I offer a lot of divorce and dating advice, largely based on questions I receive from readers and listeners. What I have found over the years is, the question I get asked probably the most, almost daily, in fact is: Where (or how) do I meet single men or women?

I’m not surprised. I think it’s human nature that we all crave love and companionship. Even after a broken heart (after broken heart after broken heart), we keep coming back for more. It’s a thought that makes me smile because it’s proof of people’s hopeful spirit, romantic tendencies and passion to give and receive love.

So, where can you meet single men and women? I’m actually going to take bars out of this post.

Here are 26 places and ways to meet single men and women, and none are bars!

1. Through volunteering.

2. Through your dog: walks, doggie parks, pet stores.

3. At the Apple Store.

4. At fundraising events and parties.

5. Through your married friends.

6. Through your single friends.

7. On a blind date. (Ask people you know to set you up!)

8. At a live music venue (this doesn’t count as a bar in my opinion).

9. At professional sporting events.

10. On-line dating apps (of course.)

11. Social media outlets: LinkedIn, facebook, twitter, Instagram

12. At the gym.

13. Jogging trails.

14. Car wash. 

15. Business functions.

16. Through work. 

17. Golfing.

18. Playing tennis.

19. Skiing and ski trips.

20. Classes, workshops, lectures and events on the subject of one of your interests.

21. Places of worship.

22. Community events.

23.  Starbucks and other coffee houses.

24. Outdoor street festivals.

25. Through your kids (other parents.)

26. Through your divorce attorney or other professionals (dentist, doctor, accountant, etc.) but you have to ask!

Here are two rules I live by that I think will increase your chances to meet single men and women:

1. Don’t say “no” to set ups and social events.

Your odds of meeting someone go way up when you actually leave your house.

2. Ask friends, family and acquaintances to introduce you to people.

Treat meeting someone like a job.

In closing, I want to say one more thing. I’m not saying don’t go to bars. Bars are fun and talking to people is harmless and can actually lead to friendships, as well. But, the red flag associated with bars is possible excessive drinking, which can lead to bad decisions and poor judgment.

Like this article? Check out, “9 Signs of a Healthy Romantic Relationship”

Editor-in-chief: Jackie Pilossoph

Jackie Pilossoph is the Founder of Divorced Girl Smiling, the media company that connects people facing with divorce to trusted, vetted divorce professionals. Pilossoph is a former NBC affiliate television journalist and Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press features reporter. Her syndicated column, Love Essentially was published in the Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press and Tribune owned publications for 7 1/2 years. Pilossoph holds a Masters degree in journalism from Boston University. Learn more at: DivorcedGirlSmiling.com