As I have mentioned in previous posts, I work in the amazing New York City. As great of a city as it is to become a star, it’s number one on Cosmo’s list of Top Ten Worst Cities to meet men. It doesn’t help that of the three men I work with closely in my office, two are gay and the third is married. So aside from running into the available homeless man in the underground subway of Time Square, my options are limited. Finding places to meet guys has become increasingly more difficult, especially with online dating. you don’t naturally meet people anymore, you simply read their profile. And if technology doesn’t say you’re a match (in fact a site ive used literally uses a percentage to tell you how much of an enemy someone is), then it must be true?
I, as well as some of my friends, have mentioned meeting men in real life seems like a better option. But this is SO difficult since people are on facebook, twitter and tumblr. You want a man? Now you can pin your desired qualities in Pinterest. #Ridiculous! So to meet men in my daily routine, I’ve come up with some creative options:
NYPD in the subway: Rush hour they are always around, especially in the high traffic locations like Columbus Circle, Union Square, Penn Station and Time Square. I know cops have a bad rap, but being a cop takes dedication and they aren’t all that bad looking. Plus, in the city there is so much diversity so you have a pretty broad spectrum to choose from. Plus, cops are pretty good looking and they need to have an eye for detail, which means they pay attention…for the most part–please do not hold me to this!
Elevator Exceitment: I work in a high rise (as most of the buildings in a city are) and i am on the 16th floor. I have run into some dashing men in suits while making coffee or lunch runs. This is great because people tend to be routine about breaks–they usually take lunch at the same time or afternoon snack and early morning coffe all consistantly around the same time. You could ALMOST plan your run-ins to these guys. And since the trip between floors can be a few minutes, conversation can easily be started. Another thing that’s great about these guys, you can easily see them here and there, but since you don’t work with them, you never have to spend the entire day with them. This gives the flirtation time to build: a reason to miss someone, if you will. So next time in the elevator, throw a wink and a smile as that cutie from the 12th floor gets on.
Starbucks: This is probably cliche, but this is a great way to meet a match. You clearly have something in common: caffeine addiction. Not that the type of coffee shop matters (you can conversate anywhere these days), but if you meet a man in a starbucks, for me it sends the subliminal message ‘I am willing to spend the extra dollar for something I want’. Now, this feature has both negative and positive qualities, but I choose to see the good in it. In NYC, the lines at these places can be crazy long so it gives you plenty of time to say hello. I once watched a guy pick-up my friend in line at starbucks. And because he wasn’t creepy about it, he eventually asked for her number. They’ve been together for almost three years now.
No matter where you meet people, there is always an opportunity around the corner. A simple smile is all it takes to spark someone’s interest. So go for it…smile in the subway, on the elevator, and maybe he’ll buy your next latte.
Confessions of a Serial Online Dater 