While as platitudes those statements may be annoying, the fact remains that they are said time and again only because there is a little truth to it.

I am not one to just go off and tell someone that they should "love themselves first" and leave it at that, there is a lot to be said about being independent and finding yourself before getting into a relationship. I do not say this as a person that just repeats what I've heard or something but from experience. Having been married for many years, in fact after 2 marriages, I realized I had always been looking, or in a relationship all my life, well, all my life as a person old enough to be in relationships XD But since my last separation, it's been nearly 4 yrs. I have focused on my life, my kids and independence and initially I have to say I was reluctant to go forward alone. I am not saying it was easy but 4 yrs later I am better off and still open to a relationship, but not actively looking or trying too hard for one.

Your situation is different, I know. You're 31, you have no children and have not experienced that or marraige and I do completely understand the feeling of urgency there. I won't minimize that, but I am merely saying that while you're still alone, do consider what I've said above. I'm no expert, but I think there is some truth to what I'm saying.

that it will happen when you least expect it, well no one knows that for sure but most times, I believe, the strongest and most fulfilling relationships happen by chance and not by forcing them to happen. I mean when you're enjoying your life, feel confident and comfortable on your own, mind you, that does not mean you stop wanting a relationship... That attitude, that confidence and self esteem will in turn make you even more desireable. Not that you're unattractive or undesireable now, just that it couldn't hurt. I think in essence that's what people mean when they say it will happen when least expected.

Another note to add to my first point, two independent people that meet and fall in love that are together not because the other is needed, is teh strongest foundation for a relationship. if you look for someone to complete you or make your life fulfilled, you will end up in a relationship that is typically unhealthy. summarizing two people who are together because they choose to be rather than need each other will be stronger as a couple. Independence is necessary for that.

Hope this helps.

As for meeting people, I dunno. I'm an extremely introverted person here so I have yet to figure out how to be out and about and meet people, let alone women. o.O