Several of the clients that I work with in my matchmaking business are finally getting it! Before they started working with me, they lived in their own little worlds, watching others and wondering, "Why can't I have that?" I have taken the time to work with them to show them that they have to "put themselves out there" and become an active participant in the world around them instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting for life to happen to them.
The first step I tell everyone to take is to say hello to five new people a day. Doing this one simple task can cause a ripple effect of positive energy and open your world to many possibilities.
It amazes me how many of us have become so self-absorbed that we don't even interact with each other face-to-face when given the opportunity. Living in New York City for the last 22 years has turned me into the perfect example of what I am talking about. I have slipped into the bad habit of donning my coat, plugging my earphones into my ears, and, even worse, doing nothing but staring at my phone and replying to texts and emails as soon as I venture out into the world, ignoring everyone around me.
We have gotten to a point in time where we have become so wrapped up in our own little worlds that we have almost forgotten that other people exist, unless they are on the other end of a piece of technology! What are we thinking? We are missing out on the opportunity to make personal connections with the people we actually walk by. It got to a point recently that I had to ask myself, "Why do I not take the time to get to know the names of the people I see in my building and neighborhood every single day?"
But it has gotten much worse than simply ignoring the people we walk by. I host several different events a month for the sole purpose of getting single, eligible people in the same environment so that they can meet. It amazes me how many times I have to remind people to get off their phones and actually introduce themselves to other attendees. What people do not realize is that when they are in a social setting, especially one where the sole purpose is to meet other people, it is rude to be talking or texting on a phone.
I digress. I will not start preaching about social etiquette or the fact that technology is ruining dating. Let us get back to the subject at hand, what I term the "ripple effect." If you are a single person who is serious about finding love, start the moment you leave your front door. I mean it. Say hello to five new people a day. Take the time to get the name of that guy who walks the dog by your building every day, or the cashier at your neighborhood deli, or the hottie you've seen working out in the gym.
Saying hello to someone can make their day. They might start saying, "Wow, that person is so sweet. I have to introduce them to my friends." Get what I am getting at when I talk about a ripple effect? I have actually started practicing what I preach. I have introduced myself to several people I know I have passed every day without giving a thought to them. And guess what? Not only have I met several wonderful people, but they are introducing me to their friends! Who would have thought it was that easy to meet people?