Where To Meet Men: Unique Places To Make A Connection

Evaluate the type of connection you want

Before you set out to meet a man, deciding what kind of connection you're hoping to make can be helpful. Are you looking for a casual, short-term fling or a lifelong love to grow old alongside? Studies show that many men appreciate women who don’t play hard to get and are upfront about what they want from a relationship. 

How to talk to men

Once you find a man you like, what comes next? Hopefully, a conversation. However, many women feel uncomfortable talking to men, especially if they haven’t dated for a while or have social anxiety issues. Try using some of these tips to capture his attention and keep the conversation going. 

• Be bold and make the first move. He may appreciate your initiative. Many men like it when women approach them. 

• Use a direct communication style so he doesn't have to guess your thoughts or feelings. Men generally appreciate a direct approach over subtlety. 

• Keep it casual when getting to know him and avoid sensitive topics that may lead to tension so you can both relax. 

• Try talking during an activity, such as over a game of pool at a bar, to offer a “conversational escape route” to cover lulls if you don't know what to say. 

• Be conscious of your body language—and pay attention to his. 

• Make eye contact and smile frequently. 

• Look for common interests to help keep the conversation going. 

Expand your communication skills

For some women, meeting men isn’t the problem; it’s communication. Multiple studies show that effective communication is a crucial element to successful relationships. There are numerous communication styles that you can use to express your thoughts, emotions, and needs to the men you meet. If your style doesn't work, consider trying a different approach to relate to men when you meet them for the first time. 

Passive

You don’t express what you think, feel, or want and often take a passive role to avoid conflict. 

Aggressive

You often share your ideas, feelings, and needs, even if it means ignoring his. You may be defensive or hostile during confrontations. 

Passive-aggressive

You give the appearance of passivity but often act with anger in subtle ways. You may frequently use avoidance, sarcasm, or indirect communication in conflicts. 

Assertive

You use honest and direct communication to express your thoughts, feelings, and desires while generally showing respect for and valuing those of others. 

Benefits of in-person meetings

• You can see his body language and gauge his receptiveness to continuing the conversation. 

• In-person conversations let you experience their tone and inflection, which are lost in online chats or text. 

• Environmental experiences around you offer conversational opportunities and distractions during awkward silences. 

• Meeting people face-to-face offers both of you a more vivid, memorable experience. 

• In-person conversations can often tell you much more about someone than they say about themselves. You perceive far more than just words when meeting face-to-face.  

Unique places to meet men and make a connection

While not a complete list by any means, if you’re looking to meet men and make a special connection, try some of these options to find guys who likely have similar interests. 

Change your perspective at the places you already go

According to science, you may need to pay more attention to the places you visit regularly. Change your perspective about meeting men at the places you go in everyday life, such as the grocery store, bank, etc. Research shows that shared interests and habits can serve as a solid foundation for getting to know a potential partner. Proximity can also be a factor in forming attractions, so if you’ve noticed a cute guy at the coffee shop, try offering to buy his next latte. 

Take a class you’re interested in

While waiting to meet someone great, work on your personal development and expand your acquaintance pool by taking classes to learn skills you are interested in. Not only will you learn to do something new, but you may also meet a guy with similar interests, giving you a built-in conversation starter. 

Attend social events like parties

Many people don't like large social gatherings like parties, but if you enjoy them, stay open to the possibility of meeting the friend of a friend and making a connection. If nothing else, you can bond over how you know the mutual friend who brought you both to the same place. If you see a guy that catches your eye, smile at him and strike up a conversation to see if there’s a spark. 

Start a DIY project and visit the hardware store

If you’d like to meet a guy who’s good at working with his hands, try taking on a do-it-yourself project and heading down to the local hardware store for supplies. You may come across someone who draws your interest. Try asking for his opinion on your project to start a conversation. 

Take your dog to the dog park

If you have a furry, four-legged friend, you already need to take them for walks. Whether on the sidewalk, park paths, or roaming leash-free at the dog park, your canine companion can serve as an excellent conversation starter and demonstrate that you give time and nurturing attention to the living creature in your care. 

Volunteer in your community

You may meet a generous and thoughtful guy while volunteering in your community, though acts of service should typically be to help those in need rather than just a way to meet men. Studies show that a higher level of altruism is linked to increased happiness, life satisfaction, and physical health. Volunteering can benefit you in many ways, and if you connect with a man you like, that's a nice bonus. Start a conversation about why you chose to volunteer for that organization or discuss the type of impact you hope to make with your service. 

Ask for his recommendation at the local bookstore or library

If you’re looking for a man who reads, there’s hardly a better place to find him than your local library or bookstore. Asking for his recommendation on whatever genre you see him in can be a great way to start a conversation, and most readers can keep it going from there with book talk. 

More places to connect

• The gym

• Local trivia nights

• The carwash

• Walking in the park

• Art galleries and museums

• Traveling the world

• Waiting in line

• Tailgating events

• Local farmer’s market