How do you meet people?

[glitzyglow]

Aside from online dating? I'm over it. I've been on a ton a dates, but I haven't felt that "spark" with anyone.

As much as I hate to admit this, I think I'm working against myself by not having a Facebook anymore. I've lost the networking to show I'm single/divorced to all my acquaintances for someone to go, "Hey, you should meet my friend!" or something like that. And my youngest sister told me she and her boyfriend initially started chatting through Facebook.

I was married all through college, so I didn't create the wide circle of friends that most my age have. Most all my friends are married or in serious relationships at this point in life. Going out is not usually an option for me unless my lone single friend doesn't have to work that night.

Blerg. I'd like to punch my ex-husband for putting me in this position of having to date again!

[explorer2001]

First, you can go out alone. Seriously it can be a ton of fun.

Second, I'm overly social and just talk to people.

Third, do stuff you are interested in. It gives you a common ground to start from. Ex I chat with people at the art museum about the exhibit.

Also, try meetup.com I've been having fun and meeting nice people so far. If you expand your circle then you can meet others through them.

[glitzyglow]

Meetup.com has six meet-ups in my city. One for Moms, three for political parties, one for gamers, and I cannot understand what in the world the other one is talking about. F-ing small cities suck.

I've got the paper and the list of events this week. A few things look fun. I'm in a bit of a situation until October as I work weekends every week and most really awesome-looking events fall on weekends. How do you motivate yourself to go out and be social, especially knowing you have to get up at 6am the next day? I'm no spring chicken anymore, lol!

What exactly does one do when one goes out alone? Just sip a drink? I'm pretty social, so I know I could do it, I just need some tips!

[blackkitty]

When you say "meet people" I'm assuming you mean men to date...
Most people have met their SO through friends/family, work/school, church or bars

[leahmel]

www.meetup.com

[glitzyglow]

I just changed Meetup to a 50 mi radius. One more came up - another Moms' Club. Seven meetups within a 50 mi radius. Awesome.

[lookingup]

Jun 10, 2012 21:29:09 GMT -5 nicbreeful said:

Jun 10, 2012 20:58:23 GMT -5 glitzyglow said:

What exactly does one do when one goes out alone? Just sip a drink? I'm pretty social, so I know I could do it, I just need some tips!

Yep. Just sit at the bar and order a drink. Smile at the people that walk by so you give off the vibe that you're open to convo. And chat up the bartenders and staff, they're full of knowledge about local stuff to do. Make sure you don't put your bag on the seat next to you, it'll look like you're waiting for someone. Also, hit sports bars. A lot of them have things like trivia nights, kareoke and other things that bring people together for events, rather than just drinking.

This exactly. It's all about giving off the vibe that you are available and willing to socialize. If you are smiling and making eye contact, you may be surprised how many people will approach you.

[bullygirl979]

Take a class or join a group that you are interested in. I joined a running club to meet new people.

Also, start a new meetup! Anyone can start one and maybe there are other people like you who are just waiting to meet new people.

[udscoobychick]

Do you have any aquaintences? I like going out with people who I don't know quite as well because it's more likely that they'll have an extended social circle that I haven't met before. Ex., I met the guy I dated before BF when I went out with a friend of mine--her H invited a bunch of his CWs, including the guy that I eventually dated for a couple months.

I also tried to not turn down any opportunity to go out or try something new. I went on a tubing trip with a friend of mine, her personal trainer, and a bunch of her trainer's friends. Found out that a bunch of them are on a kickball team together, so I joined the kickball team for a while. Lots of fun, and I met tons of new people!

I'm super shy, so I don't do well going out by myself, so I rely on meeting friends of friends in order to expand my social circle.