You’re ready to get out there and date – good for you! But where are all the women? Where are the potential dates? The minute you start looking, the kinds of girls you would like to date are nowhere to be found.

You live in a tiny town on the outskirts of nowhere and there aren’t any women, or the only women you meet on the elevator or at the store are either wearing huge sparkling wedding rings, or look like Ernest Borgnine. Now what?

It’s not as bad as you think. As a general rule, there are always more single females than males out there – you’ve already got an advantage. Depending on where you live, up to 45% of the adult population is single.

And the world is getting smaller by the minute, meaning that via the Internet, you have access to literally millions of single women. You’re only limited by how far you might be willing to travel to meet someone.  It isn’t unusual these days to meet and date someone who lives a thousand miles away (or more).

Here are a few of the best ways to meet other singles. All you need is some gumption and to put your fears on pause.

Internet – Before you reject Internet dating, remember that if it never worked, it probably would’ve died out already. There are many good, ethical Internet dating sites that work really hard to get your money by giving you the best chance they can at meeting someone, (or several someones) that you like.

There are a few tricks to Internet dating, but they don’t mean that you have to be dishonest or make yourself sound like Superman (it’s probably better if you don’t try that). The biggest trick is to post some really great photos of yourself (current, not from when you were 20, unless you’re 21 – that’s okay). That’s the first thing your potential dates will see. Don’t like the way you look? A photo of you with a sincere friendly smile, doing something you enjoy, with your dog, or in your favorite shirt is what you need – you need to be you – smiling and happy.

Friends – Your friends can introduce you to people. Blind dates are scary, but who knows? Maybe your friends can set up casual meetings like at their next back yard BBQ. Then it’s not so forced. Because your friends know you, they have a decent idea of who you might hit it off with.

Common Interests – What are your hobbies? Maybe biking, reading, music, martial arts, cooking, or health and fitness? You could join clubs or take classes having to do with your interests. This is often a good place to meet new people – maybe your next date!

Special Events – What if your favorite politician, or author is in the area giving a talk? What if a popular speaker is invited to a local church?  You could meet like-minded people at these events – even like–minded women!

Coffee Houses, Bookstores, Bark Parks, the Laundromat, Etc. – People, single and otherwise, hang out at places like these (everyone needs clean clothes, a walked dog and coffee, right?). They can be good spots to meet single women.

Use your imagination. Any place can be a good place to meet a potential date.