Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I have never been to one. I want to expand my social circle and possibly meet men to date. Are they awkward? Are they a good way to meet people? Are most people there single? 1
irc333 Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I have never been to one. I want to expand my social circle and possibly meet men to date. Are they awkward? Are they a good way to meet people? Are most people there single? Yes, they are a good way to meet people and depending on the event or the function can be a lot of fun. There are boating meetups, photography meetups, dining Meetups, movie Meetups, Game Night Meetups...even Singles meetups. Although, at least in my area whether it's a "singles" meetup or otherwise, it mostly consists of 99% singles in these groups no matter what group you join. LOL That being said, I have to say the functions tend to keep your mind off of trying to conjur up small talk and the ability to immerse yourself interactively with people depending on the activity. I like to kayak, and it's great to join an outdoors Meetup for that. You're all kayaking together, admiring the wildlife, etc...sometimes you get to chatting with a member of the opposite sex AT the same time...but it doesn't feel as awkward because at the same time you're enjoying the activity, perhaps even flirt some. I've known relationships and marriages to have developed from Meetup as a happenstance. Of course, you'll always get those annoying guys that get up in your personal space trying to "get to know you" if you get my meaning, but we've already pointed those dudes out and of course the occasional "man crazy" woman. lol 3
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 Thanks irc - that sounds like a lot of fun 1
It's Just Me Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I guess it depends on the focus/activity of the meetup. Mine was hiking, and it is inexplicably populated by older, divorced people with awkward social skills and/or some measure of weirdness. I stopped going, although one of the hike leaders is now a great girlfriend of mine. Turns out that the hot guys are in the mountain biking group. 5
irc333 Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I guess it depends on the focus/activity of the meetup. Mine was hiking, and it is inexplicably populated by older, divorced people with awkward social skills and/or some measure of weirdness. I stopped going, although one of the hike leaders is now a great girlfriend of mine. Turns out that the hot guys are in the mountain biking group. If you stopped going because there aren't any "hot guys" in the hiking group, that really begs to question whether you're actually there to hike or just focused on finding someone "hot" to date.
KatZee Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 If you stopped going because there aren't any "hot guys" in the hiking group, that really begs to question whether you're actually there to hike or just focused on finding someone "hot" to date. Duh. Lol. ES I used to do meetups a lot when I was freshly dumped. I used it as a way to make new friends and get out of the house more often. I stuck to girlfriend groups and for a while had a good run with one group. I'm actually doing a NYC race tomorrow with some of them. I've heard that the dating meetups are kind of creepy so if you want to find guys do what above poster did. Join activity groups that would attract guys.hiking biking sports etc. 2
carhill Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 We didn't call them meetups back when I was doing that kind of stuff in the 80's and 90's and my recollections were that, generally, it was a lot of fun because the 'meetup' was inclusive of a mutual interest. Most of mine trended to outdoors activities like biking and hiking, as well as environmental pursuits as a volunteer. Reflective of the demographics of the area, only a tiny fraction of the involved people were single. IMO, that turns more on the demographic than the meetup itself, though I didn't understand that at the time. IOW, if you live in a demographic with a lot of single people, you'll find them at meetups. During those years, meetups and resultant associations made for a pretty full social calendar and I ended up doing some international travel to do volunteer work and exploration as a result of them. Good times. IMO, focus on pursuits which are of interest and any dating opportunities will come about if and when they do. Good luck. 1
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 I think I will choose a couple: hiking and philosophy and see how I go. I signed up to the site months ago but keep chickening out when it's time to actually go
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 I'm preparing to join a couple myself, actually. All I know right now in my new city are my co-workers and church group. I'd like to join one where there is a hiking group and a group of wine connoisseurs. Yes, wine connoisseurs sounds good too! There is about 20 that suit my interests. I will try 2 at the time..
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 Another question: do people turn up alone or are you supposed to bring a friend?
