Finding a Partner

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match"*

I remember a scene from "Got to Believe in Magic" where Claudine was asked by her old-maid aunts of her age. She was already 24 turning 25 (I think) in the movie and unattached. The reaction of the aunts was like, "Oh no, malapit ka na sa finish line." I guess there really is pressure for some people to find a partner (an instinct to be coupled). And apparently, there's society's pressure, too. Heck, it's just normal for some to fear and look for things that will aid them in probably finding a partner. Below are some options you may venture into. See what fits your needs.

Speed Dating

It stared from the matchmaking concept of Jews. Now, it's all over and it has reached the Philippine Market (mukhang magandang business ito, event!). Well, this sounds safe (no exchange of numbers). Maybe if you're someone who'd really like to meet a prospective partner, you could probably try this out. Except that it means evident financial investment (tickets to the event). Panget, bumibili ka ng ticket para makakuhaor makakalilala ka ng lalaki o babae (kung ganun nga ang magiging dating niya). Sana lang pare-pareho kayong seryoso. But there are good relationships that have happened because of this. So do your research and see if this set-up suits you (your personality and more importantly your principles).

Explore

This is a subtle way of meeting a prospective partner. Well, meeting a prospective someone may start through meeting various people. Of course, you can only meet people if you have loads of activities that aren't regularly shared with friends or acquaintances.

1) Go to a gym daw. You might find someone interesting and gain higher value: physical for that matter. If you are not able to find that someone, at least you're in shape, assuming that you're really working-out and not simply working-out on someone.

2) Join organizations. You might find someone who shares the same interests with you. In case that someone is not there, you're doing something for a good cause (assuming you're not really attending meetings or actively participating in events just to bump into someone or to keep your eyes on a prospect).

3) Explore the Internet.

a. Old School MIRC. Meron pa ba nito?

b. YM. Join chatrooms

c. Forums. Meron sa PEx Singles Scene. Hardyharhar!

d. Blog. Either create your own or simply interact. Ano'ng ginagawa ng Multiply? It's more personal than blogspot and more network-oriented (malamang, social-networking site siya). More serious ang dating ng Blogspot.

Network

Blind-date, Set-ups (retos). You can tell your friends to introduce you to someone whom they think you'll find interesting and who'll probably find you interesting, too. Safe. At least, that person revolves within your network and a friend's recommendation. Kumbaga sa trabaho, may nagrefer so may basehan. At kung palpak, pwede mong balikan ang kaibigan or kakilala mo. Not to mention, you can also set requirements as to the qualities of a person you want to date.

Serendipity

Effortless (Somehow)! Admittedly, this one is the most exciting and I guess sweetest. Well, for those who aren't pressured, this will work. I'm not sure if you're at the brink of losing hope (not really desperate) of finding a partner.

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Plan me no plans
I'm in no rush
Maybe I've learned
Playing with matches
A girl can get burned
So, bring me no ring
Groom me no groom
Find me no find
Catch me no catch
Unless he's a matchless match."*

*" Matchmake"r, Fiddler on the Roof