Where Do You Find a Girlfriend? Plus, How to Approach Women

Be your charming, authentic self to attract your dream girl

No matter what stage of life you’re at, finding a girlfriend can be tough. Your friends may have no problems finding great girlfriends, but maybe you keep finding yourself on your own. Finding a girlfriend involves getting out into the world, being open to meeting new people, and getting help from friends, and we're here to provide all the best tips to help you meet that special someone.

Where are the best places to find a girlfriend?

Grocery stores, museums, coffee shops, and dog parks are great places to meet women who are relaxed and enjoying themselves. In contrast, clubs and bars may not be the best place to find a partner, as women there may be on guard, out with friends, or not looking for long-term relationships.

Section 1 of 3:

Where to Meet Women

PDF download Download Article
  1. Think about the things that you definitely want in a girlfriend. Perhaps you want to find someone who shares your religious views, or someone who definitely wants children. Identify your “must-haves” in a potential girlfriend, and then consider where that type of woman might spend time.
    • Think about both major and minor criteria. Dating coach John Keegan says that it's important to find someone with the same values and life views as you. But you might also think about whether you want someone who will run marathons with you, or someone who will binge-watch TV with you, or someone who works in the same industry as you.
    • While you may want a girlfriend who you think is extremely physically attractive, avoid putting this at the top of your list. Your relationship should be based on something less superficial than good looks.
  2. Chances are, you’re not going to meet anyone if you stay holed up in your house. Get out of your usual routines and hang out in public places where you might meet new people. Think about visiting these types of places frequently:
    • Grocery store
    • Bookstore or library
    • Coffee shop
    • Park
    • Hiking trail
    • Music shop
    Advertisement
  3. If you’re having trouble finding potential women to date, you may need to try something new to open up your circle of acquaintances. Try a new hobby or join a club, such as skiing or hiking.
    • Try to have some level of interest in the activity. Don’t just pretend to like an activity because there are lots of girls doing it too. Otherwise, you will start off a potential relationship with falseness.
    • If you are in school, try taking a different type of class than what you normally take. Even if you don’t feel like you’re a creative person, you might take art or drama class. You can get to know this girl in one of her favorite classes.
  4. You may have a very particular idea about what kind of woman you’re attracted to. But there are all types of people with whom you can become very good friends and potentially romantic partners. Try not to judge a book by its cover.
  5. Expand your social circle by getting more women friends. You may have initially considered a woman as potential girlfriend material but then decided it wouldn’t work out. Don’t immediately write off this person. You two can still be friends. What’s more, she probably has lots of girlfriends.
  6. Many relationships happen because someone told their friends that they were looking for a relationship. Your friends might know someone who is single and looking, and they might help you make a connection.
    • When it comes to finding someone who’s right for you, psychotherapist and relationship coach Kelli Miller, says “Be patient and know that it will come when the time is right.”
  7. It has become much more common for people to connect with each other via online dating websites like Tinder , Hinge , e-Harmony and Match.com. Scope out these sites and join one. Fill out your profile and be open to getting to know other people.
    • Psychologist Dr. Sarah Schewitz, says “there's a lot of work on the back end to find the right match with online dating.” Even though it’s nice to swipe from home, it takes more work to find someone who aligns with you.
    • When it comes to making a Tinder profile, dating and relationship coach, Maya Diamond says “the most important thing is to make a profile that represents your interests, lifestyle, and personality, and to be very clear about why you're on Tinder.”
  8. Go on blind dates . Your friends and family want to help you be happy. They might set you up on a blind date to meet a girl, which can be uncomfortable. Still, take a risk by agreeing to the blind date. Think of it as an opportunity to meet someone new and interesting.
    9. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Approaching & Talking to Women

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose an appropriate time and place to talk with a woman. Grocery stores, museums, coffee shops, and dog parks are great places to meet women who are enjoying themselves and usually feeling relaxed. [1]
    • When a woman is at a bar or club, she is already on her guard. She may not be looking for a long-term relationship, or she might be out with the girls for the night. The place is not ideal for connecting with someone more than casually.
  2. People generally appreciate a good sense of humor. Be friendly and make light-hearted jokes to make the girl laugh . [2] There are a lot of different situations that lend themselves to demonstrating your sense of humor. Try making jokes at the following things: [3]
    • The circumstance around you. If you’re at a park or walking down the street and you notice something funny, say something about it.
    • Make a joke about yourself. If you’re really tall, talk about how you can see the next city from your viewpoint.
    • Tell a funny story about yourself. Did you get into a silly fight in middle school? Tell her about it, and be sure to include the details about the ridiculous clothes you wore at the time or what song you rocked out to right before you got into the fight.
    • Talk about current events. Some things that happen in the news or with celebrities can be good material for making jokes.
    • These jokes might work well as your personal inside jokes later on.
    • Avoid using crude or offensive humor. Until you know someone very well, this type of humor should be avoided at all costs.
  3. Show her that you’ve noticed something about her by complimenting her on it. For example, you might tell her:
    • “I really like your hair long like that.”
    • “You made some really smart points in the class debate today.”
    • “You’re really easy to talk to.”
  4. Once you find out the girl’s name, be sure to use it several times in the conversation. You might want to write it down later to help you remember it.
  5. You might be nervous about talking with a girl because she might reject you. Don’t let fears of rejection prevent you from striking up a conversation. At the very worst, she will ignore you or tell you to go away. But at best, she will return the conversation.
    • This also helps demonstrate your confidence. View this as an opportunity for acceptance.
  6. When you meet someone new, give her a chance even if she doesn’t immediately fulfill your ideal of the perfect girlfriend. Don’t eliminate someone for silly or superficial reasons.
    • Make sure you don’t only compliment this person on her physical appearance. You can tell her that she looks pretty, but make sure you also compliment her on her artistic sense or her ability to weave through rush-hour traffic.
    • When you’re talking to a woman in public, be authentic and curious. Ask questions to build common ground, then see where things go from there.
  7. If you like someone but your first conversation didn’t go well, try to talk with her again. It may be that she was distracted or under a lot of stress when you first met. If she still seems uninterested, move on.
    • You might need to arrange “accidentally” bumping into her. For example, if you initially met her at the dog park, keep taking your dog there regularly until you see her again.
  8. Don’t make a girl feel uncomfortable by acting possessive, following her around, or trying to talk to her about inappropriate things. Give her some personal space that will set the right tone for a potential relationship.
    9. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

