If you believe recent media reports, it's hard times for singles in Vancouver. Here are just a few of the recent headlines: "Vancouver's Dating Scene: Why Is It So Hard To Score" (Vancouver Sun, July, 2012) "Do Vancouver Men Suck?" (Vancouver Magazine - January, 2012) Here's our take: there is bad news and good news. The bad news is that there are 3 Vancouver-specific dating challenges for local singles. The good news, however, is that there are also 3 simple solutions to these so-called Vancouver dating dilemmas. Here they are: CHALLENGE #1: Singles don't often approach strangers in Vancouver. SOLUTION #1: Waiting to be approached in Vancouver is a recipe for prolonged singledom. Practice saying hello to strangers (yes, practicing in front of a mirror at home does work); smile and make eye contact with people in social places; say a friendly 'hello' to everyone you meet, single or otherwise. CHALLENGE #2: Vancouver singles often socialize in large groups, making it more daunting to approach someone you are interested in. SOLUTION #2: A crowded bar or lounge on a busy weekend night is not the best way to meet someone new in any city. If, however, you do find yourself in this setting then focus on having fun and being positive and open... this is an alluring quality in any venue.  Avoid sitting in a large booth surrounded by people that you already know; aim to sit at a stand up or shared table and leave a few stools free for someone new to join; and get your drinks from the bar where you'll mingle with some new people along the way. CHALLENGE #3: Vancouver singles, particularly in the summer months, tend to prefer outdoor venues and activities vs. indoor venues like bars and restaurants, making it hard to meet them. SOLUTION #3: Mix up your routine! As the famous matchmaker Albert Einstein once said: 'The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different result.' Join a summer co-ed volleyball or softball league; take some Latin dance classes; attend some wine tastings, cooking classes and art gallery openings; do your weekly shopping in a different neighbourhood; hire a matchmaker! Being proactive in dating, and in life, will always get you the best results.