How To Meet Single Men: 20 Best Places to Find Your Prince Charming
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One of the most frustrating things for my female clients, especially those over 40, is knowing how to meet single men. When you’re in college, you meet guys every day, in class or at parties. But when you’re older and you focus your life on raising kids or on your career — and if your social circle is primarily married friends — it can be challenging to find opportunities to meet single men.
Technology Has Made Meeting Single Men Easier
While it can be a conundrum, trying to figure out how to meet single men, there’s one thing that can be tremendously helpful: technology. Not only can dating apps help you connect with men that fit what you’re looking for age, appearance, and career-wise, but you can also find groups on sites like Meetup.com to simply get out and meet more people, regardless of romantic potential.
If you haven’t yet braved the world of online dating, give it a shot. The great thing is that you can curate exactly who you’re looking for. If, for example, you only want to date men who are 6’5″ with dark hair who are engineers, you can set your search parameters for that! At the very least, it gives you practice talking and texting with men, which is always helpful.
Best 20 Places and Ways To Meet Single Men
Many women I know are averse to meeting men online and prefer the more natural in-person method. Still, if you’re not open to opportunities at the right time, you might miss a great guy who’s right beneath your nose!
That being said, you may have to get out of your comfort zone in order to put yourself in places where you’re more likely to meet single men. You won’t meet a guy if you always stay in with your girlfriends (unless the pizza delivery guy is your cup of tea)! So get out there. Go to new places. Try new things. At the very least, you’ll enrich your life and have great experiences.
Here are some places to consider as you figure out where and how to meet single men.
1. Dog Parks
Okay, let me just say this: if you do not have a dog, don’t hang out at a dog park. Because it’s just weird! But if you have a pooch, why not let her get some exercise while scoping out the (hopefully) single doggie dads who are there?
This strategy for how to meet single guys is such a simple one because dogs are such a wonderful conversation starter. Who doesn’t love to have people fawn over their dog? If he ends up being married or taken, at least it’s not weird that you struck up a conversation with him.
Let’s say you see a good-looking guy at the dog park every Thursday night when you take Delilah for a little ball-throwing. Toss the ball in his general direction so you have an excuse to approach. Here’s how that conversation might go.
You: “Hi there. Which one of these pooches is yours?”
Him: “The Dalmatian over there humping the tree.”
You: “Oh wow, he’s quite…exuberant. I’m Tiffany, by the way.”
Him: “Hi Tiffany. I’m Martin. Who’s this bundle of cuteness?”
And just like that, you’ve started a conversation. Just make sure to pick up Delilah’s poop.
2. Standing in Line
Do you ever stop to think about how long we spend standing in lines? Well, you don’t have to wonder because someone else already figured it out: 10 years! What a waste…unless you make the most of that time.
If you’re standing in line behind a cute guy, use a little humor to strike up a conversation:
You: “Hey, what are we standing in line for?” (smile so he knows you’re joking.)
3. On a Plane
An airplane is a great place to get friendly with just about anyone, including men. It’s tricky though: the man you’re talking to may not live in your city, so you may waste your time on a guy who’s here on vacation (just look around to make sure his wife and kids aren’t sitting on the other side of him). But if the two of you hit it off, having several hours of flight time to get to know each other can be a great spark for things to come.
You: “You’re not a nervous flyer, are you? Because I’m not nervous unless other people are nervous.”
Him: “No, I travel all the time. Don’t worry; if you get nervous, I’ll hold your hand.”
4. The Gym
When it comes to trying to meet guys at a gym, there are two schools of thought:
EW. No way. I’m sweaty and wearing yoga pants.
Hm. There are definitely some hot guys at my gym…
If you’re serious about fitness, this is probably one of the places where you spend the most of your time, so why not figure out how to meet single men at the gym? If you keep seeing the same guy doing deadlifts every week while you’re killing it with squats, take a slow approach.
Week 1: Make eye contact. Smile.
