Ways for adults to meet people/leave their comfort zone?

[longskate88]

I'm in college now, but the time is fast approaching when I'll be working full time and having even fewer chances to meet people. What kind of things can an adult working full time do to meet people socially/for dating. I'm thinking things like cooking classes, maybe speed-dating, etc. Are there any websites where people post activities for people to meet socially, and are they legit? Any and all serious ideas are welcome!

 

[tthornell]

meetup.com

 

[why]

I hear being in public and conversing with those around you occasionally works.

 

[unjung]

Sport and rec clubs bra. Mountain biking, softball, ultimate frisbee, etc. I suggest two per season.

Also you will learn not to take an hour to decide to hit on a girl, and when you do, you will learn to ask for a number in the first few minutes of conversation. You will have no other choice. And everyone in their late 20s understands so you don't even have to feel bad.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by tthornell

meetup.com
Never heard of that site before. There's a ferret meet-up group, a vampire group (looked at the photos and there's actually some really hot chicks in it), and a cuddle group, among other things. There are some truly bizarre peeps out there. There's useful groups too though. I might go to the conversational spanish one.

 

[cougarlicious]

Originally Posted by tthornell

meetup.com

+1
I've attended several Meetups....while the majority of folks who go are a bit socially awkward, I've met a few normals who I am still connected with even after I stopped going to the events.

 

[MetroStyles]

Uh....

BARS. duh. What planet are you people from?

 

[ChicagoRon]

Actually... church/synagogue/mosque would be the even more obvious answer than bars for the General Population in this country.

Sport clubs, etc. are also great. Any kind of lessons (cooking, tennis, etc.)

 

[ChicagoRon]

And the grocery store... don't knock it. The day a girl actually laughs when I ask "can I squeeze your charmin", I will know I've found "the one".. and I won't spend the night in jail.

 

[ld111134]

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

Actually... church/synagogue/mosque would be the even more obvious answer than bars for the General Population in this country.

Sport clubs, etc. are also great. Any kind of lessons (cooking, tennis, etc.)

+100. Great meeting you, CR!

 

[jdcpa]

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

And the grocery store... don't knock it.

I'm so glad someone noticed this technique. I've met more women in a grocery store or a target than any bar or club. Grocery stores and department stores tend to attract 'normal' people. (plus you can survey what they are buying to double check). Bars and clubs always have people who are 'bar-club' people which is great if its your thing...but often a mistake if its not.

Back in the single days I found taking university extension classes in things you liked worked really well. People are at ease, they enjoy the same subject, and it is not competitive. Painting, playing piano, and art history were some of the most useful.

Good luck.

 

[Bradford]

I've heard that some forum members are having good luck with Craigslist Casual Encounters

 

[ChicagoRon]

Originally Posted by Bradford

I've heard that some forum members are having good luck with Craigslist Casual Encounters

I told your mom not to mention that! (seriously, just kidding... but I could not resist)

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by why

I hear being in public and conversing with those around you occasionally works.

wow, I never thought of that. And here I was scouring the net to see if Dutch cuisine lessons yielded more optimal partners than Javelin crafting classes.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by jdcpa

I'm so glad someone noticed this technique. I've met more women in a grocery store or a target than any bar or club. Grocery stores and department stores tend to attract 'normal' people. (plus you can survey what they are buying to double check). Bars and clubs always have people who are 'bar-club' people which is great if its your thing...but often a mistake if its not.

Back in the single days I found taking university extension classes in things you liked worked really well. People are at ease, they enjoy the same subject, and it is not competitive. Painting, playing piano, and art history were some of the most useful.

Good luck.

Huh? You mean like westerners not part of religious orders and stuff?