The Best Places to Meet Singles

“Be genuinely interested in everyone you meet, and everyone you meet will be genuinely interested in you.”

~Rasheed Ogunlaru

Are you single and ready to mingle? Are you stumped when trying to find single people in your age range? Have you tried several places to no avail? Well, if you are looking for the best places to meet singles, I know some awesome places where you can meet some fabulous people. Where? Well, keep reading and you will find out! Truth-be-told, there are thousands of unlikely spots where you can socialize with other single people. You just have to use your creativity to find those hidden treasures. There is no reason why you should sit at home and mope—get out and meet single people in your age group. It will improve your mood and lift your spirits. So, are you ready to learn the best places to meet single people? Great! Let’s get started!

Bookstores

Do you like to read? If so, then head on down to your local bookstore (independent or commercial), and say “Hello” to the other readers. You may be surprised how many single people you will meet. Moreover, not only will you meet single people, you will meet people, who share a common interest (reading) with you. So, visit your local bookstore, grab a cup of java, pick out a couple of books or magazines to peruse, and relax at a table or on a reading bench. Who knows you might just meet the love of your life there, or at the very least, a good friend.

Coffeehouses

Are you a coffee drinker? Well, if the answer is “YES!” then it may be time for you to visit Starbucks or your favorite coffeehouse for some good brew and even better company. Sip on a cup or two of joe, while you listen to Indie music or converse with other coffee drinkers. So, when you get the urge to get out and mingle with other singles head to your nearest coffeehouse.

Parties & Lounges

Who doesn’t like a good party, especially when the party consists of singles in your age range? As you probably know--parties are excellent places to meet single people. Why? Parties involve mass gatherings, in which people are drinking, talking, and/or dancing. Parties also lift depression, stabilize fluctuating moods, and create a sense of happiness in the body. It can also make you feel as if you are on a natural “high.” What better place to meet single people?

The key to meeting single people at parties is to be open-minded. In other words, do not be “snobby” around people you normally would not socialize with. The goal is to meet new people and have fun. So, if you enjoy a fast-paced environment, grab some friends, and head to a bustling night club, but if you enjoy a relaxed, slower-paced scene, head over to an adult lounge, and just chill with others who enjoy the exact same thing.

Arcade & Sports Bars

Other great places to meet singles are arcades and sports bars. These places are filled with likeminded people. In other words, arcades are filled with people, who are “gamers,” or who simply love to play games. If you are a person who also loves to play videogames, this may be the “perfect” place for you to meet single people who share your interests. The same thing goes for sports bars. If you love sports, or you play sports, a sports bar may be the best place for you to meet single people. At a sports bar, you can drink, eat, and talk about sports with the other diners.

Church

Church?! Yes, church. You can meet people, who share your values at church. In fact, some churches even offer singles activities (i.e. picnics, prayer groups, fellowship events, etc.). So, when was the last time you went to church? Can’t remember? Then, it may be time for you to ramp up your attendance—for the service and the fellowship. Make a habit of attending events designed for singles in your age group. And, most of all, keep an open mind. You may learn something and make new friends. Who knows, your future spouse may be a member of your church. Do not shrug off romantic possibilities simply because you are at church.

Friends & Family

Are you ready to meet single people? If so, you may want to ask your friends and family members first. Why? Well, because they may know some other single people, who are ready to mingle. And friends and family will know the people they are setting you up with, which will make friends and potential suitors more accountable and less of a threat. Note: Always be cautious when dating or hanging out with someone new, regardless of whether your friends and family know that person or not. Your friends and family will be able to give you a “heads up” about future suitors or friends.  

Online

More and more people are enrolling in online dating sites, like Match.com and eHarmony.com. Why? Well, because they are shy or introverted, or because they do not have time to devote to traditional forms of dating (i.e. face-to-face serial dating). Online dating allows these individuals to meet other singles, without the added stress of meeting in person. Plus, there are thousands of singles on those types of sites, which is beneficial in your quest to meet single people in your age group. Online dating sites offer video chats, chat rooms, notes, personal ads, and photos.

Note: The goal of online dating is to eventually meet one another in person, and then decide whether or not to continue the relationship. There are some risks associated with online dating, but there are also risks associated with traditional dating. If you decide to partake in online dating, be cautious and smart, and do not reveal personal information too quickly. If you decide to search the internet or newspapers for personal ads, be cautious and careful. Stay away from shady websites, like Craig’s List, and look for ads on religious, interest-related, or business-related websites.

References:

Albo, B. (2015). Places to meet singles in and around your community. About Relationships. Retrieved from http://dating.about.com/od/meetingpeople/ss/meetsingles.htm

Goodreads. (2015). Quotes on meeting people. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/meeting-people

Huff Post. (2011). The top 5 places to meet single people over 50. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/15/the-top-5-places-to-meet-_n_1093382.html