Week 2: Pass him and say “hey.”
Week 3: Find an excuse to talk to him. If you use the same equipment, ask if he’s done (if he looks done). If he’s on equipment you’ve never used, ask if he can show you how to use it.
Keep in mind: you run the risk of going out with this guy and things not working out. Then what will you do about your fitness routine? Change days? Change gyms? Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but get to know him in the guy for a while first before agreeing to go on a date.
5. On Public Transportation
Another place you may spend significant time is on a bus or train commuting to work. Again, this is an opportunity to see the same guy doing the same commute, and there’s opportunity to strike up a conversation.
But realize that if you don’t take a chance, you might regret it later, like Devin Custalow did. After feeling a connection with a man wearing yellow shoes on the subway, she had a mural painted in New York City, inviting the mystery man to meet her on Valentine’s Day. The event drew a crowd…but unfortunately not the yellow-shoed man. Take this story to heart, and be brave enough to strike up that train conversation.
6. Cooking Classes
Want to know how to meet single men? Try a cooking class!
Singles cooking classes are sprouting up all over the world, and they make for a great opportunity to meet single men who, if they don’t already know how to cook, are at least making an effort to! Because cooking classes are so hands-on and involved, they make for a fantastic bonding opportunity.
Often, instructors will pair up a man and woman to partner together, which can make it even easier to get to know a guy. You could ask for tips on dicing, get his opinion on your broth, or simply make fun of his technique.
7. Language Classes
I always say the best way to meet single men is to not try! Do something you’re interested in, and if you meet someone, great! Learning a new language is a great way to stretch your brain (and prepare to visit a new country!). And you never know who else will be in the class (or teaching it).
A lot of times, language instructors will pair students up to work on an assignment together, so make sure you’re sitting next to that cutie so that you snag him as a partner.
8. Networking Events
If you’re tired of meeting scrubs with crappy jobs, realize that where you meet a man can also determine how successful he is. Professional networking events have two benefits: 1. you’ll expand your professional network and maybe find some great business opportunities and 2. you’ll meet men who are professionally-driven.
In a scientific study, researchers looked at two characteristics of men: prestige and dominance. While dominance was associated with short-term relationships, prestigious men were linked to successful long-term mating. So if you’re looking for something serious, look for a guy who’s successful and likes what he does for a living.
Just a note: networking can be tricky: I know a man who met an attractive woman at a business networking event. They exchanged numbers and set up a dinner “date.” He assumed it was romantic…but she was business-only. Be willing to spend time with this man on a professional level and see where it goes if necessary. Here are a few conversation starters that might help you gauge whether he’s interested without making a fool of yourself:
“It sounds like you work a ton! How does that impact your personal life?” (this gives him the opportunity to mention a wife or girlfriend if he has one.)
“Wow, if I had a boyfriend who worked as many hours as you do, I’d struggle with that!” (same thing.)
“So what do you do when you’re not kicking ass and taking names at work?”
9. Bars and Restaurants
Socializing at a bar is a great way to meet men.
Let me just say: this tip on how to meet single men requires a little independence because it works best if you’re alone in a bar or restaurant (though it can work if you’ve got your wing women with you). Your best strategy is to sit at the bar alone. I know; a lot of women are uncomfortable with this. But you can chat with the bartender or read a book if you’re uncomfortable. Just don’t get so engrossed in it that you don’t notice the people around you.
Be willing to strike up a conversation!
- Ask for the salt shaker
- Ask how a drink that a guy ordered tastes
- Make a comment/joke about what’s playing on the tv
If you’re into sports, go to a sports bar during a big game. It’s a great icebreaker. Even if you’re rooting for the opposite team, you can still rag on the guy you’re interested in.
10. At the Beach Or Pool
Summertime is here! If you plan on being outdoors and near water a lot this summer, make the most of the opportunity, because you might just meet Mr. Right. It’s a fun, lighthearted place to be, so keep your approach the same.
