potential.

13. Art galleries: If you’ve got a love of art or artists what better place to hang out than a gallery? If you hit them up for openings you may even be able to meet the artist him or herself.
14. Local museums: Why not find a like minded individual at a museum in your town or a nearby city? You’ll have plenty of artwork to talk about.
15. Coffee shops: Coffee shops have a reputation for being a hangout for writers, artists and thinkers of all kinds because, well, they are. Sip on some coffee or tea and scope the singles hanging out in your local coffee shop.
16. Bookstores: See a good looking girl or guy picking out your favorite book from the shelves? Use the opportunity to strike up a conversation and a new romance just might be born.
17. The library: While many libraries may be full of what can only be called "characters" it doesn’t mean that you can’t find someone worth meeting at one, especially if you attend college.
18. Local organizations and clubs: Want to meet someone who shares the same nerdy interests as you? Join a club. You’ll get to make some new friends and maybe meet someone you’d like to date.
19. Shows: Music can be a great way to have a good time and meet people who share your interests. Take the opportunity to check out your favorite artists when they come to town.
20. Colleges and universities: Whether you’re currently in school or looking to go back to take a few classes, college is one of the easiest places to meet people who are smart and who just might share a few of your likes and dislikes.
21. Public transportation: Not everyone can afford to have their own car and if you live in a major city the train or bus may be a great place to meet people to talk to. If you do strike up a conversation successfully, you’ll have a few stops to carry it out and who knows maybe you’re even going to the same place.
22. Volunteering: Whether you volunteer for things in your community or at big nerdy conventions, volunteering is a great way to meet people who care about the same things you do.
23. Conventions: Love books? Comics? Scifi? You can find numerous conventions on these topics which can often be chock full of smart, nerdy people also looking for love.
24. Stores: Hanging out at your local art supplies or comic book store can be one way to scope out others who are interested in the same things you are.

Smart Singles

Find someone to discuss everything from particle physics to politics with on these IQ focused sites.

25. IntelligentPeople: Screen your potential dates with this dating service that requires new members to pass an IQ test before they can join to ensure they’re in the upper ranges of intelligence.
26. Square Dating: This site builds its dating service around those who have graduated from colleges including some prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford.
27. Science Connection: Create a profile on this site to find love with someone else interested in the sciences. You may just find someone to share lab experiences or just gaze at the stars with.
28. iQcuties: Created to be "somewhere between Mensa and MySpace" this site requires members to take an intelligence test before they can join so you know you’ll be getting the cream of the crop in the brains department.
29. intellectconnect: Find yourself an equally brainy date by going through this site. It offers listings of events in your area where you can meet other singles who may just share your interests and intellect.
30. The Right Stuff: Those who graduated from a prestigious Ivy League school can find other graduates out there as well through this dating service. New members will need to provide proof they attended the institution, however.
31. BrainyDates: If brains are more important to you than perfect ten looks then you may want to try out this site. You’ll find loads of smart and still sexy singles at your fingertips.
32. Carmun: Carmun isn’t a dating site per se, but it can be a good way to meet other college students and educated individuals. You can create bibliographies, talk in forums, and even meet up with others to study or go on dates.
33. DocDates: This dating service screens its members by the level of education they’ve completed. Members must at least have an undergraduate degree and many have masters and doctoral degrees.
34. Educated Single: If you’re looking for an educated date that’s 40 and over, check out this helpful site. You’ll find others out there who are interested in lasting, intelligent relationships.
35. GoodGenes: Those who have graduated from Ivy League schools and who have upper level degrees can take advantage of the dating services provided by this site.
36. InstantChem: Successful grads and professionals can try their luck at finding an intelligent date on this site.
37. Intellectual Passions: This site provides a place to meet someone who shares your love or reading, crossword puzzles, and more.

Artistic and Alone

If you prefer dark brooding artists (or fun loving ones) these sites can help hook you up with dating opportunities.

