My anonymous letter to the editor about dating got in today.
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
October 25, 2010 6:04am CST
We have an anonymous section of the newsletter. In it, someone wrote that they can't find a date in my area. They don't want bar flies. So I told them to volunteer, join a club, do an activity, etc. I named the different things they could join and do like square dancing, bowling, scrabble, learn tomake quilts or carve something, volunteer at a soup kitchen, help habitat for humanity, help homeless animal places, do martial arts, etc. Do what interests you, and you will find someone interesting to you. I met my husband in Civil Air Patrol.
So what advice do you give to people who can't find a date where you are? What kinds of things could people volunteer for in your area? What clubs could they join? What activities could they do?
I even forgot some that I might write in like audition for a play, join the volunteer fire departments, etc.
So what activities do you participate in and where did you meet the love of your life (if you have one) and if you don't have one, where have you tried looking?
2 people like this
6 responses
@celticeagle (167210)
• Boise, Idaho
26 Oct 10
I think people could volunteer at their local hospital, including old folk's homes. I always thought geriatrics would be interesting and I am sure there is a lot of need in that area. I think another thing around here that would be needed is help at the neighborhood garden.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
26 Oct 10
Both great causes. We have those also. But we can only put 100 words into the anonimous articles. I'm sure someone will come after me and add more. There are so many good causes, but I think the elderly get the least and deserve the most. Thanks for adding that.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
27 Oct 10
Absolutely, esp. because they lived it!
1 person likes this
@formidexo (1351)
• Canada
25 Oct 10
I have no problems getting dates. I just go to the supermarket down the street and I can pick up all kind of dates, fresh, dry, small and big. I usually get them by the bunch at this time of the year.
But if I was looking for a date, I would look in my place of worship first and see what's available there.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Church was on my original list, too, but many people here go to synagogs or are turned off by organized religion.
@shell94 (990)
• Canada
26 Oct 10
I found that some social networking sites are a great way to meet people. You must remember though that not everything is what they appear to be when you are talking with a person through a computer. I found the love of my life on Facebook. It is quite funny as he is a guy I cared a lot about while in high school, and now 25 years later we are living together and very happy!!!
@hvedra (1619)
•
25 Oct 10
I agree that you are more likely to find someone through a shared interest. Although, I'd add that you should do the interest for it's own sake and as an opportunity for dating second. People who have a good social life are often less bothered about dating and, because of that, are more likely to get a date! Nothing scares off a potential partner than a look of desperation.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
25 Oct 10
With the hundreds of things to do out there, each person should be able to find something of interest. Most people won't do something that doesn't interest them. Right now, our area is really hurting for volunteers. Volunteering in an area where things are far apart requires gas. Meals on Wheels is having the worst time. Seniors may be many miles a part. Many people start things and quit here.
The idea is to do something of interest to you, if it doesn't interest you, then the person you meet probably won't either. The person who originally wrote in wanted ONE place where all singles could meet that wasn't a bar. A friend of mine wanted to start such a place. It didn't work out. The people had nothing in common that she got to go there. I told her people will meet that have a common interest somewhere. Having a singles place doesn't work, you'd need hundreds of singles and some way to match them up by interests or something.
So my advice still stands. Do what you're interested in and an interesting person will show up. Eventually. I was in Civil Air Patrol for 4 years before I met my husband. The problem in our area is that once all your friends get married, you don't seem to meet any singles. Everyone seems to be married. Married people can get very jealous or upset if you pay any attention to their spouse.
@abitosunshine (765)
• United States
25 Oct 10
Bravo for you that your letter got published in the paper! And great advice you gave! I'm single and desire to stay that way, so I don't date anymore, but I like your advice, especially the 'service' suggestions, as you'd meet good-hearted people that way.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
25 Oct 10
There are usually some kinds of things in any community. I also suggested church for those who go as well as look at the weekend activities. I find it hard to believe that there is absolutely nothing in your community. Nobody volunteers for anything, there are no hobbies, absolutely nothing that anyone does on the weekends. Even in the small town of 500 where I grew up, there were two churches, an alternate site for people who don't believe in churches, a volunteer fire department, and a crafting group. Most people joined the volunteer fire department.
OK, let's say you have no organized groups or churches or an alt to church, no events, fund raisers, nothing? Every weekend there is nothing?
We have a Mall that people hang out in.
How about the next community over? In our town of 500, things were limited, but in our nearby city of 1,500, there were lots of things to do.
If you don't go anywhere and meet anyone, then how will anyone meet you? People used to date the milkman, but it's been years since we had one. Most repairmen/women come once. The garbage man or woman?
@greygoo (795)
• Philippines
25 Oct 10
hahaXD you've got a point.
but believe me, i don't have the same opportunities as you do. i'm currently in a Philippine countryside by the way. hahaXD we have a tiny mall but one really can't expect to meet interesting people there.
but i agree that i'll have to open opportunities by immersing myself to various activities. maybe i'll be able to do that once i get back to school.