turbodriven

And I'm not talking about the "I love being single" bar flys. I'm talking about the ones that are genuinely interested in finding someone special. In the past 8 months of being single I've noticed that bars and clubs are rat dens. Horrible for finding quality women. Not to mention it's populated with mostly 25 or younger crowds... or people who are single and happy with it (not there to find someone special). So in the evenings... on the weekend... where do the good ones go?

I'm hoping that there are a few of those on here that can point me to where they hang out (generally speaking) because I'm lost.

Harshaw

Well... here in Utah they are mostly married. I have found the best way to meet people your own age group is get 1 or 2 female friends (even if they are dating someone else) throw a party, invite them and let them invite their friends.
Its worked for me.

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cas305

Church, if they are still single and don't want to be, they are probably praying to meet that special guy!

turbodriven

Harshaw - That's funny... because last weekend I did just that. However... here-in lies the problem. I'm 32... but I'm young at heart and actually (really!) look 25. I'm blessed and cursed. So my 25 year old girl friend brings over some people from work... only her friends are one of two things. Over 25 and married or under 25 and single. Actually way under 25 to be precise. So I had a bunch of 21 year olds running around that I had no interest in what-so-ever.

onetime2

Professional organization meetings, home improvement seminars (check out the ones Home Depot or Lowes runs, especially the textured painting type ones), sports type activities (got hobbies? join a scuba or sky diving, bike, or other type of club), gyms, concerts, adult education classes, etc. All have possibilities but you'll probably have to hit a variety of them before you have much luck.

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turbodriven

onetime2 - Your right.. those are all good suggestions. I'm into photography and was thinking of taking a Nikon (yeck) sponsored seminar on photo-techniques this month. It's really hit or miss though as you've said. Most guy orientated hobbies are not of female interest. Like my motorcycle riding club or working on cars. But then again... who knows... maybe I'd get lucky?

Bill O'Rights - I'm not saying that a bunch of 21 year old girls in bikinis hopping in and out of my jacuzzi didn't give me a chubby... just no romantic interests with that much of an age gap. A 21 year old girl hasn't a clue about life yet in my experience.

onetime2

Hey, you left out the bikinis in the earlier description!

Anyway, it sounds like you've got some avenues in your hobbies. While motorcycles and cars are mostly male dominated, women can appreciate both. If you get lucky in one of the other venues, these two other areas offer ways to get to another level.

Say for instance, at the photography seminar (Nikon schools are remarkably good deals from what I understand) you have one or two "artistic" pictures of a car or motorcylce (not just "Here's my bike, whadda ya think?" But more like close ups on certain curves and such, it can start conversations and offer up other possibilities if they express an interest (like if there's a bike or auto show coming up).

If it's street bikes rather than dirt, that's even easier. I don't know of too many women who haven't entertained thoughts of cruising off on the back of a bike for a day of fun.

Good luck! And keep us updated.

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Harshaw

32? So unless I miss my guess.. that means you are a child of the 80's. You might want to hit some reunion tours for some 80's bands. You have a pretty good chance of running into people who are going to the concerts because they grew up listening to that "music". They may or may not be the "I want to stay single for the rest of my life" crowd. They may just be there to see a band they really like.

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No surrender

I don't think its a matter of going to where they "hang-out". Generally speaking, I think you may need to change your "social circles". By that I mean venture out to other hobbies, sports, interests - by yourself if necessary- and meet new groups of people. For instance, join a ski club, a cooking club, a new sporting event booster club, an alumni association, volunteer for any organization(s) that interest you. The choices are endless once you open your eyes up to the possibilities. For almost every interest there are groups of people that gather to share those interests. Once you get involved, in any such organization really, the new people you meet will get to know you, and get to know your personality and your needs. Either you will meet new ladies directly, (or gentleman as this advice applies equally for ladies) - or indirectly through the new people and groups of people you meet. It is not an easy thing to do, as meeting new people and cracking into established "cliques" of friends takes time and effort, but you can never go wrong as you inevitably will make new friends, that you can involve with your old friends as you see fit, and will through these new friends be exposed to new ladies that meet your criteria. I hope this helps.

yournamehere

Try the supermarket . . . . They have to eat.

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brianna

meeting people post college (or post bar scene, whatever) is a huge pain. i'm 26 and I don't know anyone who dates without the use of the internet -- of course i also live in the silicon valley and work on computer games for a living so i may just be living in the bubble. but I'm still a believer in the theoretical possibility of meeting people in real life... so here's where me and my girlfriends are likely to hang out:

1. cook club (or book club or wine club, or poker night... check out something like yahoo groups for your area and see if there's something that interests you)
2. coffee shops/low key bars (NOT clubs) -- if you can't hear well enough to have a conversation it's not likely to be a good choice.
3. small venue concerts
4. yoga class
5. honestly, the supermarket ain't a bad suggestion, i go there at least twice a week and i have to stand in line bored just waiting for someone to strike up a conversation.
6. if worse comes to worse i met my current and most recent former beau on the personals at www.nerve.com

ladyadmin

I find the same as true for clubs and bars; nothing but meat market central. However, not everyone there are the 'I love being single' type; some are classy and are harder to spot.

Any clubs you can join with individuals who have the same common interests you share can be a good start. Gyms, workplace, through friends/co-workers, and supermarket are also good spots.

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turbodriven

That site seems pretty cool so I signed up. It's got a photography section too so thats neat. Thanks for posting that. I've never been a big fan of online personals but sometimes you've got to say what the heck. You never know... could get lucky (in love that is)

iceburn

Half the time when people "take a class" they're doing it because they're single and have a lot of free time... and are looking for someone.

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Rodney

Church is a good idea, but so are "spirituality" groups and organizations, especially in large cities and college towns. These can be church-like organizations with services, meditation groups with speakers and lectures, and so on. Standard brands of this type include Unity Temple, Science of Mind churches, and so on. (In a big city, big Unitarian congregations are a good bet, too.) In my limited experience, these outfits tend to attract more single women than the average church, especially in their 30s and 40s. Many are a little on the arty or creative side, for what that's worth or not worth to you. Occasionally I go to a service at Unity Temple and I say to myself, damn, if I were single (I'm 48) _this_ is where I'd be looking.

Ustwo

The problem is most of the good ones are married by then.

Best thing I did my 4th year in college was find a nice freshman to end up getting married to.

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gibingus

gyms are total meat markets. you may meet women there, but if they are out on the machines, they tend to get hit on so hard by muscle heads that they are generally in highly defensive modes. unless you are man enough to take an aerobics class, you may find it pretty rough territory.

all the tips above are on target. but you need to do a profile. what kinds of women do you want to meet? think about what their interests might be, and then try to place yourself where that would happen. if you want to meet someone with certain religous values, get involved in a church. if you want to meet arty types, take an art class. intellectuals, go to book store events.

if you are looking to avoid club skag, but just want to hang out and try to meet chicks without pursuing some kind of trumped up interest, i suggest you start haunting starbucks or some coffee shop... preferably near a shopping area with a high end shoe store (sorry ladies, it's cliche, but often true). but have a good reason to be there, you don't want to seem like you are trolling or stalking. take a book or have a reason to shop for something yourself and then ask your likely prospect advice on your item. i don't reccomend supermarkets, grocery shopping is usually a chore... go where they buy clothes, which many women do for fun.

parks are also good if you are in an urban setting. find a buddy and go play chess or something. also, dog people are usually very cool, and if you get a dog, it is not only great company for you, but it also shows women that you are responsible and come home to take care of you pet. i know lots of dog walking hookup stories.

i have many gal pals who when they want to meet men, head to to the espn zone on gameday.

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