Haven't found the right partner yet? Then this is your sign to start dating geographically.

For some of us, it just doesn't work out to find the right partner. You're busy with your career, that one friend of yours has already sown her Carrie Bradshaw locks, and your best friend? She's back crying on the couch with a tub of ice cream because Jan-Pieter ‘was different than she thought.’ Yes. We can't all roll sixes in life, unfortunately. I can relate to that. After being single for three years, it sometimes feels like it will never happen. I've seen the swiping and blind dates. Oh - and friends of friends too. Yet there is something that might actually help us find the right path: geographical dating. Yes, you heard it right: we're moving to find love. Because maybe your standards aren't too high, but it just depends on your surroundings.

Why geographical dating is the solution

Now I can hear you thinking: “Why do I have to emigrate to find my soulmate?” And honestly? I get that. I also find it a strange idea to pack my things and emigrate to the other side of Europe in a hurry, but this could be just the support you need. While searching for a partner, you are looking for something specific. Maybe you want a man who has a good job and has everything together, or you prefer to envision a future with an artist who makes you his muse. In short: there's a perfect picture in your head, and you won't forget that easily. To find the perfect match, you'll have to start dating.

Now, of course, you can try to meet someone at the cinema, so you can be sure to catch a film lover, but this might not align with all your norms and values. Where are you specifically going to find a family man? You know, that guy who has six siblings, eats at his aunt's every weekend, and babysits his uncle's kids. Not in a bar at four in the morning in the heart of Amsterdam, I assure you. Or you might get lucky, but the chances are slim. That's why geographical dating was invented: you simply look at the culture of a country or city and dive into it.

But yes. How does geographical dating work then?

Actually, it's simple. Look at the things you want in life. Do you want to travel from jungle to wonder of the world like Indiana Jones and have all sorts of adventures? Then you need to look for a place where many adventurers come from. You don't set your Hinge location to London, where men want a stable life in the financial sector, but to a country like New Zealand. The men there love bungee jumping, water skiing, hiking, and everything that gets your heart rate from 0 to 100 in 2 seconds. Do you prefer to think about a quiet life with 5 kids? Perhaps Italy is something for you. And not a world city like Rome, but a small village somewhere in between. Family is very important in Italy, so you'll find a man with the same values there faster.

Of course, you should also pay attention to whether these men fit your dream type. A Londoner is nice, but if Jason Momoa is your celebrity crush, you might want to look in Hawaii instead.

Geographical dating for dummies: here's how to do it

Have I convinced you yet? Good. Then I'm going to show you how to realistically approach this dating trend.

1. try the switch

Look, it's very nice that you dream of an Italian family man. But you need to be in an Italian city and get to know the locals before making this decision. Maybe you find Italians too hot-headed, or you think Tuscany is too warm in the summer. Before you turn your whole life upside down, it's wise to do a test round. Book a vacation longer than a week and see how it goes there. The rest will follow.

2. actually go there

By setting your dating app location to the city or country you are in love with, you can do some preliminary research. This way, you get to know what the men there look like and what common names are. That's certainly handy, but as I said: this is preliminary research. It's not a good idea to quit your job and sell your house just because you find Rick from Ireland very interesting. Successful dating is done in person. After a few weeks of chatting, you really don't know that person well enough to make a big decision.

3. Study the local culture

It's good that you know what you want, Sophie, but it makes no sense to move to Japan out of nowhere if you don't know anything about the country. You might find the behavior and appearance of Japanese people attractive, but they also have something to offer. Now, you shouldn't change yourself to fit in, but learning about the traditions, customs, norms, and values of the country where you want to find love is really a must. Otherwise, you could clash enormously due to cultural differences.

4. Go to places where your love could be

Of course, you can wander around the city day in and day out, hoping to bump into the person of your dreams. But I can already tell you: this will take a long time. You should actually look for places where your dream picture might be walking around. Do you want someone who loves hiking and ‘the outdoors’? Then go to popular hiking spots or your local climbing wall. Or are you more of a true entrepreneur who shares the same passion as you and wants to start a business together after a while? Then hang out at trade fairs. There are definitely places where entrepreneurs come together. A musician? You usually won't find that in the shopping street. Visit shows where musicians perform or take a job in an instrument store. If you know what kind of character you want, you better look for a place where you want to be. Don't force anything, just have fun and run into a great someone.

Or am I going to tell you to book a one-way ticket to some island in the Pacific? No, not that. You have to decide for yourself, but maybe geographical dating is really the secret to your love life. You're not going to find a funny, red-haired Irishman just in your village in Zeeland. Then you'll really have to go to Ireland. Try it out on your next vacation. Who knows what happens? Good luck.