10 Places to Meet a Potential Date (and No, None of Them Are Apps)

There are lots of incredibly convenient things about modern times, but these days I can’t help but zero in on our biggest fail: the loss of romance. I consider myself a true, deep, Wuthering Heights–reading, wedding-worshipping, love-at-first-sight-believing romantic. And though it makes me sound about 100 years old, I can’t help but feel out of place in my generation.

The problem is, love at first sight seems nearly impossible when no one ever seems to look up from their iPhone screens. There was a time when people made eye contact, when holding a stranger’s gaze could set another’s heart aflutter, and when asking for a number in real life was more than just a fairy tale. These days, you’re lucky to come across someone who doesn’t already have their hands full with 15-plus Tinder/Happn/etc. dates that very week—and, trust me, that person doesn’t have enough time to look around and see your smouldering gaze. Honestly, I’m not sure anyone actually “checks someone out” IRL anymore—even with my single girlfriends, I always feel like I’m the only one on the prowl.

So what can we do about this app-induced romantic drought? Where can we turn between swiping left and swiping right and waiting for DMs and deciphering emoji codes?

Without further ado, here’s my list of places to meet your one true love, or, at the very least, some fun, new friends:

The library

First up on the romantic’s guide to the universe: Good people read books. It’s a fact, OK? Imagine, you see perfectly styled hair over the top of a bookshelf, and peeking through the rows of romantic novels you get a closer look at those perfect, soft lips and a brow furrowed in concentration as the pages turn…Don’t even get me started on the library love fantasy. In all reality, though, there are all sorts of book clubs and writer groups at libraries in almost every city (if you’re in Toronto, this is a great resource to find one). What could be cuter than meeting someone over the pages of a new book?

Running club

This might seem like a bit of a stretch, but there are actually “cool” run clubs popping up all over the place. Between endorphins and sexy sweating, they seem like a totally reasonable place to bump into the man (or woman) of your athletic dreams. The best part of this strategy is that even if you strike out, you’ll still end up feeling healthier, happier and more confident than if you didn’t take that leap at all. To find all the hippest run clubs, check out the Bridge the Gap crews or your local NRC schedule—my favourites include East Vancouver Run Club, East Laurier in Montreal and Parkdale Roadrunners here in TO.

A “used guy” party

I have yet to meet anyone who has ever been to one of these, but for some reason this hasn’t deterred me from thinking Charlotte’s Sex and the City party theme is the best idea ever. Seriously, can someone please throw one and invite me? Maybe I’ll throw one and invite all of you.

The dog park

If you have a dog, this is the perfect way to meet someone new, because dog people love talking about their dogs at the dog park with total strangers (I have a dog and slight social anxiety, I would know). If you don’t have a dog, borrow one! Sign up to dog walk for the Humane Society! Become a dog walker! Oh, and don’t worry: If you’re too shy to ask about someone’s St. Bernard, there’s an app to help you meet other dog people and set up “dog dates.” Yes, that’s right: a social networking app for dogs.

A rugged excursion

Get outside and get dirty, preferably in a situation where other people are involved. Surf trips, hiking adventures or yoga retreats are all suggested choices, and if you can’t afford to get out of town, take a fun lesson or try an unexpected activity locally, like axe throwing, paintballing, a Stand Up Paddleboarding Safari or bouldering.

Speed dating

My friends and I have been seriously considering speed dating, and I’ll be sure to report back if we follow through. I mean, a room filled with singles in the flesh who actually want to interact with other human beings? Sign me up! There are events for varying age groups and subcultures (The GTA has “Single in The City,” which appears to have lots of promising options), and apparently 90% of men and 80% of women report a positive experience! May the odds be ever in your favour.

Volunteering in your community

This is one of those win-win situations for everyone. Whether you’re helping out at a charity organization, fashion week or music festivals, there’s no chance you won’t come into contact with new human beings. That said, I once ran into an ex at a music festival, and he had braided his hair in such a way that he was ruined for me forever, so a word of warning: Beware of the dreaded music festival “fashion” if you volunteer for this type of event. It can go very wrong.

The gym

I know there is a lot of working out on this list, but I seriously believe endorphins fuel true love (or good sex, at the very least!). My colourist married her trainer, and she assures me the gym is a “very social place,” though in my mind it seems like the scariest/most awkward way to meet someone ever (“Excuse me? How heavy is that, erm, weight you got there?”). For those a little more intimidated than my colourist, I’ve heard great things about Planet Fitness (they have FREE PIZZA!).

The laundromat

I genuinely love doing laundry, and though lugging a load down the street to your local laundromat can be a pain, it’s actually a fun way to hang out with people you might not otherwise meet. This strategy is especially convenient if you live in a development with a laundry room in the building, and especially inconvenient if you have laundry in your unit (in which case I recommend you take your prettiest panties on a little field trip once in a while for fun!). If you think this idea is stupid, check out this chain of laundromat cafes in Iceland! Other people like hanging in laundromats, too, OK?

Going back to high school

JK, that would be creepy. But if you have a time machine, seriously, please take me with you.

Where do you go to meet people? Any success stories out there?

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