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Perhaps your New Year’s resolution was to find a date or a mate. Great idea, but now what? Here are seven smart tips from gay guys about how to put some sexy sparks into the dark days of winter. With a few of these classic tricks from the man experts, you will no longer be walking (or sleeping) alone by the time spring comes along.



· Volunteer: Helping out at a non-profit is time well spent in any case, but you’ll also meet folks with similar interests. Just be sure to get your priorities straight; you’re there first to help others, then to help yourself.



· Get a dog: Walk it around your neighborhood or let it run off-leash in a dog park. Dogs are surefire date magnets. If you don’t have one, borrow a friend’s (but be honest that it’s not your pup if someone asks) or foster a dog from your local shelter.



· Go online: Dating sites have pretty much perfected the science of matchmaking. Make sure you choose one that is focused on relationships and not just hookups.



· Bar hop: People find significant others all the time when they’re out on the town (no drinking required). Men who do all their socializing in bars and clubs aren’t looking for a soul mate, but a brief chat will separate the wheat from the chafe (or the men from the boys, or the dates from the boyfriends).



· Use your friends, families, colleagues: Often, there’s no better referral service than the people you already know.



· Join a new group, take a new class: Give some thought to hobbies or passions of yours and look around for a class or group in your area. For example, if singing is your thing, go online and browse the local choruses or bands.



· Hire a matchmaker: Real-life matchmakers do still exist, and for a handsome fee will bring together eligible singles who are serious enough about their partner search to go professional.



· Bottom line: Reach out to new people but also to those who already know you well. Have fun. And be yourself. The gay guys know everything:)

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To ask manners expert Steven Petrow a question, write him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).