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It’s tempting to give up on dating if you can’t seem to find any good men. When you keep dating dud after dud, it’s exhausting to keep trying. Don’t give up hope, though! There are plenty of ways to improve your personal dating pool, like changing your relationship with yourself, raising your standards, and watching out for red flags. Here are 10 tips to help you get started.

1

Portray the qualities you seek in a man.

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  1. If you want a happy-go-lucky, physically fit, educated man, you should work on being a happy-go-lucky, physically fit, educated woman. You need to become the type of person you want to attract, first and foremost. [1]
    • Not only will this attract the right kind of men, but working on yourself will also increase your self-confidence.
    • A good rule of thumb is to sporadically “check yourself,” and decide if you would want a man who is doing what you’re doing. In other words, if you’re lying on the couch eating Twinkies and feeling sorry for yourself, decide if you want a man lying on his couch doing the same thing. You’d probably rather have a man who is out, doing something he loves, and feeling great.
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2

Carry yourself with confidence.

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  1. This does not mean that you should turn up your nose at every man who you deem unworthy, but rather be picky about who you accept on a romantic level. Be kind, and carry yourself with self-assurance and poise. If you don’t act like you deserve a better man, you probably won’t get one. [2]
    • If you carry yourself like the prize that you are, you will be seen as a prize. The best kind of men will be willing to work for you.
4

Be yourself.

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  1. Imagine falling in love with a man, only to find out a couple of months later that he is not the man he pretended to be. It’s not fun, is it? When you want to attract an authentic man, you need to be authentic yourself. [4]
    • By showing your true colors you’ll also immediately weed out the men who wouldn’t be interested in the real, genuine you. If you love to tell cheesy jokes and order two desserts, you might as well do it on the first date!
Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: When Will I Get a Boyfriend?

You stare longingly at a couple who walk by, focusing on how they squeeze each other’s hands and smile at one another. Is that something you want? Is having a BF even in your future? Answer these questions about your life and past relationships, and we’ll predict when you’ll get a boyfriend. Who knows? Maybe your Prince Charming is waiting just around the corner!
1 of 12

Have you ever been in a relationship?

5

Decide what your deal breakers are.

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  1. When you’ve dated duds in the past, you probably found yourself compromising for what you’d accept from them. At first, it seems perfectly fine to overlook certain things they lacked, or make excuses for lackluster behavior. Stop doing this! If you want a better man, stop making excuses for them.
    • Note that this doesn’t mean you should reject any man who isn’t a billionaire with a supermodel face and an 8 pack. It means that you have every right to hold out for a man with a stable job, an active lifestyle, a generous spirit, and a sense of humor.
    • It’s OK to be picky. There are millions of men in this world, and you can and will find someone who has everything you’re looking for, if they are realistic expectations.
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7

Create your own independent, fulfilling life.

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  1. When you don’t need a man, you won’t settle for just any man who comes along. By staying busy and following your own passions, you’ll naturally up your standards. You’ll only accept a man into your life that will add to it, not fill some sort of void.
    • Don’t be so fiercely independent that you refuse to open yourself up to love. It’s important that you can be content and satisfied on your own, but be careful not to completely block yourself off from receiving love.
    EXPERT TIP

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    It's important to focus on yourself before entering a relationship. Being personally fulfilled and having a strong sense of self sets you up for a healthier partnership. Remember, you shouldn't need a partner to complete your life. Instead, they should complement it, and support you as you grow together.

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9

Listen to your gut.

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  1. When you meet the right man, you shouldn’t feel troubled or apprehensive. Don’t ignore your instinct. Every day that you waste with the wrong man is a day that you miss out meeting a better one. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and walk away. [6]
    EXPERT TIP

    Chloe Carmichael, PhD

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over 12 years of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.”
    Chloe Carmichael, PhD
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist

    Think about whether this person is right for you in the long run. Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship coach, says: "I see a lot of clients where the relationship seems really great, but they know the other person never wants to get married, or doesn't want kids. In those cases, even though the other ingredients are there, I still wouldn't call it a great relationship , because it's hard for either person to feel secure. They can't really open up and get vulnerable, because they know that ultimately, they're not on the same page."

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      • Ashley Jones

        Feb 19, 2017

        "I wasn't sure how to choose the right men until I read this article. It has really helped out. Thanks."
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