The day BEFORE Valentine's Day is actually one of the biggest bar nights of the year. Why? Well, there are those cheating spouses who need to carve out some time for their mistress. But also because so many miserable single people come out to commiserate - and get some ...drinks.
But if you're looking for your soul mate and you haven't found the dream man or woman chugging beer and doing body shots, you might just be looking in the wrong place. Here's a way to bring you into the 2009 dating scene.
The Old
The Classifieds - Back in the day (like, 1992), your friends would fill out a description of you and you’d take out an ad in the personals section of the newspaper. If you were lucky, the person you’d meet would not be a serial killer.
The New
Online Dating - Your friends will still make a description of you, but this one you’ll post online – for free. If you’re lucky, the person you’ll meet still won’t be an ax murderer. Come on, he’s got a Facebook page. He poked you. (Insert giggle here). How bad can he be?
Some Unusual Dating Websites
Farmers Only - A site for those who like to farm.
Sugar Daddies - A site where you can meet millionaires.
Leashes and Lovers - A site for dog lovers.
Gothic Souls - A site for those who love all things goth.
Singles with Tats - A site "where body and art connect."
Trek Passions - A site where Star Trek and sci-fi lovers unite.
Interstate Love - A site where truck drivers can fall in love with other truck drivers.
The Old
Book Clubs - Read a book, go meet with random strangers at someone’s house or a café and talk about it.
The New
A Latte Love - Most book shops now have cafés in them. That means you can grab a cup of joe and cruise around for some other singles. The plusses: (a) you don’t have to know how to read; (b) they're probably educated, and (c) unlike book clubs, there are always new people to meet.
The Old
Blind Dates - You had to trust your friend, coworker, or mother’s judgment that the person you were going to meet wasn’t crazy.
The New
It’s Just Lunch - A dating service that matches you up with other singles based on the chemistry you two could have (this crazy scientific process will cost you, but is said to be pretty darn good). They’ll even make the reservations at the restaurant for you.
The Old
Dinner Dates - You were lucky enough to meet someone. You meet them for dinner and realize they’re a terrible fit for you. There’s an hour and a half and $75 you’ll never get back.
The New
Speed Dating - Got 5 Minutes will cost you less than $30. There are all sorts of ice-breakers, then you chat with other singles for about five minutes and then move onto the next one. You’ll give each a score – they’ll do the same for you – and then the company will hook up matches.
The Old
Bars - Get out of work early, hit up happy hour, then spend a little … er … happy … time alone together after. Great, until you realize you both had beer goggles on.
The New
Work - The economy’s in the tank. We’re all working crazy hours. That’s why more and more people are dipping their pen into the company ink, if you know what I’m saying. Disclaimer: Engaging in shenanigans on the job may cost you your job and leave you back on the bar scene.
The Old
See A Therapist - You didn’t date one, you saw one because of how miserable you were.
The New
Support Groups- You see it in movies like “Fight Club” and “About a Boy.” Guys join support groups to pick up women. Genius. We all need someone to help us through tough times. Note: we’re not suggesting you fake having a condition (or child) that you don’t.
Feel free to add your love stories in the space below!