“Hey there. I think your back is burning. Want me to apply some sunscreen?”
“Excuse me. I can’t reach this spot on my back. Would you mind putting some sunscreen on it?”
11.Vacations and Tourist Spots
“Excuse me, would you mind taking my photo?”
This one’s better for a short-term fling…or if you’re willing to have a long-distance relationship since more than likely a man you meet here won’t be a local.
The bonus is that you’ll have a great time exploring the touristy side of your city. So many locals don’t do what visitors to a city do, so you might find something you never knew existed right beneath your nose.
On the other hand, if you’ve been to the local theme park a dozen times, you can use that opportunity to play tour guide to a man you meet.
If you’re on dating apps, I know men who, when visiting a city, hop on to meet local women who can show them around. They may or may not be looking for a hookup. Some just like having local flavor and making new friends. And hey, if you click, you can always have him return the favor if you visit his city one day!
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12. Parties
You feel like you’ve exhausted your social circle’s pool of single and available men, but you never know. Parties are a fabulous opportunity to meet friends of friends of friends. Because everyone is socializing and having a good time, there’s no pressure for the two of you to pair off…but if it happens, you can always get the scoop on what this guy is like from the friends that brought him.
If you’re too shy to introduce yourself, ask a mutual friend to do it. If you’re just a little shy, join a conversation he’s having with other partygoers. If you’re not shy at all, walk right up to him and introduce yourself. That’s that Sexy Confidence at work!
13. Active Events
Get active while meeting a great guy!
If you love getting your 5K on, this is a great way to meet single men! Mud runs, obstacle course challenges, and other active events always attract men, so if you’re physically fit and into that type of activity, why not sign up? Active men are more likely to be drawn to active women, and you’ll already know you have a few things in common.
And hey, don’t be shy about creating a little healthy competition. Just before the race or event starts, look at the guy and say something like, “Think you can beat me? Good luck with that!” then take off, leaving him in your dust.
14. Bar Crawls
Admittedly, being drunk is not the ideal situation to meet a man, but I still know people who ended up being couples after meeting on a bar crawl. The key is going with a friend and setting your limit drinkwise. Tell your friend that no matter how much you like a guy, she is not to let you leave with him! This keeps you safe…and also makes him want to connect with you sober to get to know you.
Lots of cities host singles bar crawls, so do a little searching online to see if there’s an event coming up.
If you meet a guy early in the event, pull back from drinking so much so that you can have your wits about you. And just another safety tip: if he buys you a drink, go with him to the bar so you can watch it being made. This ensures he doesn’t put anything “extra” in that drink. He probably won’t, but as they say: better safe than sorry.
15. Festivals
I live in Boston, and it seems like every weekend (especially in the spring and summer), there’s some sort of festival going on.
Music festivals.
Food and beer fests.
Craft thingies.
Not only are these events a ton of fun, but you can also meet some cool people. I especially like the food and beverage events because there’s something about walking around holding your plate and cup that just disarms people and makes it easy to have a conversation.
“Ooh. That looks good. Where did you get that?”
“What number tasting are you on? Who knew someone could have so many tiny pours of beer!”
16. Sports Clubs
Whether you’re into sailing, tennis, or rock climbing, there’s probably a club for that in your town. Not only will you stay fit, but you’ll also make friends…and maybe even successfully learn how to meet single men there. Even if you don’t meet a single guy at one of the meetups, you might later on through the network you build. Having a shared love of a given sport is a great foundation for a relationship!
17. Church
Who’d have thought church would be a place to meet someone?
If you are a churchgoing soul, never underestimate the power of the spirit. It just might move you to meet someone! The great thing about meeting a man at church is that you know you have shared values. That’s one of the key building blocks for a long and happy relationship (and even marriage), so meeting a man at church is a great start.
If you’re shy about introducing yourself, ask your pastor/priest/minister to do it. And if you don’t have a specific church you go to, look for churches that cater to people your age. Some may even hold singles mixers.