38. The Whole 9: This site provides the perfect place to network and possibly date other artistic types. You can also post your portfolio and comment on other’s work.
39. Urban Seeder: While you’ll need an invitation to get into this closed beta site, it can be a fun way to add a little mystery and artistry to the dating scene with clues and flirtations.
40. Single Artist Dating: Give your creativity a little boost by finding someone to share it with on this art focused dating site.
41. Are You an Artist?: Whether you’re looking to date or just find friends, this networking site will allow you to chat with other members and share your personal portfolio.
42. Stags and Doves: Creative types will enjoy this dating site which promises a hip and fun environment to meet intelligent and artistic singles.
43. MusicianDate: Create a profile on this site to meet and mingle with musicians of all kinds.
44. Musicians Dating Service: Find someone else who plays the flute or form your own private band with the singles you’ll meet on this site.
45. Humble Voice: This site provides a community where artists can post their work, meet others and maybe even find a date.
46. Music Passions: Whether you’re looking for someone to listen to or play music with you’ll find music lovers of all kinds here.
47. Urbis: Get feedback on your work, writing or art, on this site and find other creative singles to date.
48. Poetic Singles: Check out this site for help meeting and setting up dates with other poetic types.
49. Stuart: Creative people can find like minds on this portfolio and networking site.
50. MakeOutClub: Geared towards the tortured artist type, this site is s perfect choice for those looking for creative, interesting people.

Lovers of Literature

Share your love of books, writing and reading on these sites.

51. Single Booklovers: Hook up with other book lovers on this site and find not only physical chemistry but intellectual chemistry as well.
52. London Book Review Personals: When you’re done reading the latest book reviews, head over to the personals section of this site for other bibliophiles looking for a date.
53. PenguinDating: Penguin publishers have set up this new site to help readers of their books, and books in general, find someone else to cuddle up with.
54. Goodreads: Here you can post what you’re reading and meet intelligent people who share your tastes.
55. Reading Passions: Share your deep love of books with others you’ll meet and network with on this dating site.
56. ConnectViaBooks: The idea behind this site is that people who share common interests in reading material will likely share other interests as well and uses this to help match people up.
57. BooksWellRead: Journal what you’re reading on this site for future reference and get a chance to network with others who love literature.
58. Shelfari: Shelfari is a social network for book lovers which is free to use and can help you hook up with new books and new people to discuss them with.
59. Library Thing: This site is a great place to enter what you’re reading and get connected with others who have similar reading tastes.
60. BookJetty: BookJetty provides a place to catalog and review books as well as find out what your friends are reading and meet others who share your literary interests.
61. The Atlasphere: Avid readers of Ayn Rand books can meet their perfect match on this dating and networking site set up for fans of the author’s work.

Nerd and Geek Central

Find geeks and nerds of every shape and size on these great dating sites.

62. Nerd Passions: Whether you love scifi, programming, or gaming you’ll find loads of singles on this site who’ll share your interests.
63. Sweet on Geeks: This dating site is popular with geeks, leaving you with thousands of potential partners who you can network with through blogs, links, videos, photos and more.
64. Bee My Geek: Join this geek-friendly social networking site to meet and flirt with other geeks through blogs, forums and profiles.
65. Geek 2 Geek: Here you’ll find numerous members who’ll be matched to you based on your common interests and you can set up a profile for free though advanced features will cost you.
66. impersonals: Geeks, nerds and other offbeat but not creepy people will find a home on this dating site designed for "awesome pegs in a square world."
67. Geek Match Making: Check out this site to find a geeky or nerdy match who shares you interests.
68. Geek Flirt: This site provides chatrooms and private IMs so geeks can network with those in their area or around the nation.
69. Find Your Geek: Find a totally geeky match on this site, designed to meet the needs of everyone from those into cosplay to those who are simply of higher intelligence.
70. Date a Geek: Create your own profile on this site to hook you up with other intelligent members in your area.
71. Sqzzy: Designed to be a dating site for those who don’t quite fit in with the rest of society, Sqzzy offer geeks and nerds a place to make new friends and possibly to find romance.
72. Nerdalicious: This online dating service works through emails to connect those who share a love of all things internet.
73. Its Just Coffee: Meet a lovely and nerdy man or women through this site for a casual coffee date to discuss your interests.
74. iminlikewithyou: Play games online and meet new people through this social networking site, many of which who will be as hopelessly addicted to the internet as you are.

