JamesB

So gang, help me out here .. what's the most common way of meeting people these days? I think back a few years and seem to recall bars being 'the scene'.

Now I understand that some of this will be based on your location, so its arbitrary at best .. I'm just looking for a pattern.

Essentially, I've been out of the 'dating' loop (never really got into it b/c of my relationship) so I haven't a clue on where to go to meet 'people who are looking to meet people' these days.

Oh, and for what its worth, I'm probably the most self-confident chicken you will ever meet. There's an oxymoron for ya.

Give me your suggestions! Thanks!

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lindseylatch

They have these dating club thingies, where single people go out in a group and do fun stuff. I don't know how well they work.
You could take a class at a local college or something. I don't know how old you are...
There's always online dating, like match.com.
coffee shops, book stores, popular shopping spots, like a mall or something.

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MexicanOnABike

internet chat rooms! ahahahahaha

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Mbwuto

Well, that really depends on how old you are.

If you're still in college join some clubs and generally participate in campus life. Women abound.

After that...Eh, no idea. Start dating someone in your close circle of friends to throw the entire group dynamic off? That's what I'm doing.

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hambone

*you can always check his profile to see if he has a birthdate there*

He was born in 1979....you can all do the math

I don't really have any advice though, sorry

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JamesB

Lol - thx Hambone, now _everybody_ knows .... (j/k)

Yep - I'm 25 and currently in an undergrad @ Carleton U.

Trouble is that things are about to wrap up for the year, and so I'm not sure how fruitful clubs will be. The other issue is that I spend LOTS of time on my studies - clubs aren't entirely conducive to my field - doh!

*mutters* Internet chat rooms *mutters* smart ass ... *mutters*

I dunno about the internet.. my ex g/f of nine years just dumped me for a guy she met in WoW (world of warcraft). You might have seen the thread about it already ... so its a sore spot for me

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Suave

Well you're on a college campus, as they have said: women abound. Short of a gynecologist's office, you're unlikely to find a higher female:male ratio. In class just be like "Hey, can I borrow your notes from last lecture? I wasn't here." Then when she says "You were so here; you sat right beside me. Just like today." You can say "Next time maybe I can sit inside you. ". Let us know how it goes. ^_^

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whiplash13

This may sound sick but on TV they said that the cemetary is a popular meeting spot. They say you should bring flowers and when you see the right person go up to the grave next to one near where they are and put the flowers on it. Strike up a conversation about how much you miss "Insert name from stone" and see how the converastion goes from there. Sounded weird to me but whatever.

lindseylatch

That might be good for a quicky, but if you're going to start a relationship, a lie isn't a good base... :P

College town...should be TONS of places to just hang out. Maybe a coffee shop, see a girl reading, ask her what she's reading and strike up a convo. Or try that at the college library.

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777

Ah, mid-twenties and playing catch-up in the dating game.

Anyway, I've heard that a gal is more likely to give out her email before her number. Here's what been working for me so far.

When you meet the gal and after a few minutes of getting on her good side(for lack of a better term), say something along the line of "I'll talk to you later." Step away, turn back and say, "Hey, you have email?" (if yes) "Then write it down." (As she's writing it down,) "And put your number down too." (If no) "[Insert smart ass remark here, such as,] You know, computer have internet built-in these days." Then say, "It's just that it's hard to get people on the phone these days" It she doesn't get the hint, then ask for her number. It's worked on 5 out of 6 people so far.

Not if only she'll return my calls

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Seanland

Living in Ontario, and also being a post-secondary student (sorta..long story) I'd say look out for pub nights, im sure Carleton has them, cause Durham has them over here

whiplash13

Don't get me wrong I am not saying I agree with it, just reiterating what I heard is a new fad in dating from Channel 7 news.

enderW

Same here, only if Kitchener/Waterloo women are less stuck up and cliquey... (sorry, truth hurts doesn't it?) Coffee shops seem to work better on me - since you can actually have some kinda conversation that might get you somewhere (unless of course either party is interested in talking).

JamesB

Awesome ideas guys!

I never considered the e-mail thing - makes so much sense tho. God - when I would have first started dating, cell-phones were still kinda rare. I feel ancient now.

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ShaniFaye

ahahahaha and you just made me feel older than dirt

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NotMVH

I am 19, it's been awhile since I have met a women I have wanted to date, the last few have been through parties which seems to be the most comfertable and relaxed way to meet people for me.

I am returning to college in the fall though and am looking forward to being out of the unskilled labour force (2 years full / part time since graduation) and about starting my diploma, I look forward to simply being in a place with young people once agian! I see maybe someone who peaks my intrest every couple of weeks in my small town.

portereight

Happily married here, but i've been told that book stores are the best spot. Pick one of the big box ones with the coffee shop inside.
The logic goes as follows, the place is filled with people of all shapes, sizes, and preferences. If they are browsing any given section, it goes to reason that they have at least a passing interest in that subject (instant conversation fodder). So in one place you have people (who can probably even read!), 100,000 conversation starters and the coffee shop at which to continue the conversation.
What more could a single ask for?

skysooner

Bars are great for short term things, but I always found that people postured so much that it was impossible to really talk with someone. Internet dating can be okay from what I hear if you get the right spot. The guy to girl ratio is pretty bad and not in your favor though. If you don't mind the internet thing, E-harmony is supposed to be pretty good. I know some campuses also have these internet chat rings just for the university that might be a good place to meet.

I meet women all the time now when I'm working. If I weren't happily married, I would gladly date some of them. It is never a single place either. I can happily have a conversation with someone I just met in an elevator, on the street if we happen to smile at each other, in lines, etc. The one place I never meet anyone I want to talk to is if I go to a bar with friends just to drink. It is the same old story for me. Of course, a good part of the reason I now have confidence to talk to people is because I am happily married and there is no pressure. Back when I was dating, it was so difficult for me to break through my shyness.

hambone

That is actually a fantastic idea.

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alec

im a pretty shy guy too, but its something you just have to get over. i just try to assert my socially and chit chat randomly with people -- eventually someone is going to be interested in you and vise versa. dont pressure yourself too much, the worst cologne for a guy is desperation and loneliness