In a weak moment of feeling sorry for herself, Sue bought a first-class airplane ticket rather than going coach. She figured she was first-class material and might meet a first-class guy! Did she ever score! Sue met a first-class guy who ultimately fixed her up with the man of her dreams.

Do the unexpected. Live a life that is constantly evolving with new activities, and new friends. Add spontaneity to your vocabulary, and bring it into your life. Think about situations that arise and ask yourself, “What do I have to lose?”

2. Always say “yes” to an unusual opportunity

Sandra was having dinner with a girlfriend at a restaurant overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Just as she was thinking how “cool” it would be to take a cruise on the Bay, another restaurant patron come over to her table and introduced himself to her. As if out of a dream, he read her mind and asked if she would like to take a sunset bay cruise on his boat. Yeh, right? She took a chance and sailed into the sunset.

Embrace new opportunities and activities. Look forward to the challenge of a new situation. Allow yourself the freedom to move in different circles.

Betsy was a work-a-holic and exercise addict. That left little time for anything else beyond eating and sleeping. On a whim, she enrolled in a beginner French class offered at her gym. She made several new friends – one would play a pivotal role in changing her life.

Be a doer and a joiner not a passive bystander. By participating in a wide array of activities, you will automatically put yourself in the position of meeting a broader range of people.

4. Join or affiliate yourself with a non-profit organization

Mary-Lou volunteered at the local food bank to serve Thanksgiving dinner to the needy. While doing this good deed she met a man who also shared the same philosophy of giving to the needy – he was willing and she was needy!

Giving of yourself, both in time and money, is a beautiful thing. By participating as a volunteer, you will meet other like-minded individuals who share the same philanthropic values and emotional spirit.

5. Explore the world around you

After her divorce, Ruth was a recluse. Her best friend was her TV. She was embarrassed by her failed first marriage. She swore off men until her window-washer mentioned that a single male neighbor located a few doors away collected the same type of art. Ruth mustered up enough courage and invited her neighbor to come see her collection. The collectors ultimately joined forces in more ways than art!

From as close as your doorstep, to far reaching international destinations, be an adventure seeker. From your home turf to exotic locations seek out destinations that will stimulate your senses: commune with nature, stimulate sights for the eyes, hear the sound of music.

While dancing one night at a club, Shirley met a guy who asked for her number. Though she didn’t dislike the guy, he really didn’t interest her. They went out once, but that was it. Several years passed until their paths crossed again. This time there was an instant attraction…go figure!

Be understanding, compassionate and open-minded when you meet someone for the first time. Jumping to conclusions after only one meeting is a premature response that may hinder the forward movement of a chance meeting. Give yourself and your date a second chance.

Joyce had just finished dinner with her son and was about to return to her hotel room on her last night in Las Vegas to finish her romance novel. Instead, her inner therapist voice convinced her to take herself out on a solo date. She went to the hotel casino bar to check out the scene where she hit the million-dollar jackpot by becoming the star attraction to a successful businessman with a mustache (at that time, she hated any man sporting a mustache). She changed her mind. They were married sixteen months later.

Beauty is more than a skin deep physical attraction. Inner beauty is the true building block of a formidable relationship. Give yourself the latitude to dig deep, and objectively observe one’s real persona, expanding beyond the physical.

8. Do the things you love because along the way you’ll meet like-minded people

There is little point in doing things that you don’t enjoy. Surround yourself in activities that appeal to your senses and you will be rewarded by meeting others who share the same mindset.

9. Learn to “see and read” the signals of the world around you

Really look at your world as through the eyes of an eagle. Be observant of your surroundings, your friends and any other signal that might be important to a chance encounter. Both perceptions and actual experiences are important. Yes, you can encourage “chance.”

10. Really know who you are (likes, dislikes, etc.), be who you are and accept yourself just that way

Being your own best friend is important in conveying your personal mantra to others. Being positive and accepting of your strong and weak points is a humanizing trait. Being all things to all people will not provide you with the selection process needed to pick your true soulmate. Know thyself.

Chance Meetings that Tied the Knot
Finding Love When Least Expected
By Jan Newman
©2006 The Newman Group, Ltd.

[Photos from Gabriella Camerotti via Flickr]

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