It’s no secret that being in love is a beautiful feeling, but in the age of situationships, it isn’t easy to build loving relationships the same way our parents and grandparents did. The struggle to find love today can be credited to a bunch of reasons, such as a faster-paced lifestyle (thanks to technology) and changing societal norms. While it may be slightly more challenging, it’s definitely not impossible. Here are a few tips and tricks for the hopeful romantic to find love during the month of

love and beyond.

Be Clear About What You’re Looking For:

It’s important to remember that we live in a time where it can feel like hook-up culture is the norm. So you need to be extra clear about wanting to settle down. Make your intentions well known from the get-go. There’s nothing wrong with being upfront about this on a first date. Yes, maybe this will scare some people away, but if they’re put off by you knowing what you want, they were never going to be a good fit anyway.

Always keep your standards high, like 28-year-old Michelle Young, on The ‘Bachelorette’. Binge watch the reality TV show on 1Magic, DStv Channel 103, Saturdays from 9:30 am.

Try Going On A Blind Date:

This may sound a little daunting at first, but why not let your family or friends set you up? After all, they have a pretty good idea of who you are as a person and the kind of people you’d get along with. Let them know that you’re ready to find something a little more serious. Who knows? Maybe they already have some eligible bachelors or bachelorettes lined up, and all they need is your go-ahead. The love of your life may be just around the corner!

Turn To These Shows For Some Blind Date Inspiration And To Combat The Nerves:

Date My Family Nigeria:

In this reality dating show, a singleton goes for dinner with three different families of potential dates and eventually picks the one they think they’d be best suited to. Watch ‘Date My Family Nigeria’ on AM Showcase, DStv Channel 151, Sundays at 6 pm.

Dinner Date:

A single person is given a chance to find true love over three meals, each cooked by a blind date in their own home. After the dates, the chefs prepare for a night out at a swanky restaurant, but the participant can only choose one, leaving the other two with a night in alone and a takeaway. ‘Dinner Date’ is on BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174, weekdays at 10:40 am.

Take the time to focus on YOU:

Most importantly, you need to have a solid relationship with yourself before you can look for one with another person. Take the time to really focus on yourself. When you’re single, you have a great opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with yourself. This is also a good time to check in with yourself and reevaluate what you want from life (and a partner). So, when your special someone arrives, you’ll have a rock-solid foundation to build from.

Spending quality time with yourself could mean watching a show, taking a self-care day or even going on a solo adventure. Decide what works for you.

For a fun series all about relationship drama, check out ’90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After on TLC’, DStv Channel 135, weekdays at 1:45 pm.

This way, you can get your relationship fix (without actually having to get involved). Maybe it will inspire you to keep searching for love or make you appreciate your alone time a little more.

The month of love isn’t exclusively for the couples out there. Start your search for love this February, or savor your singleness. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

To catch more relationship inspiration on DStv, visit www.dstvafrica.com or download the MyDStv app available to iOS and Android users to manage your account or dial *288# to recharge today. You can also select the Auto-Renewal option to stay connected to quality entertainment without interruptions.

Follow DStv on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find out more about DStv entertainment!