Think about that for a moment. BILLIONS! And you're telling me that among all those people, you can't possibly meet someone who shares your interests, appreciates your personality, enjoys your company, and wants to build a meaningful relationship? C'MON NOW!

Of course, not everyone will be compatible with you. Some people aren't interested in serious relationships. Others may have completely different goals, personalities, values, or lifestyles. That's life! But you don't need to win over the entire population of planet Earth.

YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ONE PERSON WHO ALSO WANTS TO FIND SOMEONE LIKE YOU!

And that person might be searching for you just as enthusiastically as you're searching for them.

Now, isn't THAT an interesting thought?

Here's something I discuss extensively in my book. YOU HAVE TO GET OUT THERE IN ORDER TO BE SEEN BY THE ONE FOR YOU! If you spend every evening sitting at home wondering why nobody is calling, well, you might want to consider giving the outside world another try! HAHA!

Start participating in activities you genuinely enjoy. Join a club. Take a class. Attend community gatherings. Get involved with hobby groups. Accept invitations to social events. Visit interesting places around your neighborhood.

And here's one of my favorite suggestions: Become a REGULAR somewhere!

Visit places you enjoy at reasonably consistent times. As people begin recognizing you, conversations can become more natural. One day, someone might walk up and say: "Hey, I've seen you here before. My name's..." AND THERE YOU GO!

A conversation has begun! It might lead to a friendship, a date, or simply a pleasant exchange with another human being. The important thing is that you're participating in life and creating opportunities to meet people.

Let's imagine you're somewhere enjoying yourself when you notice someone interesting. You exchange a smile. Then another. And then? NOTHING! You both go home wondering whether the other person might have been interested!

OH, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

SOMEBODY SAY HELLO!

You don't need a memorized pickup line, a fancy introduction, or some ridiculous strategy designed to impress strangers. Just be friendly. "Hi, I'm ________. What's your name?" There! Wasn't that difficult, was it? Ask a question. Start a conversation. See whether there's mutual interest.

And remember, approaching someone respectfully doesn't guarantee a date. If they're uninterested, wish them well and move along.

YOU CAN'T GET TO KNOW SOMEONE IF NEITHER OF YOU IS WILLING TO START A CONVERSATION!

Modern technology has made it possible to meet people beyond your immediate neighborhood, workplace, and social circle. That's a WONDERFUL advantage! But online dating also requires patience and good judgment.

Create an honest profile. Use recent photographs. Describe your interests, personality, and what you're hoping to find. Then take the time to get to know the people who contact you. Don't assume that someone is everything they've described themselves to be simply because their profile sounds impressive.

A GREAT ONLINE PROFILE ISN'T A SUBSTITUTE FOR GREAT CHARACTER!

Ask meaningful questions. Pay attention to inconsistencies. Protect your private and financial information. When meeting someone for the first time, choose a public location and take reasonable safety precautions. And don't confuse endless messaging with developing a genuine relationship. Eventually, if you both want to continue getting acquainted, you'll need meaningful conversations and shared experiences to discover whether you're compatible.

Oh, this is IMPORTANT! You might date five people, ten people, or more before meeting someone who genuinely interests you. SO WHAT? Every reasonable dating experience can teach you something about yourself, what you enjoy, what you don't appreciate, and what qualities matter most to you.

In my book, I encourage readers not to become discouraged simply because previous dates didn't develop into relationships. And please, don't pursue someone who repeatedly ignores you or shows no genuine interest.

GO WHERE YOUR COMPANY IS APPRECIATED!

Be patient without becoming passive. Stay optimistic without ignoring reality. And don't become so desperate to have someone in your life that you overlook behavior you would ordinarily NEVER tolerate! Finding someone worthwhile matters more than simply finding SOMEONE.