LittleTiger Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I've met some great people through my local Meetup group - we do all sorts of things - hiking, mountain biking, theatre, restaurants, pub quizzes, even ice-skating - anything really. I'm not single but most of the people in the group are and everyone usually turns up alone. It's fine to bring a friend along too though. It's good fun if you find the right group - give it a go, you've got nothing to lose. 1
It's Just Me Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 If you stopped going because there aren't any "hot guys" in the hiking group, that really begs to question whether you're actually there to hike or just focused on finding someone "hot" to date. I stopped going because people were weird or they wouldn't STFU the entire time we hiked. I like peace and quiet in the woods - and yes, I am very much a hiker and outdoors person. I was offering the "hot guy" comment for Ms. Eternal... 1
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 I stopped going because people were weird or they wouldn't STFU the entire time we hiked. I like peace and quiet in the woods - and yes' date=' I am very much a hiker and outdoors person. I was offering the "hot guy" comment for Ms. Eternal... [/quote'] Hot guys would definitely be a bonus I still want to stay away from "singles groups" with no particular interest. That's just lame. 1
KatZee Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Another question: do people turn up alone or are you supposed to bring a friend? Most people turn up alone. At least in my girlfriend's groups everyone came alone. Then we just got to know one another. As the time went on you'd notice the "regulars" of the group so then it doesn't matter if you go alone, you show up and wind up knowing everyone. 2
TB Rhine Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Have you ever read the short story The Lottery?
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 Have you ever read the short story The Lottery? No, can you link me?
zebracolors Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I would say my own experience with meet ups has been very positive in the last year. I've made some good who I hangout with a lot, in that time, and have expanded my own social circles. And its been through those meet ups that Ive been to so many new places and activities that I might not have been able to otherwise. They have also helped me meet men, some of whom have been dates, but the thing is, I never go to them expecting to meet a potential "boyfriend", only to socialize, talk and get to know people and make friends. The meet up groups that are listed in "singles" don't necessarily always mean limited to match up activities like speed dating nights or something. Alot of those are for people to do fun activities, like hiking, biking, movies etc. People go to them, to meet people and if anything comes from that great, but there is no pressure to choose someone. Id say give the ones in your area that are for your interests a try. 1
TB Rhine Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 http://sites.middlebury.edu/individualandthesociety/files/2010/09/jackson_lottery.pdf
KatZee Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 Have you ever read the short story The Lottery? I've read the story and have seen the movie that was made out of this. What does this have to do with Meetup?
Copelandsanity Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I've read the story and have seen the movie that was made out of this. What does this have to do with Meetup? Maybe he's answering the thread title question. Meetup is a lot like The Lottery
henderson14 Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 They all seem dorky. You won't find many hotties thats for sure.
Author Eternal Sunshine Posted September 28, 2013 Author Posted September 28, 2013 I've read the story and have seen the movie that was made out of this. What does this have to do with Meetup? I don't get it either. It's a good story though.
TB Rhine Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 No one ever gets it until the first stone strikes.
Gottabestrong Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 I have never been to one. I want to expand my social circle and possibly meet men to date. Are they awkward? Are they a good way to meet people? Are most people there single? I've been going to meetups for years and love it! I don't usually go to singles groups though, but to activity based outings (hiking, Pub Quiz, dancing, etc.) or Girls Night Out events. I've made many (girl)friends from meetups groups, but also met some men at outings. Some events I went to were filled with married, older people, others with young singles. My advice would be to try a few different groups and events. Have fun!
BluEyeL Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 I've been to only two meetings of a singles group, and I met someone I dated for 3 months. I opened my own meetup group, for single ladies. I have 12 members. Tonight I'm going to a laws of attraction group meeting, I'm curious. I'm going to focus on these to expand the social circle and possibly meet someone down the road. I'd like to meet European born people so I'm considering opening such a group soon. In my small area there is not much to join, I need to drive 1h to a larger city and I find it hard to join biking or hiking groups thst far. So im thinking, if no group, I'm making my own.
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