Dating isn’t easy. I don’t care where you live, how old you are, how much money you make or even how good looking you are. Finding that special someone, or even just that someone to hang out with, isn’t easy. It’s not like it is in the movies. You’re not likely to just run into your soul mate when you both reach for the same head of lettuce at the Trade Joe’s. Most of us aren’t smooth enough to have that clever quip that’s going to sweep Mr. of Ms. Right off their feet and into happily ever after with you.

No. Meeting people takes work. Even in a city like Portland, Oregon.

So, what do we do about this?

Well, there’s a plethora of dating apps. Tinder is likely the most popular and, despite it’s reputation as a hook up app, meaningful connections can be made using the app. Bumble, Plenty of Fish, and the recently launched Portland Dating App. Apps are great because you can safely browse available single sin your area form the comfort of your own home—or cubicle, classroom, wherever. And, since most of them do not allow contact until a match is made, it takes the worry off of wondering if the other person is interested. You know that they already are.

But, Portland is so beautiful and cultural and there’s so much to do. Who wants to spend all day swiping left and right with your eyes glued to a phone? Fortunately Portland, Oregon offers a variety of in person singles groups to help facilitate meeting folks.

Speed Dating is a popular way to meet people. For those unfamiliar with he concept, a group of singles meet up and pair off. Each pair gets a few moments to interact and break the ice, and then, you’re off to someone new. At the end of the evening, you let the organizers know who interested you. If there’s a match good on you! If not, it’s still fun and relatively stress free. DateSwitch.com is one of the local facilitators of this practice.

There’s may many options here in town. Local churches, synagogues, community centers—often have singles groups. Meetup.com lists dating groups based on ages and special interests and, of course, being Portland, there are plenty of groups and apps catering to the LGBTQ community as well.

There’s someone out there for you and you don’t have to wait in one of our fine local bars to find that special someone. You just have to know where to look.