18. Weddings
What is it about weddings that brings single people together? Maybe it’s seeing a happy couple and wanting the same for yourself, but when it comes to how to meet single men, you can’t overlook the wedding!
Whether you’re in the wedding party or a guest, make sure you look your best. If you’re close to the bride or groom, you might even do a little research beforehand to find out what single guys will be there (and which to avoid). Make the most out of the party by talking to as many people as possible, dancing, and having a good time.
19. Bookstores
Men dig chicks who read! And vice versa. Bookstores may be a dying breed, but they’re still a cool place to succeed at how to meet single men. Again, meeting someone in a place that you love already tells you that you have something in common (books!).
So head to your favorite bookstore, order a chai latte, and curl up on that couch, leaving room for anyone who might want to sit next to you!
20. Co-ed Sports Leagues
Here’s another sporty way to meet men: co-ed sports leagues. Soccer, volleyball, and dodgeball are just a few examples of sports that mix men and women on a team. Playing with a man you’re attracted to gives you the opportunity to observe how much of a team player he is, as well as how he interacts with his teammates. If the team goes out for drinks after the game, get him alone for a little one-on-one conversation.
Conclusion: Important Tips When Learning How to Meet Single Men
Let’s end with a few tips to maximize your opportunity to meet single men. First of all, be willing to try new things. You will get out of your comfort zone, and that’s okay. But don’t force it. If you absolutely hate sports, don’t plop down at a sports bar and think it’s going to work. The first man you meet will realize you have no clue about football, and he’ll wonder why you’re there.
Also, be aware of who’s around you. While it’s easy to get sucked into the game you’re playing, you might not notice a guy checking you out!
And lastly, have a good time! While you should find more opportunities where you might succeed in learning how to meet single men, you should also be doing things you actually enjoy.
Let’s hear from my ladies: what tips do you have on how to meet single men? Leave them in the comments below.
I agree with them ALL, Adam. And I have tried almost all of them- still NO GOOD MEN!
Single men don’t go to church. They don’t seem to volunteer much either. I don’t like bars. Nearly all men in my community are married. My friends are all married and view bachelors with suspicion. They don’t know any personally and couldn’t help me if they wanted to. Trying this stuff is a great way to get in trouble for hitting on a married man who isn’t wearing a visible ring. “My what a lovely German shepherd.” “Yes. My wife Bunny picked him out.” “Are you a friend or family member of the bride?” “Neither. My wife’s cousin is getting… Read more »
Amen Sista!!
Hello Rachael,
I just read your suggestion.
Do not look yourself down because your friends do not invite you for Dinner Parties.
Like you typed earlier,you shouldn’t dress shabbily all because of your friends
Live your good life and dress nice ,because while they were single ladies, they dressed nice too
Like many women, I used to think that there are only ‘certain places’ you can meet single men. For example, church, bars, dating apps etc. However, the secret is to attract single men in every-day life. I’m talking about when you run errands, go to the grocery store or walk the dog. There are little tips and techniques you can apply to make yourself more attractive and approachable to good, single men. Amy North has an amazing guide on this concept at: http://www.DevotionMethod.info – You could be walking past Mr Right every day without even realizing.
Jenna, I know your post was 2 months ago and you probably wont read this… but thanks so much for sharing Amy’s guide. Super helpful so far!
Haha I know the feeling
Wow i relate so much. Women are so suspicious of other women but tbh i wouldnt want friends like that anyways. I read through these suggestions and just thought, id rather just ask the person if they are single. Then again, some people lie so…
I realize this is two months old and you probably won’t read this, but still. nonetheless, I really appreciate you providing Amy’s guidance. Very beneficial. Sometime hope you can play candy clicker with me
Numbers 20 and 21 are missing..
I really feel sorry for you, you might want to make new friends or get in a better neighborhood because being reclusive is not helping. And as for the cats they probably are saying “she’s getting on my nerves I wish she would go find a male hooman”.
