The question itself assumes things that are not always the case though. Setting aside the fact that my concept of time and yours are obviously going to be different, there is still a third choice. You talk about finding someone or giving up. But what of them finding you?

I have found, oddly enough, that sometimes the best way not to find someone is to look for them. Why this is I have no idea, but generally speaking not looking but allowing an open attitude anyway is the best way to meet someone, if that makes sense.