🔍 Not Just Online: Real Ways to Meet People (Without Swiping Your Life Away)

By Soriah the Tarot Reader®

A client once described online dating to me as “an emotional dumpster fire”—and honestly? Fair.

Now, full transparency: I did meet my husband online. But I treated it like recruitment. I’ve worked in that world, so I wasn’t browsing—I was shortlisting. I had screening questions. I filtered like a pro. Red flags? Straight in the bin. I wasn’t there for a flirt—I was there to fill a high-stakes vacancy.

So no, I’m not against dating apps. But after thousands of tarot sessions with people from all walks of life—men and women alike—I can confidently say this: there are more ways to meet people than swiping on a screen. And more importantly, the best moments tend to happen when people least expect it.

Clients often come to me asking the same two questions:

“What’s going on with my current love interest?”

and

“How do I meet someone who’s actually right for me?”

So many of them follow it up with,

“I just can’t meet anyone unless it’s online.”

And yet, some of my absolute favourite readings have been the ones that start with:

“You’ll never guess what—I’ve met someone!”

Almost always, it’s through something completely unplanned: a local event, a shared class, a chat in a queue. And if they return for a follow-up reading, it’s usually to ask whether this new connection has real long-term potential. More than once, I’ve heard:

“You might need to buy a hat!”

Here’s something else I want to say gently but clearly:

Just because you’ve tried some of these things before doesn’t mean they don’t work.

Trying something once and crossing it off the list is like saying “networking events don’t work” because one was awkward. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about creating more opportunities for connection.

You don’t have to give up on online dating.

But maybe consider adding a few other options too.

Think of it like a varied dating diet—you want more than one ingredient in the mix.

And honestly? If I were single again, knowing what I know now, I’d go into it with a mix of strategy and curiosity. I wouldn’t leave it to chance, but I wouldn’t squeeze the joy out of it either.

Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of comforting mantras like,

“If it’s meant for me, it won’t pass me by.”

And yes, timing matters. But I always say—if you don’t leave the front door, it’s not got much chance of walking past you, has it?

I’ll also never forget the client who asked, “Am I going to meet someone?”

I said, “What are you doing about it?”

She snapped back, “I’m manifesting it.”

And look, manifestation has its place—but if you don’t leave the house unless it’s to greet the Amazon driver, you’re cutting your odds very thin.

You can set intentions all day, but connection requires action.

And let’s be real: it’s not always going to be the first person you meet.

We have to try on a few hats before we find one that fits. That’s not failure—it’s part of the process.

And if someone you like suddenly disappears, don’t let that spiral into “What did I do wrong?”

Sometimes, the person you’re dating is also dating other people. Maybe they’ve chosen to progress something else they already had brewing.

It’s not about your value—it’s about their timing.

I’ve spoken to thousands of people, and this happens to both men and women. It’s a normal part of the modern dating landscape, not a rejection of you as a person.

So instead of trying to “win” at dating, what if you just got better at starting connections?

Here are ten ways people have genuinely met others—no apps required.

1. Ask your inner circle for intros

Your friends and family are your personal recruitment agency. You don’t need to beg—just casually drop a line like:

“Know anyone who’s into vinyl and talks during movies?”

You never know who’s waiting in their contacts list.

2. Join passion-driven meetups

Think salsa dancing, beekeeping, open mic nights, or a cosy local RPG club. These kinds of shared interests make easy, natural conversation—and you already have something in common.

3. Attend co-working sessions or hackathons

These aren’t just for tech people. One of my clients met their partner while helping sort out a webinar disaster. First date? Debrief over coffee. Shared problem-solving = instant bond.

4. Volunteer together

Beach clean-ups, dog shelters, food banks—when you roll your sleeves up together, you see the real person underneath, not just the highlight reel. And you’re doing something meaningful at the same time.

5. Sweat and bond

Climbing gyms, yoga classes, fun runs, dance cardio—even a fitness Zoom class. A bit of endorphin-fuelled awkwardness goes a long way.

Plus, sweaty high-fives make surprisingly great icebreakers.

6. Travel in small groups

Whether it’s a guided hike, a language exchange, or a foodie walking tour, travel has a way of helping people let their guard down fast. And bonding over bad directions or weird snacks? Classic meet-cute energy.

7. Try themed mixers

Modern speed dating looks nothing like it used to. Think paint-and-sip nights, board game cafés, or gallery events. Having a theme takes the pressure off—you’ve already got a reason to talk.

8. Use social media creatively

You don’t need the apps. A cheeky reply to someone’s story, a comment on a reel, or an inside-joke meme can spark a chat that turns into,

“Fancy grabbing coffee sometime?”

Low pressure. Big potential.

9. Be the new face in class

Pottery workshops, improv, cooking classes—being the newbie gives you built-in conversation starters. You can’t pass the rolling pin or share the mixing bowl without interaction.

10. Seize the tiny moments

The barista. The dog walker. The person choosing pesto next to you in Tesco.

“Sun-dried or spicy—which do you rate?”

Small talk isn’t just about weather—it’s about giving a moment a bit more space.

Instead of saying, “Lovely day, isn’t it?” and ending it there, try:

“Do you prefer summer or winter?”

“What’s your favourite season?”

That’s where conversations actually begin.

Every one of these tips is grounded in reality—stories from real people, not just vague advice.

So if you’ve felt stuck, uninspired, or like love has somehow passed you by, I hope this reminds you: it hasn’t.

Connection doesn’t only live on apps.

It lives in moments. In classes. In small questions and brave smiles.

And if you do meet someone unexpectedly?

Please tell me—because those are my favourite readings.

Especially when you say,

“Soriah, I think you might need to buy a hat.”