There is no doubt that today’s technology can help us in every aspect of our lives. We have smartphones that can do our banking, monitor our homes and even help us find relationships simply by swiping left or swiping right. But let’s talk about dating outside of tinder.
Technology definitely has its benefits. We rely on it so much though, that we need to take a step back and learn how to connect on a face to face level. However, if meeting someone face to face that you met online, be sure to read these precautions and tips.
Yes, it is possible to date outside of tinder. In fact, many people want to get back to a more personal interaction in their dating life. The question is, how can you get back to a more personal approach to meeting people?
One of the most immediate benefits to dating without the use of apps, is that you get to know someone right away. In real time. This gives you a great sense of their true personality, which is often hard to tell on an app.
Let’s take a look at some ways to meet people without having to swipe left, swipe right or any other clicking. Let’s also explore some ways to date without having to rely on technology to do the leg work for us. Dating outside of tinder is absolutely possible.
1. You can meet people through mutual acquaintances
Let’s start with this obvious, but often overlooked, way of meeting new people. It stands to reason that your friends and family know you really well. They know your likes and dislikes. They know what activities you enjoy and which ones you can’t stand.
Friends and family can be a great resource when it comes to finding a person to date. The people that know you best, can absolutely use their resources to introduce you to someone. Being introduced to a mutual acquaintance also has the added benefit of trust. You should be able to trust that the person your friend is setting you up with checks out in the department of being a good person and not a creep.
2. Your professional network can be a good place too.
Some people overlook all the potential benefits that belonging to a professional network might have. There are many benefits to looking to your network for a relationship, and this is one of the tips for dating outside of Tinder.
The biggest advantage is that you will already have a common interest and will be able to start a conversation easily. Another advantage is that you will both have similar work and time constraints. Often times work can be an issue with relationships. If you both have similar schedules, that will make it easier for you both. You know what the expectations will be.
3. Your religious affiliation can be a great place to meet people.
The beauty of looking for a relationship within your religious group is that you are already with people who share your same values. This eliminates a lot of unknowns right from the start.
Additionally, many places of worship have groups geared towards singles in their community. This makes it easy to connect with other singles. Simply look for advertising for events for singles. They could be dinners, dances, theatre outings or community service opportunities too.
4. Have a ball playing ball…. or soccer, tennis, bocce, checkers….
Joining an athletic club can be an awesome place to meet people to start dating outside of Tinder.. If you enjoy biking, sailing, softball or any other sport join a local club.
There are athletic groups and clubs all across the country in just about every town. This is a fantastic way to meet people. The great part about joining an athletic club is that you are joining a group of people who enjoy the same sports that you do. You already will have something in common.
5. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities in the community.
Volunteering is an incredible thing to do for so many reasons. The basic premise behind volunteering is to help others and to give back to your community.
Look for local volunteering opportunities in your community and sign up. You will be helping others and you might also have a chance to meet someone too. Volunteering is an activity that will make you feel good and you might meet someone else doing the same thing. Volunteering together is a great conversation starter and can be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon together. If things go well, you can continue the conversation after volunteering is finished.
6. Sign up for a class or two.
If there is something you have always wanted to learn how to do, sign up for a local class. You will find a group of people interested in learning the same thing.
You can sign up for gardening class, woodworking classes, writing classes, painting classes…the choices are endless. Many of these classes are offered at your local colleges, garden centers or libraries. You will find that you meet a variety of people interested in the same things you are.
And if things do not work out with anyone on a social level, you are still learning new skills.
7. Sign up for social events locally.
Many theaters and companies run singles-only events. Signing up for these events can be incredibly beneficial.
Some of these events might be with the ballet, gallery openings, dinner clubs, etc. These events are geared towards singles so you already know that everyone will be unattached. The beauty of these events is that they give you an opportunity to support local arts in your community while meeting new people.
8. Go to a book signing.
Say your favorite author is coming to town to sign copies of the newest book. Get yourself over there!
These events usually take place at a library or bookstore. And sometimes they involve drinks and appetizers, coffee and dessert. This is a perfect place to mingle and meet someone. And since you both will have an author in common, it’s a perfect conversation starter. You already know you have something in common.
9. Get ready to meet someone while pumping iron.
It may sound cliché, but meeting someone at the gym is a good idea.
Let’s face it, if you enjoy working out then chances are the other people at the gym do too. And it will be something you both have in common already. It is also very possible you have seen this person around and have a certain degree of familiarity. This makes introducing yourself and starting a conversation a little bit easier.
10. Look out for Meetups.
Ok, bear with me on this one. Meetups is an app but it is not a dating app. The premise behind Meetups, is to connect you with events in your area.
There are Meetups for virtually any event you can think of. They are available for dinner parties. Yoga classes. Professional events. Once you sign up you can join the Meetup group or groups that interest you. Then you simply attend the events that you like.
Meetups are available in almost any city and for any reason. If you do have a Meetup near you or see a group that interests you it is easy to start your own.
This group helps you to meet other single people with similar interests and tastes.
11. Coffee, anyone?
Coffee houses offer great opportunities to meet new people. Besides buying a great cup of joe, coffee houses are interesting places and deserve a mention.
Often times coffee houses will host events such as open mic night, poetry readings, local musicians, etc. These events are a nice way to meet new people. Attending these events is also a fantastic way to support your local community and local artists. Everybody wins!
12. Pick up in the produce aisle.
Again, sounds cliché but stick with me. If you want to meet people out in the real world, go where the real world is.
All kinds of people need groceries, including single people. Your local grocery store or farmer’s market can be an ideal place to meet local singles. Just don’t hesitate to start up a conversation!
Additionally, lots of grocery stores offer cooking lessons. Another wonderful opportunity to meet someone in real life.
13. Your local watering hole.
Again, your local bar may seem overrated. But this place can be another option for meeting people. It has become the norm for bars to host special events, such as watching big sporting events -March Madness, Super Bowl, UFC – so head on over!
If you wear your sweatshirt with your Alma Mater or favorite player jersey, you might be able to start up a great conversation with someone. And you will already have a favorite team or player in common.
14. Take Fido for some fun in the sun.
Lots of town and cities have dog parks. If you own a dog, this can be a place to go and have fun with your dog and meet another dog lover at the same time.
You will already have a built-in conversation starter with your dogs!
Conclusion
Meeting people in real life is certainly feasible, meaning that dating outside of tinder is realistic. In fact, there are many singles who prefer to meet people in real life, instead of relying on dating apps.
Technology is an important part of our society and can be helpful in many cases. If you are looking for people to maybe join you or meet up with you at certain events, chat rooms can be a helpful tool to use. Don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with someone new!
