03/24/2015
Single in the CLE
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Cleveland Yentas
by Rachel Heiser
You’re single, you’re Jewish, and you want to meet someone…that special someone. What do you do? Move to New York? LA? Miami? Chicago? No way, you stay right here in Cleveland. All you need to know is where to look and how to keep a positive attitude, and you can find that special someone. Trust the Cleveland Yentas!
We know many single Jewish Clevelanders are looking for love online. With all the popular apps and websites specifically for Jews (JCrush, JDate and JSwipe, for example), it is hard not to give technology a try. Some people try and succeed! But for others, online dating can start off wholesome and end with casual hook-ups that lead nowhere. Positive: you feel like you’re meeting lots of people. Negative: You haven’t made any real connections. Imagine if you focused on being your best self to attract someone rather than spending time making your online profile attractive. You shouldn’t need a marketing degree to find your match.
So, when technology isn’t turning you on, we hope you’ll try these tips for real life dating success.
First, be happy. Even if you’re bummed that you are single, don’t wear that image on your sleeve. Happy, positive people are attractive people.
Second, have balance in your life. Being involved in work, sports and philanthropies can give you great pride. It can also be a great way to meet people. However, don’t take it to an extreme. If you are involved everywhere and participate in 20 different non-profits, when will you have time for a date when you meet the right person? So, find a balance and leave at least a little extra time in your schedule.
Third, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try attending new events, like a lecture or an art, wine, bowling or trivia event with Moshe House, Atid, Young Mensches, JCLE, MeetUp, TING, Fairmount Young Professionals, Urbanites, Mix at CMA, Crossroads (for the more mature crowd) or Federation’s YLD.
Fourth, don’t go it alone. When a family member or friend wants to fix you up, unless the proposition is outrageous, give it a try. You can even let those outside your social circle give their two cents to help you out and fix you up.
Fifth, set the right scene. There are unique places you can go to get to know someone. Try Ty Fun, Crop, Paladar, Sweet Melissa’s or Sanctuary on Green. Make it a place where you can talk. Save places like a comedy club or movie for later.
Lastly, whether you are on a date or looking to have one, be aware and be present. If you meet someone who you want to spend some time with, put some effort into it. Be attentive and don’t check your iPhone every few minutes. Our lives are filled with texts and emails, but they are no way to get to know someone. Sarcasm is lost in texts and texting is a quick way to miscommunicate. Take the time to get to know a person, in-person.
With Jewish singles in Cleveland ranging from never married to divorced with children to widowed, from 20s to 90s, there are countless more tips and discussions to be had on dating etiquette, getting back into the dating world and more. If you have specific questions, please email them to Rachel Heiser at CLEyentas@gmail.com.
Rachel Heiser is President and CEO of Cleveland Yentas, a non-profit, for-purpose organization in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland Yentas is a Jewish Matchmaking service for single Jews over 21, who are affiliated with Cleveland. There is no fee for the mitzvah service. Learn more or register at www.CLEyentas.com.
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