Have you ever checked your cell phone on the hour, every hour until that certain someone called or texted? Or worse, are you guilty of checking your inbox every five minutes, waiting for the object of your affection to email you? The lowest moments in our love lives often come when we are sitting around, waiting for someone else to hit us up. Instead of wasting your evening away stalking that hottie online, why not reach out and make something happen? How do you do that? By staying active on JDate! That means sending Flirts, emails and Instant Message requests to anyone who sparks your interest! This might seem scary at first, but remember, everyone else on JDate is looking to meet new people as well. They’ll be thankful you decided to reach out and say hello! Here are my top 10 tips for meeting someone new:

1. Make a Plan

Set time aside every week to look through profiles, and keep a sharp eye out for new members that have the qualities you’re looking for in a mate. It’s just like shopping, don’t buy anything you don’t need. You’ll just regret it.

2. Set Goals

Try to contact a minimum number of members every week. Start with three people and see if you feel like working your way up to more. Only contact the members that seem interesting to you though. You don’t want to waste time with someone who is not a good fit.

3. Know What you Want

First, know yourself. Second, know what you’re looking for in a date. Third, communicate exactly what you’re looking for to anyone you meet online. You’ll weed out the poor matches and cultivate a stronger bond with those you like.

4. Don’t Be Shy

Not a big talker? No problem! Simply ask a lot of questions when you’re emailing or IM’ing with someone new. This is your chance to get the skinny before you meet, so take advantage of the opportunity before you!

5. Pay Attention

“Listen” carefully to the responses you get from other daters. Each response if very telling. If something feels off, or even a little odd, then ask a few more questions until their answer makes sense.

6. Give Everyone a Chance

Sometimes we pass on truly great people because we didn’t see their best qualities right away. Or, we assumed it wouldn’t be a good fit. It may take a few emails to get warmed up, but romance could be in their air after a few IM conversations. And if it isn’t, you may have found a new friend at the least.

7. Be Yourself

Be open and honest in both your profile and any emails you send. Share all the special attributes that make you unique. It’s the quirky characteristics that make you special (and fun)! And that’s what other daters want to know about!

8. Have Fun

Whether you’re writing your personal essay or an email to a new match, be creative, flirtatious and vivacious with your words. Tell jokes, share a laugh and giggle whenever possible!

9. Smile Pretty

Always, (let me repeat that) always post photos with your profile. Other daters want to envision who they are talking to and ensure that you are a real person. Plus, a photo alone could cause someone cute to reach out and say hello!

10. Be Courageous

Tips one through nine are nothing without this last step. In order to be courageous, all you have to do is set your plan in motion! You never know who you might meet until you try.