PDF download Download Article
  1. Having confidence will demonstrate to a potential girlfriend that you consider yourself worthy of knowing. Believe in your abilities, treat others with respect, and carry yourself with confidence.
    • Having positive and confident body language will convey to other people that you respect yourself and that you are confident. This type of body language includes making regular eye contact, smiling a lot and acting friendly, and standing up straight.
  2. Acknowledge who you are and what you really like. Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. Don’t try to please other people who want you to change. Take pride in your strengths and the qualities that make you unique, and just be yourself .
    Mark Manson, Dating Coach

    Be honest about who you are and what you want in a relationship to find the right partner. Don't misrepresent yourself or pretend to be someone else. Instead, focus on becoming the best version of you, developing self-confidence and social skills, while also looking for a woman with shared interests and values.

  3. This will show potential girlfriends that you care about yourself enough that you treat your body well. Eat plenty of healthy foods, get enough sleep, and get regular exercise. Cut back on alcohol and stop smoking.
  4. Don’t dedicate all of your time to finding a girlfriend. Make sure to continue spending time with your friends. It’s important that you keep your own interests in mind as you search for a girlfriend.
    5. Advertisement

Quiz Pack: We’ve handpicked these quizzes just for you.

You’ve read the article, now get personalized advice with wikiHow Quizzes. Each quiz is carefully researched and even endorsed by experts. Have fun and get the expert advice you need!
1
Will I Ever Find Love Quiz
2
Will I Get Together With My Crush Quiz
3
Do I Have Rizz Quiz

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      • Try to assess the situation before you approach a girl. If it seems like she’s in a relationship already, or appears uninterested, you should change your approach. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid this person, however. If she’s already in a relationship, chances are that she has some great single girlfriends she can introduce you to.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Just because one girl rejects you doesn't mean others will.
        Thanks
        Helpful 27 Not Helpful 20
      • Don't look for a girlfriend because of social pressure; it's counterproductive because it can make you desperate and attract the wrong person.
        Thanks
        Helpful 16 Not Helpful 13
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never do reckless acts or ridiculous antics to "impress" her, the least she would do would be to label you as immature or a clown.
        Thanks
        Helpful 11 Not Helpful 11
      • Never bother or harass a girl. Apart from looking very ugly, this can get you into serious trouble, in fact, there are countries where harassing women is a crime punishable by imprisonment.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If, in order to be your girlfriend, she makes unreasonable demands (such as asking you for expensive gifts, to take her to exclusive places, to have luxury items, etc.) or simply tries to benefit at your expense, it is better to stay away from her because 'she is a selfish person.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Know if a Girl is the One for You
      How to
      Find a Girlfriend if You Are a Bisexual Teenage Girl
      21 Ways to Be a Better Boyfriend: Everything You Need to Know
      How to
      Select and Meet an Escort
      How to
      Get a Girlfriend
      How to
      Turn a Girl on With Words
      How to
      Ask a Girl Out
      How to
      Get a Boyfriend
      How to
      Look Attractive (Guys)
      How to
      Get a Girl's Phone Number
      How to
      Attract Girls
      How to
      Know if a Shy Guy Likes You
      How to
      Make a Date With an Escort
      How to
      Give a Guy an Answer when He Asks You Out
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://healthyframework.com/dating/apps/best-dating-apps-finding-girlfriend/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-the-name-love/202108/so-you-want-impress-her-make-her-laugh
      3. ↑ http://www.lovepanky.com/men/dating-women-tips-for-men/how-to-make-a-girl-laugh

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To find a girlfriend, try joining a new club or after-school class where you can meet lots of new girls with similar interests, such as film club or a drama group. Alternatively, join an online dating website or app to find girls who are looking for relationships. When you approach a girl for the first time, try to be friendly and make lighthearted jokes to keep things casual. Don’t be afraid to give her a compliment or two to make her feel good. For example, you can say something like, “You made some really smart points in class today.” Most of all, try to be yourself, since you want to find a girlfriend who likes you for who you really are. For more tips from our Relationship co-author, including how to deal with rejection from girls, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 459,918 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • G P

        Jun 8, 2021

        "This works. I asked a friend to be my girlfriend and she said yes."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement