On TV and in the movies, couples usually meet in some spontaneously romantic way. They run into one other by accident, lock eyes, and the scene cuts to the bedroom...or the altar.

Those of us who have been in the dating scene long enough know that such magical meetings are not the stuff of reality. Like every other achievement in our lives, meeting the right man usually takes dedication, hard work, and creativity.

Even for those of us who don't plan to take that long walk down the aisle anytime soon, aiming for a fun, fulfilling romance with a compatible partner is still important. Any woman will tell you that relationships in which the two parties share common values are more fun, more rewarding, and even more sexually satisfying.

So how and where do you meet your next great romance? Think common ground and personal connection.

In recent years, many women have grown tired of the usual spots and strategies for meeting guys. While many a fine relationship has begun at a club or bar, the consensus of late is that these establishments are better places to cut loose with your girlfriends than to meet the man of your dreams.

Whether you're interested in casual dating or looking to make a more lasting connection, there are plenty of options for you.

Women sometimes try to find a guy by attending adult education classes at the local community college or recreation center. Unfortunately, many of these classes are usually full of other women, with only a few men to be found. This is mainly because most women are interested in classes geared to female tastes.

Home Improvement Class

There are some exceptions, of course, but in general if a man is at a wine-tasting or pottery class, he's there to impress his significant other. Luckily, there are some classes men show up for in droves when nobody is forcing them to: DIY home improvement classes.

Most of the larger home improvement stores offer these learning opportunities to the public. By attending a home improvement class, you can learn how to take home repair into your own hands and maybe even meet the perfect assistant.

Get Active

Joining a sports team or a group that enjoys athletic activities is a great way to meet new people, including a possible love connection. Whether you're into bowling, hiking, bicycling, skating, or even mountain climbing, there are usually tons of groups (even in cities) that exist to bring people together through fun and healthy activities.

Joining a group that engages in physical activities together is a great way to stay fit, have fun doing something you enjoy, and meet people who share your goals and interests. Plus, all that sweaty activity is a great way to get your endorphins going!

Sports Bars

While the usual bar/club scene is difficult for making love connections, the sports bar scene is a different story. Sports bars offer a more down-to-earth, casual atmosphere and the guy-to-girl ratio is definitely in your favor. It's also a great option if you're more into watching sports than playing them.

At a sports bar you're on his turf which may help a shy or quiet guy to be comfortable enough to open up. Plus, all the male energy may be an exciting, energizing force for you. Kick back, order a cold beer and make sure to pay at least some attention to the game.

If you're looking for compatibility and a real connection, try looking for a date at locations where you're sure to meet someone with common interests.

Volunteering

Volunteering gives people a sense of satisfaction as well as a feeling of openness toward others. Combine this with the strong passion many volunteers have for their cause of choice and you'll have an excellent environment for romance to blossom.

Whatever the volunteer work entails, there is usually a need for people to co-operate and work closely together either physically or mentally. In that setting, you can gain a lot of knowledge about those you work with, especially any guys you may have on your radar. Is he compassionate? Does he work well with others? If he earns high grades on the "good guy" report card, you may want to make your move.

Spiritual Connections

Adults of all ages are renewing their interest in spirituality, whether by returning to the faith of their childhood, or by venturing out on their own chosen path to the divine. This increased focus on the spiritual element has led to more people seeking romantic connections in the places where their grandparents may have met: houses of worship.

This choice is best for those who are looking for a relationship with long-term possibilities. If the idea of flirting during evening prayers creeps you out, don't worry. Many houses of worship offer thriving singles groups and mixers to provide a more appropriate setting for the faithful to find love.

Events for Singles

Speed dating events and other singles-focused activities are a great choice for a woman who enjoys a more structured atmosphere for meeting a partner. When the question of whether someone is looking is already answered, there's room for direct conversations to determine compatibility. While the atmosphere is light-hearted, the attendees are definitely oriented toward meeting someone special.

When searching for your perfect match, don't discount traditional ways of meeting a guy. It's perfectly fine to meet someone through friends and family. Fix-ups (think of them as referrals) from people you love and trust can actually work. Or try the new classic: the Internet. Just remember to use reputable sites and follow basic online safety rules.

You can land a date for Saturday night, or even for many Saturdays after that. It may take some time, or it might be that eye-sparkling fairytale moment, after all. You never know until you try.

Sometimes you have to be your own fairy godmother, so get out there and work your magic.