I know a lot of my posts focus on online dating and the reality of it is that websites and apps play a huge part in the dating scene today, and I simply try to get people to see the positive in this. For this post however, I am going to stay away from the digital world, and focus on the "old-fashioned" ways of meeting people, and highlight where and how you could meet potential partners (outside of work and school because I recommend not mixing work and pleasure). And girls, please stop thinking that a guy who asks for your number in person instead of through a screen is a creep. He's actually got a lot of courage and is probably more of a gentleman than any of the other guys you're texting, and also, it wouldn't kill you to approach a guy once in a while too.1) Coffee shops. Instead of staring at your phone in line, why don't you chat up the person in front or behind you? Instead of sitting alone, why don't you ask to share someone's table. Never know!
2) Stores. Find someone really cute? Go ask them if they know where you could find ____.Then tell them it was really an excuse to talk to them because you found them good looking and were wondering if they would want to go for coffee one day. It's a bold move nowadays, but it's guaranteed to make the person smile, and if they don't find you charming for doing that, they're too young for you bro.
3) Gym / yoga / fitness studio. If it's important for you to be with someone who has an active and healthy lifestyle, the gym you frequent is probably the first place to start looking. I'll be writing a post about this soon, but key is to just be yourself and straight forward: ask someone out before they even have the time to think you're a creep.
4) Church / religious institutions. Obviously don't just go to Church in the hopes of meeting someone. However, if you do already go to Church, try different ones in your area once in a while, and you may meet someone interesting. Also, what better way to end service than by having coffee with someone who shares the same religious beliefs as you!
5) 5 à 7. Now I am not talking about the "fake" 5 à 7 on campuses where students just get completely hammered. I'm talking about the real deal events at nice restaurants and bars where professionals head to after work for a drink or two. This is the time to engage in mature conversations, and keep it classy with a 2 drink maximum.
6) Hiking/mountain/trails. Bored on a sunday afternoon? Head over to a local park and if you spot a cutie taking a water break, seize your chance! If you weren't so lucky, well at least you got some fresh air and some nice exercise out of it!
7) On the street. It may be a bit hard as most people walking in busy streets are usually in a rush. On weekends however, chances are they're just shopping, so why not approach someone while waiting to cross a street? Ask for directions, or pretend your a tourist and ask what the city has to offer. Wouldn't it be a cool story to tell your kids? ;)
8) Bars/Clubs when you're SOBER. While you're waiting in line to get in, why not chat someone up while you can actually hear what they're saying. Also, no one forces you to drink when you go out, and I think everyone would prefer to get approached by a sober person rather than an inebriated mess.
9) Food court. Food courts around lunch time are PACKED. Especially during the week, since they are usually surrounded by offices, you have high chances of running into a cutie with a duty.
10) Dog park. Obviously a bit better if you have a dog (although a regular park where a lot of people walk their dogs would work the same). What better excuse to talk to someone than by asking to pet their dog? Also, someone having a dog already adds brownie points don't you agree ;)