Emjaye blogs at The Next Moment and she was kind enough to write a guest post for us. We hope you enjoy it! As always, let us know what you think by posting a comment. Thanks!
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“So, how did you meet?”

That’s my go-to question to stir up a conversation, whether I’m talking to a couple or just half of a happy pair because watching people tell their love story is magical. AND because I’m wondering how my own love story is going to start and consider poking into people’s intimate lives to be research.

In today’s society, meeting people organically seems to be going by the wayside. I constantly hear both men AND women lamenting that it’s so hard to meet people these days. I’m on a dating website and although I know looking for love online makes sense, I like the idea of just bumping into my happily ever after.

I have yet to read a chick lit book that focuses on an online relationship (although I’m sure they are out there). Most of the books I read involve a random encounter with a handsome stranger, who may or may not be a pain in our heroine’s ass upon first meeting. As the story unfolds, the encounter proves to be less random and more fated.

If we can learn anything from chick lit (and we can learn A LOT of things from chick lit), it’s how to meet men. I suggest trying these:

Elbow a man as you get into a crowded elevator and then to ensure you run into him again, get stranded in a rainstorm without an umbrella (Me vs. Me by Sarah Mlynowski)

Put yourself up in a silent auction to be bid on by a handsome basketball coach (Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer)

Wake up from a coma to find yourself married to Mr. Seemingly Wonderful or chat up the cute guy next to you on a plane (Remember Me? and Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella)

Get - and give - attitude to a bouncer at a hip club and soon you’ll run into him all over town and realize he’s more than just muscles. I love Sammy! (Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger)

Buy a dog you have no clue how to take care of and rely heavily on your cute new vet (Stay by Allie Larkin)

Move to a small Southern town--I have ALWAYS wanted to do this! (The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews) or move back to your small hometown and reconnect with your high school crush (She’s Gone Country by Jane Porter)

Although not all of these turned into happily ever after for our heroines, you’ve got to kiss some frogs, right? You never know when your love story will start. How did your favorite characters meet their love interest?

How did you meet your love? Or, where have you been looking?

I have met exactly two men I’ve dated by chance (one at a bar, one at a Target) in my 10+ years of dating. The rest have been friends, friends of friends and way too many coworkers (all of which I believe are still fated in a way). But, in an effort to prove that happenstance is still a great way to meet men, I’m challenging myself to meet one every month this year in a serendipitous way. Is it forcing destiny? Perhaps. But I’m not above trying it. Look for my kick off post on my blog, The Next Moment, soon. If you’re single and looking, think about joining me for the challenge!