Location, Location

If you have ever watched Sex and the City, you may be familiar with Charlotte’s famous quote, “I’ve been dating since I was fifteen, I’m exhausted. Where is he?” Charlotte had a good point in that finding men, good men, is not always the easiest thing to do. In fact, more often than not it becomes discouraging and frustrating. Now I am not saying we don’t hear this same frustration out of men, but more often than not, it is women who approach me and ask “where do you meet men?” Now I know what you’re thinking, based on this blog you wouldn’t want to meet any of the individuals mentioned here, however, it is important to remember that some of the individuals are not guilty of a lack in Swag Etiquette and therefore not featured in this blog. Now I am not saying these meet and greets were a success, however, single men and women are out there but it is up to you to be open minded, expose yourself to new scenes, and take advantage of an opportunity. Although not your most traditional venues, here is a list of twenty places I have met men in 2012.

1. Facebook: Let me get this one out of the way. I am aware this is not exactly putting myself “out there” but the reality is it’s one way to skip the introduction and the awkward “tell me about yourself” given that it’s already been viewed, saved, and noted. 

2. Broadway Bar - Los Angeles, CA: Surprise, who knew you could meet two great men at a bar nearly three blocks from Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles?

3. Tru Nightclub - Hollywood, CA: My date from Tru was the one who did Cocaine on our first date. The other individual I met here continued to contact me 6 months after he never heard from me. I don’t recommend it.

4. Your Coffee Cups – Fremont, CA: It is a bit unorthodox being that this is not your average coffee shop, however, the men who come here are honest workers and most of the younger ones are attending colleges in surrounding areas.

 5. Kabuki Sushi – Hollywood, CA: I saw a lot of potential in this one but unfortunately he was more likely to be found in a substance abuse program than in my bedroom.

6. Trader Joe’s – Los Angeles, CA: Given that he was the one checking me out, the question of “are you employed” was already answered.

7. Target – West Hollywood, CA: There is something about this Target where I never fail to meet someone and although these individuals aren’t exactly my type, they definitely have inspired an upcoming post. Stay tuned.

8. House party – Hollywood Hills, CA: I wish to call out Caution when dating anyone involved in the industry. Many become blinded by the idea of romance in the Hollywood Hills. Just remember, the nicer the home, the bigger the ego.

9. Bed Bath & Beyond – Los Angeles, CA: An ironically popular spot to meet young men either working or shopping for items they don’t have a clue about. I highly recommend it.

10. The Strip Club – Los Angeles, CA: No, I am not saying this was my best idea, however, you can’t always predict when you meet a group of guys who just want to have a great time and celebrate their friends “funeral.”

11. My Studio Nightclub – Hollywood, CA: All I know is these guys have great taste in music. Don’t come here if you don’t do it for the ratchets.

12. Infiniti Dealership – Glendale, CA: No, I never called him back. However, look around at car dealerships. More times than not, the men are young, attractive, employed, smart, and motivated. Not a bad way to go.

13. A Fundraiser in the Park – San Francisco, CA: Leave it to me to be attracted to the performing artist.

14. Blok Nightclub – Hollywood, CA: I know what you’re thinking; the club isn’t the way to go. For this one, you might be right considering the minute I walked away, he proceeded to request the number of the next girl following closely behind.

15. The Beverly Center – Los Angeles, CA: When shopping you meet all walks of life.

16. Boot camp – San Francisco, CA: There is little left to the imagination when it comes to his physique so why not indulge?

17. Laker Game – Los Angeles, CA: I am a huge fan of going to basketball games so it’s always great when you can meet someone who is just as into it and enjoys doing a similar activity.

18. Carnaval – San Francisco, CA: Meeting someone at a cultural festival tends to reveal that these individuals are out going and enjoy having a good time with family and friends. He was a great lunch date.

19. Infusion Lounge – San Francisco, CA: Of course I am guilty of another club meet and greet but when working in this industry it tends to be common to meet individuals who work long hours and love entertainment just as much as you do. Too bad I live in Los Angeles because he was a catch.

20. Bottega Louie Restaurant – Los Angeles, CA: This meeting was a bit unexpected, however, he sure knew good food and how to treat women.

Lesson: Dating is no easy task and finding him may be just as discouraging. However, I urge you to take note. Don’t take note exactly in the places that I mentioned above, but rather take away the idea that you never know where you’ll meet someone. It may not end with a walk down the isle but that’s not what this is all about. This is about the experience so I beg you to indulge, have a little fun, and have a little taste of everything.