![\"Vintage](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2011\/03\/couple2.jpg\" "\\"couple2\\"")
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Editor\u2019s note: This is a guest post from Joe Weber.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Who: Her.<\/p>\n What: Potentially a relationship.<\/p>\n Where: \u2026um…<\/p>\n It\u2019s that last question where most guys get stuck and end up with the cliche answer of \u201cthe bar.\u201d The reality is very few relationships begin in bars and pubs. According to a survey by sociologist David Grazian, only 20% of adults met their most recent partner at a bar. So there has to be other places to meet a woman, right?<\/p>\n Sure there are. But first, do yourself a favor. Forget the where for a second and instead focus on the why. Why are you looking? Be honest. If your answer is: \u201cbecause I\u2019m unhappy\/bored with being alone, and I\u2019d just really like to be in a relationship…\u201d then you might as well be looking for a date on Jupiter. Get more than okay with yourself and be fine with being alone, and then it\u2019ll happen. As to where? Could be anywhere. Amazing, single women are certainly out there. But they tend to only reveal themselves as such to confident men who are open to a relationship, yet at the same time aren\u2019t exhibiting the slightest hint of desperation. Now with all that said, here\u2019s a few non-bar places to keep your ears up…<\/p>\n You got friends right? Friends that might even be married or have significant others? These friends probably throw parties\/get-togethers\/poker tournaments\/Kentucky Derby<\/a> shindigs (whatever, you get the point) from time to time. Show up, look good, have fun. One of those times your pal\u2019s wife is going to invite her new co-worker friend to that same party. Maybe you two will hit it off. Just don\u2019t egg your friends on to set you up.<\/p>\n Nice guys don\u2019t always finish last.<\/a> And nice guys show up to charity events to support great causes. Every non profit from food banks to humane societies have started throwing swanky evening affairs. Silent auctions, live auctions, dinner, dancing, etc…not a bad way to spend some cash for a good cause and maybe meet a few people along the way.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a pretty difficult place to launch a relationship, but if you\u2019re a gym rat that gets to your health club of choice at the same set time, more than a few days a week, then you\u2019re going to see some familiar faces. You get used to seeing the regulars. And if there\u2019s a particular regular that you find yourself working out around that\u2019s of some interest to you? An opportunity might present itself. Plus, if you care about your health, and she cares about hers, well there\u2019s something in common already. But this is seriously dangerous. High adrenaline + lack of clothing almost always makes you the creep. She\u2019s there to workout. Just like you. Respect that. But don\u2019t shy away from it if there\u2019s maybe something there.<\/p>\n They\u2019re just like bars. Only instead of alcohol, the drug is caffeine. And the women who frequent coffee shops tend to be more laid-back and grounded.<\/p>\n Take a look at these awesome plans I’ve drawn up here…to take you out on a date.<\/p><\/div>\n It\u2019s where I met my wife. Actually, we met before I had the job there. I went in for the interview, saw her walk by, and felt extra motivated to land the gig. It can get pretty dicey if you\u2019re dating someone in your workplace, but if it\u2019s someone you really connect with? It\u2019s worth the land mines. Just know your company\u2019s procedure and shoot a quick email to HR. Best case scenario is that the two of you become great friends, develop a mutual attraction, and then she leaves to take a better job at an ad agency across town. Worked out perfect for me.<\/p>\n The tellers. Goodness. You\u2019re given just the right amount of time to make small talk and perhaps even make her laugh. Plus you have a natural exit each time. Let that develop. And if it doesn\u2019t work out? There\u2019s always the ATM.<\/p>\n Pet owners get each other. Especially those that love their dogs. If your dog and her dog get along and like to play? Bonus. But don\u2019t go out looking to adopt a dog just to use as date bait.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t laugh. You\u2019re online right now. And as great of an idea as an Art of Manliness dating site spin-off may be, Brett hasn\u2019t gotten to that one yet. Yes there are plenty of odd ones (both male and female) lurking on dating websites. But if you live in a city where people get married young? And those that aren\u2019t married have a hard time connecting? It\u2019s not a total waste of time. Two of my most favorite people on the planet met online. She\u2019s a whip smart, big city gal with a job that takes her around the world…and he\u2019s a works with his hands, born and raised in North Dakota, ready to match wits, hunter-type who loves his yellow lab and 57 Chevy. They ended up together because they\u2019re perfect for each other and neither was desperate to be in a relationship. That and he resisted making his dating site profile pic one of him holding up his latest kill from a hunt. Don\u2019t do that. Women don\u2019t tend to like that.<\/p>\nYour Friend\u2019s House<\/h3>\n
![\"Couples](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2011\/03\/party3.jpg\" "\\"party3\\"")
<\/p>\nCharity Galas \/ Non Profit Functions<\/h3>\n
The Gym<\/h3>\n
Coffee Shops<\/h3>\n
Work<\/h3>\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2011\/03\/romance-at-work1.jpg\" "\\"romance")
The Bank<\/h3>\n
The Dog Park<\/h3>\n
Online<\/h3>\n
An Airplane\/Airport<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2011\/03\/plane.jpg\" "\\"plane\\"")
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