Most people spend a lot of time and energy looking for that special mate. Can temperament help you find the right person for you? Is there a way to use type to help you quickly rule someone in or out? Knowing about personality types can help you find and make connections with potentially suitable mates. Here are some tips.

1. Most people find themselves attracted to the same types over and over. As long as this is a healthy attraction (as opposed to being constantly attracted to, say, cheaters), use this information to help you find more people of those types.
   
   Guardians and Artisans are relatively plentiful, so if you attracted to them, you will just need to read up on them. Then you will probably be able to spot them all around you. To find Idealists, look in places like volunteer work, political activism to better people or the environment, book clubs, role playing clubs and classes, such as literature, psychology, and sociology. Rationals are the hardest to find. Look for them in places like Mensa, debate classes, Toastmasters, chess club, and classes, such as philosophy, science, math, and engineering.



2. Learn what the types you're attracted to like to talk about and do. Once you find a potential person, you want to be able to engage them in conversation or activity so you can get to know them better. You can use the tips from last week's column to get you started.



3. Remember that while you may be attracted to a particular type, a specific person of that type may not be attracted to yours. Don't take the rejection personally. You are likely to also find people attracted to you who don't match your criteria. It is possible for you to find a suitable candidate of the right type and feel absolutely nothing for them. In this case, the problem is often a difference in values, goals, culture, so something similar.



4. Be open to finding yourself attracted to someone who is not one of your normal types. They may be just the person you were waiting for. Just don't throw caution to the wind.

Hopefully these tips can help you be more effective in finding that special someone. In future articles, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of different pairings of personality types.