Really I wish you well…
Farmer’s markets are a nice place too. Men who like cooking and are healthy
Um, yeah…no. Sorry, none of these work. If you want to meet single men and aren’t college age, you’re going to have to go out to night clubs or stick to the internet. I’m guessing the person who compiled this list is on sleeping pills. Airplanes? You get whoever you’re stuck by. Gyms? Most gyms expressly forbid hitting on people, and really, who goes to a gym to look sweaty while trying to flirt? Men at dog parks are married almost always, or at least long-term hooked up. Do you really want to be that creepy person looking in someone… Read more »
Lower your standards ladies. 6ft+ making six figures is only at best 10% of the populations. That’s total (jail, married and single). Those men are dating 25yr with no kids. There are good men out there but your standard are 2 high. Can he be your height and making same amount of money? What do you bring to the table? Do your homework / math on those standards.
I’ll lower my standards when they lower theirs. Not going to happen.
Am I need of a very single man who will love me as I am. Am a single mother of there children.
Negatively only brings about negativity outcomes. If you be strategic and positive, you may have a more favourable outcome. The place where i have met single guys are at Events but open to all the other suggestions above to keep trying to meet single guys.
I have been positive in meeting men, I’m now 55 looking for 7 years in most of the places suggested. The men gravitate to my single flirty friends who will sleep with a stranger. I want to get to know him first. Call me old fashioned, if I just want sex I can get that at any bar. And I am in great shape and can parade in a bikini just like them.
I am a single man in great shape and have the same problem trying to meet a single woman, sometimes I think something is wrong with me .
Hey iam a single woman n did nt find single or a widowe
If its ok to ask, what is your age range?
Hi, I am 69, in good shape. Do you enjoy hiking in the mountain, sitting in the field, adventures individual traveling or solo/couple sailing. Also like long walks, visiting galleries and museums. If you do some of it please contact me.
Number 18 and 17nafu
Where do u all ladies live. Maybe some of us get together and go out and do things together. Maybe then something could happen
@Dee you are right, I think that will help
I live in Arizona
I’m 23 year single lady and I need a guy
From Ghana
U have lots of time
Dee where do you live? I am in South Florida. I have the same issue. Trying to find single high quality men is like finding a needle in a haystack. I’m still searching for that needle!!!
You’re right, a very nice suggestion. Since we’re all having similar issues looking for good guys. Some good guys are also here looking for good ladies. We can all work this out
Thanks for the article, will try some places you provided
I will agree that some of those places may work, but I also will say that it still is a bit hard. I’m 55 and have been single for about 6 years now. My ex found someone in 3 months. I don’t sleep around. I’m independent and at times that works against me. I have come to the conclusion that if it’s meant to be it will. I’ve joined dating sites and it just doesn’t work for me. I’m not giving up on finding someone, he and I will meet at some point, but being secure in myself is way… Read more »
single man can do anything but cant go to church xd!
Lower your standards ladies. 6ft+ making six figures is only at best 10% of the populations. That’s total (jail, married and single). Those men are dating 25yr with no kids. There are good men out there but your standard are 2 high. Can he be your height and making same amount of money? What do you bring to the table? Do your homework / math on those standards. In the U.S. population, about 14.5 percent of all men are six feet or over. Roughly 1% of US women are 6 feet tall or taller. Thats all men! Now start cutting that percentage… Read more »
Yes my height and income would be great except I’m 6ft and earn more than most guys – but I don’t really care about those things too much although income is somewhat correlated with intelligence and I need someone intellectually engaging. I have accepted my perfect guy is probably not going to be taller than me or maybe even same height. But shorter guys often just write me off so it seems to matter more to them.
First of all, income often has more to do with one’s sociability, not intelligence.
Secondly, shorter guys often write you off? The tall women I know always say how they can’t keep the shorties away.
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Nothing works! I’m 60 and vibrant but men my age are either old, lazy, and fat or they go for the plastic younger Barbies. I am in dating purgatory!
