Barbara Freire (www.newoutlooksingles.com) knows how people meet their other halves, and she wants you to learn as well.

The bubbly South Jersey-based lecturer (“101 Ways To Meet Someone”) and event planner has a following of thousands of singles who are seeking the ying to their yang. You can sign up for one of her classes, or meet and greet dozens of singles at parties and dinners.

Barbara credits herself with 18 marriages so far.

At her recent party, the guests were given cards that were cut in half. On the back was an ice-breaking question (“Are you a night or day person?” “Shore or forest?”) The people with the most matched cards are eligible for prizes at the end of the night.

“I’m not saying everyone is a love connection but they wouldn’t have gone up to them if they didn’t have this ice breaker,” she says.

Dating services abound in New Jersey. Singles are meticulously interviewed, tagged, screened, catalogued, and photographed. Barbara believes in simple backdrops that create connections.

Like staging the Summer Sizzler at the Flying W (www.flyingwairport.com) in Medford. Where else better to have love take wing but at an airport and resort where the guests gather round a pool in the shape of a plane?

Then there’s “dinner dating night” at a favorite Italian restaurant. Guests shift seats with each of five courses, and the food and wine inspires small talk.

Nearly as important as finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, are the friendships that Barbara’s events have led to. Sometimes, she points out, your gal and guy pals last a lot longer than your dates.

Looking for your other half? Barbara might just help you find him—or her. And even if you don’t, you could have fun too.

A process that is sometimes all too painful, made into something you might just enjoy. With or without finding your other half.