: 28, 2026 8:07 pm : [Hot] Best cities to meet men 2026
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Article:
We asked the experts to share their tips how—and where—to meet someone in the real world.";"Where to Meet Single Men in Real Life
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When swiping through curated photos
filtered selfies
and expertly crafted profiles becomes more chore than cheer
you may want to consider alternatives to online dating apps. “As much as I embrace technology
there’s nothing better than meeting someone in real life. Chemistry can tell chapters beyond a dating profile
” says relationship expert and matchmaker Destin Pfaff
who along with his wife Rachel Federoff
founded Love and Matchmaking. But in an era where dating apps rule
how does one go about meeting their meeting their soulmate the old-fashioned way? We asked the experts to share their tips how—and where—to meet someone out-of-this-world…in the real world. Take yourself on a date. We get it
you feel most comfortable when you’re singing Sweet Caroline with your crew
instead of humming your favorite song solo
into your Sauvignon Blanc. But that handsome guy who caught your eye? He’s probably not going to risk getting rejected in front of five of your BFFs. “In therapy
we work on building confidence and self-esteem to have the courage to go out by yourself or with one friend
” says psychotherapist
TEDx speaker
and author Kelley Kitley. “People are more approachable when they are at a social event without a group of people
” she says. Consider pulling up to a bar seat at happy hour alone
with a great book. That page-turner can make a perfect conversation starter. Volunteering is good. Working at the sign-in is better. It makes sense that doing charity work is a great way to find a date: “You meet like-minded people who have the time to give back to the community and to support their passions
” says Tammy Shaklee
relationship expert and founder of the national offline matchmaking company
H4M Matchmaking. Related Stories. But what if THE ONE is stuck driving the van while you’re outside hammering nails? Your paths may never even cross
and that would be a bummer. Shaklee has the perfect solution: “Sit at the registration table
” she says. You’ll get to meet every participant who checks in!" Say hello in the grocery store line. Waiting is the worst. Who likes to stand there with nothing to do but count the freckles on the person's neck in front of you? But think of it this way: there’s nowhere else to go
so why not start a conversation? “It passes the time and you never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone
” says relationship expert and therapist Dr. Juliana Morris
who points out that if even if Mr. Right isn’t directly in front of you
it’s good to practice striking up conversations with strangers. “You never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone
” she says. Participate in your church (or temple). Wherever a community gathers
there’s a good chance of meeting someone—and places of worship are no exception. “Churches are redesigning ways to stay connected to attract community members
” says Shaklee. “Sign up to receive invites from your local religious organization for events like leadership conferences
modern music performances or evenings hosted by a quality speaker
” she suggests. According to Shaklee
some churches have coffee shops to athletic facilities so that even non-members can share feel comfortable sharing in the fellowship. Take a solo trip on a group tour. “Traveling can be a bring out the best of you
” says Morris. “Your mind is learning
you see new sights and cultures
and it can be a wonderful backdrop to get to know someone.” Many travel companies offer group trips designed especially for people traveling solo. At Exodus Travels
66 percent of their clients sign up for tours alone. Another option is Contiki
an eco-conscious company that appeals to younger travelers (think 18-35). Whether you prefer to cycle through Vietnam
or eat your your way through Paris
there’s a tour for you. Even you don’t meet your soul mate on the Inca Trail
you’re growing as a person
and that’s always attractive. Flying is a first-class meeting zone. If you decide to take a trip
keep in mind it's not just the destination…it’s the journey. “I always tell clients to look their best during traveling because people are bored and watching
” says Morris
who points out that not only do fellow travelers often have things in common
but they also have the time to connect (now that's a positive spin on a delayed flight!). A simple question like
“Are you flying home?” Or “What book are you reading?” can lead to much bigger conversations. “I know multiple people who have met their spouse in airport travels
” encourages Morris. Learn something new. “Doing something different can make you open up
” says Morris
“And people are attracted to open
vulnerable people.” If you're not sure where to start
or what to do dabble.co lists all kinds of cool classes by location. Or
similarly
meetup.com is a website where people can join (or create) groups that meet for activities like hiking
golfing
or even coding. “Taking an interesting class will likely attract interesting people
that you may be interested in!” Says Pfaff. So whether it’s beer brewing
wine pairing
painting or sausage making
find something that piques your curiosity and go for it. Pay attention to group calendars. You may be tired of online dating
but don’t discount the internet as a tool all together. “Sites like feverup.com or eventbrite.com can provide great information on fun events going on around your town
” says Pfaff. He also recommends checking out your Facebook Events
which lists what’s going on near you. Pfaff likes that you can see profiles of who’s “interested
” so you can get an idea who might be there
even before you go. “These are great ways to scope out activities where you could possibly meet someone
” he says. Walk a dog. If this sounds cliche
sorry
not sorry! (Because it's true!) “Dogs are great conversation starters…and distractors
” says Morris. For example
not sure what to say after hello? How about “What’s your dog’s name?” But even more than a good ice breaker
when you’re caring for a dog you’ll seem more approachable and kindhearted to others
says Morris. “If you’re a true pet lover
your relationship with your pet can show a vulnerable side of you that gives others a peek into your personality.” We saved the easiest
and best
for last: Smile. There’s no happy filter IRL. So you’re gonna have to work those cheek muscles on your own. We’re not saying you need to be in a good mood all the time. That’s foolish. But from the bank to the bike path
“you can ‘accidentally’ meet someone almost anywhere in your day to day
” says Pfaff. “Be open to the universe delivering to you in the least expected places
” he says. When that happens
he says to “put your best self forward.” So the next time you spot someone who catches your fancy
try this crazy idea: “Make eye contact and smile!” What happens next may be even more satisfying than swiping right. Sara is a freelance writer in New York
where she hides her favourite candy from her husband
two kids and even her golden retriever. The goldfish never asks for anything.
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