Amen!!!
I am a single guy 38 5’5 making over 6 figures and looked at this trying to get ideas where to be to find ladies, I am asking the same question where are the single ladies at? I do hiking events with meetup groups, dont go to church much and I’m shy.
Where do you base?
I wonder where are you and where you’ve been all my life (as they say)! Lol
Im similar. Female, 31 in UK however i cant seem to find the right person. Most men i meet at meetups have some drinking or drug problem but im sober and want someone else who is too
With that kind of money you can have almost any woman you want.
Yes
I am 26 and finally found my dream man because of you dude, yahoooooooooooooooooooo!
I’m 21 and am done with my education I’m from Nigeria and I want to settle down..
love strategies is the BEST BLOG in the subject of male-female relationships, I read it practically every day. I am also happy that I was able to find https://bit.ly/2WtvC85, because thanks to that I managed to get a guy for life. I hope you will succeed too!
Typically when I am doing an activity I am focused on that and not trying to pick up men. Plus I am shy and old-fashioned so a guy would have to make the first move. I have tried every dating site online. I have been on a few dates but no one has lived up to the qualifications I am seeking. I have a doctorate and earn a nice salary. I am not interested in a guy who makes less money and I prefer a guy with at least a Master’s degree or a doctorate. I have never been married… Read more »
1. Drop the no kids hang-up. The man you’re describing isn’t going to have a blank relationship history (without being deeply unusual). 2. If you’re as smart as you indicate, you know that at a certain point, smart people go beyond work and consume intellectual goods. That is, money loses meaning. If you stick to the wage=intellect theory, at the high end you’ll find overconfidence. 3. Not to be too harsh, but from my reading (could be wrong), you see men as things to be used – what they can do for you – rather than what you can do… Read more »
Thanks For the Article!
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There’s nothing that a single man can’t do except for cant going to chapel xd!
I loved reading this article. I had a lot of epic fails in dating and someone really should have put my brain in place. Someone also mentioned that together 2 night can become a good place for me to find my better half. I haven’t tried it yet, but I trust what my friend say, so this weekend I wil try to do it.
I don’t trust dating sites. I think that all woman are cheating. They all want money from me and what I can buy for them. But in my darkest hour they all run away.
You can lock yourself in bunker and end up surrounded by 40 loving cats. And you can end up with the most beautiful and loving girl if you read http://www.wales247.co.uk/three-signs-that-a-girl-is-cheating-on-you/ and learn how to find out what the signs of a girl that is cheating are. After all, it is up to you to decide where you belong.
Yes
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I’m 47 and have a great job and have so so so much to offer. I have no issues finding woman just not finding the right ones. Im active but also like to stay in watch movies and big watch a show as much as trying out different restaurants… go sailing, camping , hiking, coed sports…travel. Im very easygoing , love to cook… im fit …. but its still work to find a decent woman. Maybe because im 5-9?? Lol if that the reason those woman can move along lol
Just got out of an 2 yr relationship how can i move on
The men usually play football games online, so I think you should try to play football games, one of the most popular is a small world cup.
Very cute. But the scenarios/dialogues assume we live in a fantasy land where guys are open to strike conversations, and have a warm disposition at all times. I’ve encountered guys with no skills who felt awkward and shut down, and that in turn makes me weary of trying next time. Plus, I want to be pursued.
In romantic films you can often see how people meet at train stations, airports, and so on. In real life, after a long flight, I don’t want to contact anyone at all, so the ideal and most comfortable solution for me on my last trip was taxi hamburg airport transfer. Why not take care of yourself and book a transfer in advance? By the way, most likely it will be cheaper than the taxi you find locally.
Tried them all…..not to many truly honorable eligible men
The problem I have is that no matter where I go to try to meet men, I always end up picking up these goddamn women who want to be friends. I mean okay great I made a few new friends, but that is not my goal. I personally don’t care to make women friends. I’m trying to meet men. Any suggestions?