Let’s be honest, we all harbor romantic notions of meeting the person of our dreams serendipitously. But the harsh reality is that whilst juggling successful and demanding careers, busy lifestyles and elevated expectations how many opportunities are there really for serendipity to make that one-in-a-million encounter occur? This is why many of us are now turning to modern approaches, such as online dating, singles events and dating agencies. So shouldn’t we be thankful that we have all these choices available, rather than put undue pressure on ourselves and hide our participation in shame?

Seriously, why are we embarrassed and uncomfortable about admitting our partaking to others? Is it the fear of being perceived desperate? But what’s so desperate about proactively seeking your personal goals, you wouldn’t be judged in the same way if you were being proactive to achieve your professional goals. Is it the prospect of being viewed as a failure? Isn’t a failure someone who gives up after not being able to fulfill their desired goal? This is contradictory in itself, you’re not giving up, you’re rising to the challenge by exploring alternative ways to fulfill your goal of meeting a life partner. Perhaps, it’s the idea of marketing and selling yourself as a commodity? Is it really that bad to see yourself in a positive light and to let the world know what a wonderful person you are (within reason of course!)?

Surely matchmaking services like Something More are now at the height of social acceptance, given that it’s a rare day, when there is not something in the media associated with the industry.   There are even several top rated reality shows depicting the behind the scenes of the matchmaking business.   Using a matchmaking service is the new luxury for yourself.  You  have the career, the house, the car, etc.  Why not take charge of your love life and stop leaving things to chance.

You may well wonder what difference it would really make, to admit using services like Something More? For starters, you take the pressure off yourself. You don’t need to worry about who may see your details online, feel anxious that the person you bumped into at a singles event may tell a mutual friend, or even tell white lies about your whereabouts. By being honest and open, you will feel more relaxed, perhaps take part in more events and increase your chances of meeting someone. Furthermore, you know how hard it is out there, trying to meet Mr or Miss Right. If you succeed through any one of these services like Something More, by sharing your experiences with others, you give them hope and in some cases the will to overcome their own reservations and possibly try it for themselves.

As we try to disassociate ourselves from using these matchmaking services, perhaps we’ve missed the point altogether and simply need to remind ourselves of the bigger picture. Imagine you want to go to  Dallas, flying is the most convenient and quickest method, but there are no flights available. Although it’s not ideal, you now have to use an alternative mode of transport. By not flying, did this make you a failure? Should you be perceived as a social misfit? I think not. In fact you should be pleased with yourself that you made it to your destination, despite the transportation challenge. As for the friends that you’re meeting there, they don’t really care how you got there, they’re just happy that you’re actually there.

Are you getting the drift now… If you meet your partner through any one of these matchmaking services, 10 years down the line when you’re looking back and reminiscing about your married life together, you may remember your first date, your wedding day and the birth of your children, how significant will it be that you used, and met through a service like Something More? At the end of the day, you’re on a journey to find your life partner. The mode of transport used on your journey is irrelevant, as long as you reach your ‘destiny-ation’ – you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed – the most important part is that you get there in the end!

Out with the old, in with the new, right? This time of the year we are all so excited to make a fresh start, clearing away the past to make room for the future. Professional matchmaker Julia McCurley gives us the inside track on how seven steps just might make this your best romantic year ever.

The majority of people make New Year resolutions every year and nearly all of them fail. Have you ever thought that the fault is not in the people making them, but in the kind of resolutions they create? Most resolutions are about giving something up or self- improving types of decisions to lose weight, quit smoking, go to the gym, etc. Those are all great goals and definitely ones to take care of before putting yourself out there in the singles scene.

So once you are in a healthy place both physically and emotionally, why not make a conscious decision that giving back to yourself is the best way to finally find love in 2012.   What this means is to focus on making permanent changes that will help you in all aspects of your life. January is the perfect time to wipe your slate clean of last year’s love mistakes to ensure that next year really is filled with lasting love. If you are serious about fast forwarding to the relationship of your dreams, it’s time to commit to the following seven life changes.

1. Eliminate Old Patterns

If your luck in love is going to be different next year, the first thing you need to do is get honest with yourself about the patterns that are holding you back. Think back through the last few years – what have your experienced over and over? Do you pursue while he/she withdraws? Are you forever rescuing him/her? Resolve to catch yourself making the same mistakes, then walk away, so you can create new, healthy habits in all areas of your life.

2. Date Outside Your Type

Chances are if your “type” hasn’t panned out for you by now, it’s time to discover a new type. Quirky artist not working out so well? Mr. Wall Street never emotionally available? Is Ms Seductress playing head games? Resolve to date outside your normal comfort zone. Consider opening up your expectations in regard to age, height, income, religion, job, etc. Soulmates come in unexpected packages – broaden your horizon and you are more apt to stumble upon an unexpected.

3. Guard Your Time Wisely

The best way to fast forward to The One? Stop wasting your time with people who are clearly only Mr./Ms. Right Now. As long as you give away your valuable time, attention, and emotion to the wrong partner, there will be no room to find the right relationship. Limit yourself to three months of dating and if the bond does not have more obvious potential by then, move on. Remember, actions speak louder than words. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Do they do what they are saying they are going to do? No matter how large or small even a simple promise, like calling you on time, tells a lot about a person’s true character. As Maya Angelou states, when someone shows you how they are with their behavior, believe them.

4. Change Your Routine

Yes, doing what you’ve always done, will get you the results you’ve always gotten. If you haven’t found the right partner during your usual routine, it’s time to get creative in your daily & dating activities. This is a new year, and the best way to meet new people is of course – to try something “NEW.” If you get too comfortable in doing the same routine for the rest of the days and months- and or years; it might end up to be monogamous and boring. Now is the time to explore. Take a different jogging route, try out new activities which you might like, go out to restaurants and cafes in which you haven’ been to. By doing so, you can discover and learn new things and get to meet new dates and people.

5. Be Friendlier

If you are the bashful type, now is the year to finally conquer it. Time for you to build up your confidence and gather your courage. Picture this, he’s so near, yet you can’t even say “Hi” or give a smile. Don’t waste any more time and give it some effort. Say “Hi” and learn to smile more. Pump yourself up with courage and try looking at people in a relaxed and friendly manner.

6. Master Your Nervousness

If you are one who gets overly giddy when it comes to first dates; then you are not alone – it’s all due to the butterflies in the stomach, the nerves and the first time jitters. Too much giddiness or nervousness could turn a good date into a bad one, or sometimes, vice-versa. Due to all the nervousness that you are feeling when conversing with them, you could get clumsy and not concentrate, thus, your strengths tend to not be revealed. This time around, tell yourself that its just a natural feeling to be nervous, but don’t let it overcome you.

7. Share Your Best Self

Maybe it’s not just what you are doing that needs a makeover, but who you are and how you show up. Get real with yourself by asking: What about you isn’t as attractive as it could be? Ask your closest friend for honest feedback. Do you tend to be overly anxious or pessimistic? Are quick to pass judgment or so shy you fade into the background? Maybe it’s time to hit the gym, get some cute clothes, or try a new hairstyle?  Remember you never get a second chance to make a first  impression and 2012 will be a year that is very impressionable on us all.

For more information on Julia McCurley, professional matchmaker based in Austin, and her services, visit www.trysomethingmore.com