Sure, lounging on the couch eating pizza and thinking up the world’s best Tinder line may sound like a great night, but you know what’s even more productive? Snagging a date in person. And yes, it’s still possible to meet someone without swiping right.
There’s no denying that dating apps are convenient, but over time, they’ve morphed into dateless voids rife with ghosting. And while you certainly see more faces than you would by stopping at the neighborhood bar, chances are you’re not actually meeting most of these phantom matches. (And if you are, send us your best dating tips). But for the rest of us, it’s a good time to revisit the basics: meeting people in real life.
Kat Haselkorn, DC-based Three Day Rule matchmaker shares her insights for meeting people off an app. To help you snag more successful dates, we’ve arranged the tips by personality types, so you can find someone who won’t be bored with your CrossFit chatter.
If You’re an Athlete
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Research has shown that working out with a partner can strengthen your bond and keep you motivated, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Admittedly, meeting someone at the gym may not be the best choice, since you risk turning into the weight room creep. The answer? Look for ways to exercise outside the gym so you find a partner who equally geeks out over BMI.
“Join a league,” suggests Haselkorn. “There are a number of leagues for those who play soccer, tennis, and more traditional sports. If you’re area runner, check out Lululemon or local running stores for a fun group environment. You can meet other fit individuals and consistently see the same faces every week when the group gets together.”
If You’re an Outdoorsman
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If your perfect date involves swimming in lakes and catching fish for dinner, then you’re definitely the outdoorsy type. And the best way to find someone who shares that interest is by meeting in your natural element: REI. Haselkorn suggests striking up conversations by the camping gear or checking for store-sponsored classes or expeditions.
“Outdoorsy stores like REI and Patagonia also host day trips and classes that can be a great place to meet people who share your interests,” she says.
Or you could sign up for a bouldering class at a local climbing gym. People tend to be friendly and social and it’s easy to start up a conversation — in between climbs, of course.
If You’re an Introvert
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Devoting hours to meeting new people probably sounds exhausting, especially if you need plenty of solo time to recharge. Thankfully, there’s no need to overwhelm your calendar. Instead, set a reasonable goal for the number of outings you attend each week.
“Commit to going out to at least one networking event or happy hour per week,” Haselkorn says. “Try something with a clear purpose like trivia, or an industry-specific presentation. If there is a built-in social activity, it’s much easier to come up with topics to chat with people about before or after.”
If You’re a Foodie
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Finding a partner whose snobbery for craft beverages rivals your own is possible — if you go seek out other foodies.
“Find a group that does monthly dinner parties or get-togethers at new restaurants around town,” suggests Haselkorn. She recommends joining meetups targeted to specific age groups to better find someone who’s in a similar stage of life.
Food festivals and cooking classes are also great ways to find someone who shares your love of farm-to-table fare.
If You’re a Night Owl
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Relationships are hard, but they can be even more challenging when you and your partner have compatibility issues. So if you close down the bar every night, you may not want to date someone who prefers being asleep by midnight.
This is why Haselkorn says night owls should look for their soulmates at late night events or evening sports leagues.
“There are games that start after 8 p.m.,” she says. “Or attend concerts and shows on weeknights,” Haselkorn recommends. “These activities attract other night owls and make it more likely that you’ll find someone with a similar circadian rhythm.”
If You’re a Workaholic
People with demanding work schedules often rely on dating apps since it’s not easy to socialize when you’re always at the office. But Haselkorn says it is possible to be productive and find love — it just takes some creativity.
“Get out of the office and take your work to a cafe or coworking space,” says Haselkorn. “It’s tempting to sit at your desk for long hours when you have a lot on your plate, but simply ‘getting out there’ and bringing your laptop to a coffee shop or alternate workspace can make a big difference.”
And while you’re there, don’t forget to take out the earbuds.
“If you want to meet someone, you need to seem approachable and headphones scream, ‘Don’t talk to me.'”
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If You’re a Traveler
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“If you’re the kind of guy who is regularly on the road, take advantage of the airline lounges,” Haselkorn advises. She believes you’ll find others with similar road warrior lifestyles, since these lounges are used by heavy travelers.
Additionally, Haselkorn recommends spending time in local cafes, remote workplaces, and bars in or near hotels because they’re likely to be frequented by other travelers. And while it might be easiest to take a taxi everywhere, using public transportation options like Uber Pool and hotel shuttles increase your chances of meeting someone organically.
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