How To Meet Someone New Without The Aid Of Dating Apps
We can all admit to using our share of dating apps. Between countless swipes on Tinder and trying to figure out what to write for all the prompts on Hinge, the self-proclaimed "dating app designed to be deleted," dating apps have their ups and downs. Some of the upsides of dating apps are that they can help you find someone you'd be compatible with and prevent you from missing out on meeting some excellent people (via Eharmony).
However, dating apps can get super frustrating, and meeting people this way can make being in the "talking stage" even more awkward. Plus, many people on dating apps seem to think that it's ok to ghost someone without any explanation. Furthermore, repeated frustration with the dating apps can lead to dating app burnout, which can make using the apps feel like a chore instead of fun or cause you to lower your standards, per Bustle.
If you're tired of getting 'the ick' from dating apps and want to meet someone new, we know some tips for meeting people without apps, whether you're looking for a serious relationship, a one-time hookup, or anything in between.
Go to a speed dating event
Chances are, you've heard at least one joke about speed dating on a TV show or in a movie, but jokes aside, it's an excellent way to meet people. So, what exactly is it? According to Reader's Digest, speed dating usually consists of chatting with someone for less than 10 minutes before you talk to someone else and continuing the pattern throughout the event, taking note of who you like. It's almost like the face-to-face equivalent of reading someone's dating app profile and swiping left or right!
Anyone who wants to give speed dating a chance can visit Eventbrite, where you'll find plenty of upcoming speed dating events. These events occur all over, but New York City is a popular option because there are so many people and venues in the city. Plus, you should pay attention when reading the details of these events, as some are free while others have a cover fee, and some are for different age groups. If you don't want to drive or take public transportation for an in-person speed-dating event, you can also find many virtual speed-dating gatherings, per Eventbrite.
Go to a bar or nightclub
If you like to party and want to meet someone new, why not hit the bars and nightclubs to try to find a cutie? We understand that it may be nerve-racking to approach someone, especially if you're a little shy. However, there's a great way to start a conversation without coming on too strong: asking someone to take a picture of you. '"Go ask a guy, 'Would you mind taking a picture?' Once he finishes, thank him and start chatting," dating coach Mike Goldstein tells Elite Daily. If they don't seem interested, at least you'll still have a cute picture of yourself to post! And if you do have an enjoyable conversation with someone on a night out, you should remember to swap phone numbers to stay in contact and see where it goes (via Bustle).
Plus, you should think about what you're looking for when deciding where to go. For instance, anyone looking to date or find a relationship should look into classy bars with a more sophisticated dress code. On the other hand, if you're looking for a fun hookup, try a nightclub with a DJ and lots of dancing to score a hot makeout session that could lead to a fun night.
Don't be too scared of rejection
When putting yourself out there at a speed dating event, bar, or nightclub, you should remember that you might be interested in someone who doesn't necessarily feel the same way. Not to scare you, but this can feel much more disappointing than getting ghosted on an app (via Self). However, you shouldn't let that stop you. We've all heard the expression "you never know unless you try," and it's true — you won't know if someone you like will like you back unless you shoot your shot and try to strike up a conversation or ask them for their number if you're feeling bold.
Rejection is a common fear, but there are some tips to prevent letting it get in your way. For instance, you should keep in mind that you wouldn't be the only person in the world who's been rejected, as rejection is just an unfortunate situation that most people experience sooner or later (via Healthline). And if you end up getting turned down, it will be helpful to remind yourself what you love about yourself — because no matter how cute or charming someone is, at the end of the day, the only person whose opinion of you really matters is your own.
Ask a friend to set you up with someone
What better people are there to help you find love — or some fun — than your friends, the people who already know and understand your personality? You shouldn't feel embarrassed to ask members of your friend group or a lifelong best friend to help set you up (via Healthy Framework). Good, caring friends should want each other to be happy, so your friends will likely be glad you trust them enough to help you meet someone new. However, you should never be pushy; your friends don't have to do this for you, and they have lives, too, so don't pressure your friends to help you.
One upside of meeting up with someone that one of your friends set you up with is that you should feel more comfortable around them than with a stranger you matched with on an app. "It's better for single people to meet through friends because there's a familiarity and comfort that goes with that," Christine Hartman, a behavioral scientist and dating expert, tells Women's Health. So, why not be bold and ask your besties to help you in the dating department?
Apply to be on a reality dating show
We know this last idea isn't going to be for everyone, but if you love being on camera and you're ready to put yourself out there — and don't feel the need to be private about it — why not try to get on your favorite reality dating show? "The Bachelor" is the most famous reality show, though there are many others. If you were to end up on this show, you'd compete with many other women for an attractive man (via IMDb). Even if you don't get the guy, you still might end up on "Bachelor in Paradise," the franchise's sexy spin-off. Plus, you'll probably end up with a few new friends — unless you're the season's villain — and a lot more social media followers that could lead to some lucrative brand deals (or potentially a boo).
If you want to apply to be on "The Bachelor," the casting application is online (via Bachelor Nation). You must be at least 21 years old to apply, and you'll have to fill out some information about yourself, such as your height, whether you've been married before, and why you want to be on "The Bachelor." Or, you can find many other dating show applications on Backstage, a popular casting website.
So, are you ready to delete your dating apps and try any — or all — of these methods to meet someone new?