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JENNIFER'S GEMS
by Jennifer Brown Banks

12 Ways to Broaden
Your Social Horizons This Year

The new year is here.  Still some of us are stuck in the same ole’ ruts.

Monday through Friday we’re consumed with our jobs, Saturday finds us focused on our “to do” list, and Sunday we’re typically preparing for the next week and the same routine repeated.  Sound familiar?

Can you say... Boring?

With this in mind, here are a few suggestions to get the most out of your single life now!

1. Join a Club or Organization
Ideally one affiliated with your hobby or profession.  It’s a great way to connect with like-minded people and network.

2. Attend a Church Social
These gatherings don’t have to be stuffy or for social losers.  A while back ago, I actually attended a church dance and combination fish fry that was surprisingly a lot of fun.  What have you got to lose?

3. Visit Your Local Museum
You’re sure to meet the elite!

4. Do Volunteer Work
It’s a win-win situation for all involved.  We are at our best when we give back to others.  It enables us to build up others, our communities, and share our divine gifts. In exchange, we connect with other giving souls and individuals that may be able to enhance our lives through what they share with us.

5. Be Open to New Experiences
Don’t put lots of limits on your leisurely choices.  If you’ve never gone to a basketball game, try it you might like it!  I did.

6. Take a Weekend Trip to Reward Yourself
Don’t have the time or money for a cruise or extended vacation?  Go to a nearby bed and breakfast, a weekend resort, or a quick getaway.  Online Dating offers a travel service for singles seeking to see the world.  Check out some hot spots by clicking on the section listed to the left of this column.

7. Browse Online Calendar of Events for Your Area

8. Host a Wine and Cheese Party (see further below for tips)

9. Befriend Someone From a Different Background
Whether it’s someone from a different race, religion, or region. It can add depth and richness to your existence!

10. Take a Walk When the Weather Permits
I’ve actually met and connected with several fellows this way, whom I dated for awhile and now still enjoy cool friendships.

11. Attend Sporting Events
For females, it’s a great way to be in the testosterone zone.  Even if you can’t follow the plays, it’s a great spectator’s sport.  Trust me on this one.

12. Take Advantage of the Many Online Opportunities Available Through Forums and Bulletin Boards
But be careful and selective, and take your time.

And here are a few pointers on throwing a wonderful wine and cheese party:

1. Serve multiple cheeses (4-6 would be a good amount), in various hues and flavors.  For a party of 10, purchase about half a pound of each cheese.

2. Invite a good mixture of men and women of interesting personalities and varied professions.

3. Ask guests to B.Y.O.B. to get a nice variety going.  Chips and dips work well too.

4. Take cheese from the fridge about an hour before “show time”. Serve at room temperature. Let guests cut the cheese themselves (no pun intended).

5. Display your wines in beautiful stemware and attractively coordinated accessories. Black and red are good choices as accent colors.

6. Enhance the evening with some soft jazz or classical sounds to unwind to.  Some of my favorites for entertaining are Kenny G, Norah Jones, and George Benson.

7. KICK BACK AND ENJOY!

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Jennifer's Gems is a weekly column written by award-winning poet and writer, Jennifer Brown Banks. It is published every Wednesday. Click here to read her welcome letter.