Off the Beaten Path

Want to find smart, sexy singles that aren’t run of the mill? Then give these dating sites a look.

75. Faceparty: You’ll find all sorts of geeks, freaks and interesting people on this unique and sometimes silly site.
76. Anonidate: Join this network to meet singles that are into fairly run-of-the-mill things like WoW and gamers as well as less common interests like furries.
77. Tattooed Singles: If tattoos really get you going, check out this site which is chock full of tattooed singles.
78. GothicMatch.com: Meet men and women who share your love of gothic dress, clothing and culture on this specialized dating site.
79. Date My Pet: If you really, really love your pet, give this site a try. It gives pet owners the chance to find someone that will not only be compatible with them but their pets as well.
80. Pierced Passions: Enjoy a chance to meet other smart singles who have piercings of all kind through this dating site.

Specialty

Find men and women who share your intellectual and recreational interests on these helpful sites.

81. Trek Passions: If your ultimate fantasies occur somewhere on the USS Enterprise then give this dating site a try. You’ll meet other Trekkies looking for love as well as singles interested in numerous other sci-fi shows and authors.
82. Geek Space Nine: This geek social networking and dating site offers geeks and nerds the chance to meet someone else who shares their interests whether it be a love of sci-fi or of playing the Wii.
83. Gamer Dating Network: Check out this site to meet and get to know others who love gaming just as much as you do.
84. Datecraft: If you’re the type who’d rather spend an evening (and the next day) playing Warcraft you may just find a more than suitable mate through this site which allows you to meet other gamers though chats, forums and personal profiles.
85. Anime Dates: This site can be a great place to find a girl or guy who appreciates Ninja Scroll just as much as you do.
86. A Sound Match: Find your perfect musical match on this site, which allows users to take a short musical quiz before signing up to find members who match their tastes.
87. Act for Love: Intelligent people who are really into politics may want to give this site a look see, though it does cater to those who are on the more liberal side of things.
88. Shy Passions: If you’re the type who takes a long time to warm up to someone why not try meeting someone else who’s a little shy too? This site creates the perfect place to do that.
89. Whispers4U: If you’re a smart single type that just happens to also have a disability then check out this site. It can help hook you up with others for friendship or dating.
90. Lovetastic: Find the smart, sexy gay man of your dreams on this dating site, focused on helping men find lasting, happy relationships.
91. CyclingSingles: CyclingSingles can be a great place to meet someone as passionate about biking as you are. Make friends to bike around with or a special someone to bike into the sunset with.
92. Scientific Match: Want your dating to have a little (possibly questionable) science behind it? This service proposes to use your DNA to find someone you’ll have the maximum amount of chemistry with.
93. Veggie Love: Use this dating site to find someone who will share your commitment to vegetarianism.
94. Fitness Singles: If you’re the type who enjoys working their body as much as their mind, give this service a try. You’ll meet others who are interested in staying fit and active.
95. Green Friends: Whether you’re into vegetarianism or just want to live a more sustainable life, you can find someone who shares your interests and passions on this specialty dating site.

General

96. The Onion Personals: The Onion offers a great place to meet intelligent, witty and artistic singles from all over the nation who do everything from cartooning to stock brokering.
97. OkCupid: Embrace your inner matchmaker through this site. You create the test that will determine who is the best match for you so the criteria are entirely up to you.
98. FindMeDateMe: If you’ve gotten frustrated by finding people you think you’d match up well with on a variety of pay sites, give this site a try. It allows you to contact anyone from any dating site in the world for free.
99. Kizmeet: Everyone has had the moment where they see someone from across the room and think how much they’d love to talk to them but don’t have the nerve. This site is all about making up for those missed connections and meeting up with people you’ve seen out and about.
100. Meetup: If you’re looking for someone to join you at your local book club or at a large convention you may find just the person through this activity matching site.

 

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