Skip The Dating Apps: Here's How to Meet People In Real Life
Dating Apps Are So 2010s
With all the horrible first dates, endless swiping, and ghosting they bring, it's no wonder many of us are experiencing dating app fatigue. However, with so much reliance on digital means for doing just about everything in life from work to groceries, it's hard to know how to meet people organically. Here are 20 ways to meet people in person so you can finally de-activate your Tinder.
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1. Join A Club
Joining a club is a wonderful way to meet new people with common interests. Most people join clubs for the social aspect so even if you don't meet "the one," you're bound to make some friends.
2. Volunteer
Getting involved in your local community is another great way to meet like-minded people. As an added plus, giving back through charitable acts has been proven to boost your mental health.
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3. Go Out Dancing
The dance floor has long been recognized as a place where sparks fly. Letting loose at the club and just being yourself is the perfect way to attract someone who could become more than just a dance partner.
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4. Become A Regular Somewhere
Is there a local bar or restaurant you like going to? Well, why not go there more often? The more you go somewhere the more relaxed you'll be there so when someone attractive walks in, you can approach them without feeling too nervous.
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5. Join A Fitness Class
Why not make all those hours at the gym count towards more than just your gains? Join a fitness class and meet someone who also values their wellness.
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6. Host Parties
Hosting a small gathering and encouraging your friends to bring their friends is another great way to meet new people. For one thing, it's in your environment where you're bound to feel comfortable, and keeping it small will encourage conversation.
7. Take Creative Classes
Whether it's watercolor or poetry you're interested in, taking a class to hone a creative skill is a perfect meeting ground. Not only will you get to practice, but you'll meet people who have the same passion.
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8. Try Friending Apps
Many people shy away from dating apps because they're far too shallow and designed for instant judgement. With friending apps, there isn't the same pressure, so it can be more fun and you can find more success if you're someone who makes a better impression face-to-face.
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9. Go To Co-Working Spaces
With WFH, meeting people organically at the office is no longer an option. Consider spending a couple of days a week at a co-working space to work some more human interaction into your day-to-day.
10. Join A Sports League
Joining a sports league, whether it be soccer or jiu jitsu is another amazing way to meet like-minded folks. Not only are you into the same sport, but having to work together as a team is a great bonding exercise that can make you grow close very quickly.
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11. Get A Dog
When people get dogs, they aren't just gaining a pet, they're gaining a whole tight-knit community of other dog-owners. Of course, it's not a good reason alone to get a pet, but if you like dogs already, it's just one more factor.
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12. Try Speed Dating
Speed dating may sound so pre-internet, but if you're someone who makes a good in-person impression moreso than digital, it might work well for you. Even if not, it's still a very fun and interesting experience.
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13. Get Your Friends To Set You Up
Who knows you better than your friends? Some of the best couples met through blind dates. If you have good friends who you trust, start dropping hints that they should set you up on a date.
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14. Frequent Food Festivals
Are you a foodie? If being a connoiseur is one of your favorite things, try going to food festivals to meet people with the same passion.
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15. Go To Farmers' Markets
Similarly, farmers' markets are a great place to explore the foodie community while being outside and supporting your local farmers. Strolling through the stands, it's an easygoing place to strike up conversation.
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16. Go To Trivia Night
If your local haunt has trivia nights, consider attending even if you don't consider yourself a polymath. It's a fun way to connect with new people.
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17. Join A Language Exchange
If you're learning a language, advance your skills by joining a language exchange. It's also a lovely way to converse with new people who have curious minds like you.
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18. Travel
Sometimes the best way to meet new people is to leave your bubble. Traveling forces you out of your comfort zone and often brings out a new sense of confidence you didn't even know you had. Other travelers are likely to be in the same boat, more openminded and easy to connect with.
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19. Go To A Wellness Retreat
If traveling alone does wonders for your self-growth and connection, going to a wellness retreat will have an even greater effect. These places are carefully designed for you to better yourself and connect with the other guests who have similar goals and values.
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20. Get Involved in Spiritual Communities
Whether it's church or temple you go to, getting more involved in your spiritual community will immediately connect you to a very close-knit group. In terms of partnership, people who prioritize their spiritual community are likely to want deeper connection and more serious involvement.
