Dating Apps or Real Life: 10 Ways to Meet Someone Organically
Are you done with the swiping game? There’s a new way to date - it’s called meeting people in real life.
Most people experience legit burn out with dating - but it’s not dating they are burnt out on, it’s the apps and the dates that come from them.
If you’ve seen this recent trending reel, then you definitely understand. We don’t want you to feel that frustration any more. We’re going to show you how to meet someone in real life, and how to date successfully in 2023.
Date with Intention
You are not alone. Dating on apps is challenging - and for some of us, downright impossible. You can spend countless hours swiping and never going on a real date. In fact, multiple studies have shown that meeting someone in real life gives you a higher success rate than meeting on a dating app.
When you meet someone in real life vs. online, you are more likely to know they are serious about dating. So many users on apps just seek validation or that daily dopamine hit. You are also more committed to the idea of dating when you meet people in real life. You are up against the clock to ask them on a date, whereas on dating apps they can be there forever, or until they delete their account.
The Easiest Ways to Meet Someone
If you’re looking for a lasting relationship, here are my top ten ways to meet someone in real life, rather than risking it on the roulette of dating app swiping.
Coffee Shops
Already hanging out at the coffee shop? Maybe you’re reading, or writing your life story. Whatever the reason, you’re spending your free time there; why not get a little flirty? See someone you’re attracted to across the way but not sure they’re single? Easy. Start flirting. It’s all about eye contact and smiling. I’ll explain in detail in the gym example.
2. Home Improvement Stores
While meeting the love of your life in a Home Depot sounds like something of a fairy tale, I assure you it’s not. In fact, I know someone who met her long-term boyfriend shopping for some paint. She was just doing a little DIY project for fun, getting supplies at Home Depot, and her stud of a now-boyfriend offered to help her find paint supplies.
3. Dog park
A huge part of finding a successful relationship is to have things in common - aka compatibility. Two dog lovers make for an easy lifestyle merger. It’s also a great way to just hang out and chat it up with other dog owners. And if you don’t have a dog, but you have a kid, then the playground at your local park is the same idea.
4. Networking or Social groups
Most cities have a range of free or low-cost networking events or meetups for working professionals. If that doesn’t interest you, then try apps like Meetup.com and join some of the interest groups there - but don’t view them as immediate dating apps. Finding a social group with similar hobbies or interests will guarantee you have something to talk about while getting to know each other.
5. Volunteer
Pick a cause you feel passionate about, and offer to volunteer for their next fundraiser, festival, or help out on a random Saturday afternoon. Meeting someone who shares your passion is a wonderful way to know that you are going to bond over the drive to help others. Find one or two local non-profits that you can become a regular volunteer at so they get to know you. You never know if one of the employees has a friend to set you up with!
6. Tailgating events
For all you sports lovers, what’s a better way than to meet someone at an event you both share a passion for? You know you’re going to the game, so why not tailgate? Don’t forget to chat with the people around you - maybe even bring enough snacks or beer to share. Worst case, you’re making new friends.
7. Take an adult class
Community colleges usually offer a range of classes you can take for fun, from cooking to writing, to pottery. Find a class that piques your interest and enroll. You can learn about a topic that interests you with the upside of making a few friends - it’s a no lose situation.
8. Commuting (yes, commuting)
This might not work for everyone - it’ll depend on the public transportation in your city, but you can be environmentally conscious and meet people. Besides, the train can be a nice relaxing way to commute to work. Perhaps be a bit more cautious with this one, though.
9. The Gym
You are already at the gym to get healthy, right? Why not get your flirt on too? This is a delicate task because a lot of people at the gym don’t want to be bothered by bros or douchebag guys. So don’t be that person. Here’s how you do it right:
Make eye contact. Smile. Make eye contact again. Flirting is so important here. Don’t just approach anyone, or you might get a reputation of being that person! Then you’ll never meet anyone at the gym. Get your distance flirt-on first to be sure they’re even interested. Then you can approach them.
10. Hire a matchmaker
Sometimes, it’s best to leave success to a professional who knows how to achieve it.
The nice thing about a matchmaker is that they do all the work for you. They will set you up on a date with someone they have already vetted through as an ideal candidate. A lot of matchmakers will put a lot of effort into creating a fun and exciting date night for you. We might be biased, but we think this is the best way to meet someone in real life rather than swiping endlessly on dating sites.
Ditch the Dating Apps
Give yourself a weekly goal to get out there and meet new people. Maybe this week you hit up 2 networking events and a meetup group. Next week you’re going to talk to 3 new people at the gym and sign up for that art class you’ve been pondering about.
Whatever you decide to do, be sure to commit to it. Every week, you need to be getting out there and meeting people. Remember, your ideal partner isn’t going to magically knock at your door one day. He or she isn’t going to be delivered by the relationship stork - but they certainly can be delivered by a matchmaker.
Are you interested in getting set up with the partner of your dreams? We’re guessing you are.
Check out our matchmaking services today so you can live a happier tomorrow.
