Tom Blake - Where to go to meet other singles
Where can singles meet other singles? “Where should I go to meet someone?” is the most frequently-asked question of middle aged singles.
For each person, the answer is different. To meet a potential mate, older singles need to get out of the house and get involved in activities that
interest them.
Where do Orange
County’s half million singles over
the age of 45 go?
Some enjoy dancing.
Tammi Nolan,
San Clemente, a
ballroom dance enthusiast, recommends: Avant Garde Ballroom in Newport
Beach, near the airport, (949) 442-7600, and Ultimate Dance Centers
(several locations) (949) 361-3819. “Dancing’s good exercise; you might
click and become someone’s permanent partner,” says Tammi.
Martin Parker, of DanScene Dance Studio, Costa Mesa, (714) 641-8688, said:
“Our classes are designed for singles without partners, as well as
couples. We offer several dance parties on weekdays and weekends.”
Loria Lester, 62, enjoys country dancing at the Depot, in her city of San
Juan Capistrano, and at the Crazy Horse in the Irvine Center.
Some singles join groups or clubs: Joe Engoglia is the Commodore of
Singles at Sea, a
Point volunteer group. “We are
not a dating club, but a club interested in boating and having fun. Boat
ownership is not required,” says Joe. Call him at (949) 249-4546 for
membership information.
The Long Beach Single Sailing Association meets every other Tuesday night
at the Golden Sails Hotel on PCH in Long Beach. Their hotline:
562-430-1715.
Lorraine Belgum,
Huntington Beach, recommends the
‘Illuminators,’ a singles group at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church,
Newport Beach. “They meet at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday, plus they have a new
calendar of events each month that includes dinners at restaurants and
potlucks at people’s homes.”
Other singles groups include Athletic Singles (949) 251-9070 and Cabaret
Singles in
Irvine (714)
841-6889.
Widows and widowers can call Shirley Price in San Clemente at (949)
492-2388 to attend a New Life Club meeting. Parents Without Partners
operates three chapters in Orange County and has activities for single
parents. Call (714) 441-1682 for details.
If you’re a single man, the Aliso Viejo Singles (age 45-plus) would be a
good group to join. Most--not all--members are women. They assist at
charity events. “Lots of projects coming up,” says club coordinator Ginny
(949) 643-2677, “including Paint Your Heart Out, where we’ll be one of 50
volunteer teams painting individual houses in Anaheim.”
Charlie,
Orange, 58,
says, “I like to meet ladies at several of the ‘black tie’ type fund
raisers. Most of the volunteers are women and they always appreciate a
gent who offers to lend a hand. I get introduced to many interesting gals
because I demonstrate a sincere interest in their cause.”
The Irvine Super Singles is a club for single adults 50-plus with over 200
members. Call Marge (949) 653-0223 for details.
Long Beach
therapist and author Tina Tessina (“The Ten Smartest Decisions a woman Can
Make Before 40”) reminds readers about the great classes at Parks and
Recreation departments throughout southern California. “Sports,
crafts, dance lessons, exercise, kayaking and canoeing—almost everything
you can think of to do,” says Tina.
The Internet gets mixed reviews as a place to meet singles. Not everybody
lurking there has good intentions, but more and more singles use it. The
most popular sites: Love@aol, matchmaker.com, match.com, kiss.com. and
JDate.com for Jewish singles. Lynda Thompson, Huntington Beach, says,
“I’ve placed a personal ad twice in the
Orange
County section of Digital City.com,
and have gotten lots of interesting responses.”
Struggling with getting your photo on the Internet? Christine Stieber,
Fullerton, teaches Internet dating classes. “The Internet is one of the
few places where single women are outnumbered by men; it’s a wonderful way
for women to meet a wide variety of men.” Call Christine at (714) 792-0115
for info. on her classes.
Personal ads can be effective. To zero-in on Orange County, try the
Register’s my OC Single Scene, which appears every Friday and Sunday in the
Show Section. To place a free ad, call 1-800-247-6974.
And while you’re trying to figure out where to go, don’t forget one of the
least expensive—and most effective—ways to meet other singles: networking.
Tell friends and co-workers you’re available. That guy you liked who was
attached in November may now be dating again in February.
Attend weddings and reunions, they’re prolific places to meet other
singles. Gary, a real estate broker in Orange, went to his 25th high
school reunion, saw his high school sweetheart, and later married her.
Jim, 55, Anaheim, heads up a singles golf
group. Contact Jim at golf4singles@earthlink.net, if you’re a single
golfer.
Don’t forget bookstores. Barnes and Noble outlets offer many interesting
activities. My favorite is the Aliso Viejo store, contact Nanette Heiser,
(949) 362-9665, for a calendar of events.
Still a little shy about getting out there? Dr. M.P. Wylie, Irvine, holds
seminars on finding the perfect person. Call her at (949) 509-6552 to
inquire about her upcoming March sessions near the UCI campus.
A good tip: If you see a potential mate “checking you out,” or showing
interest, seize the opportunity.
Say hello, be friendly and introduce yourself. Hand him a “name card” with
at least your e-mail address so he can reach you. If you don’t act, you
likely won’t see him again, and will wonder what might have happened.
In OrangeCounty, opportunities
for singles are endless. But, you’ve got to do your part by getting out
there.
READER COMMENTS AND TOM’S RESPONSES
Jerry, Long Beach:
“I’ve met several women via the Internet. Almost everyone is nice and
legitimate but people tend to be heavier than they appear in the tiny
photos on the websites. Once you realize you’re not likely to meet Heather
Locklear or Brad Pitt via the net., it’s a good way for middle-aged people
to meet.” Response: As we’ve said, use caution.
Joe,
Santa Monica:
“I get a chuckle when I read about the ‘dangers’ of Internet dating. You
can meet idiots anywhere: supermarkets, single’s dances, tennis. Some even
write to Tom Blake.” Response: Middle age singles need to be aware of
what’s going on around them, wherever they are.
Julie,
Newport Beach:
“In your book, you misspelled ‘brunette.’ Maybe I should edit your next
book.” Response: I’ve always had trouble with brunettes. You’ll be able to
start editing my next book in a month or two.
David, Elberon,
New Jersey: “I told my daughter and
her fiance on the day before their wedding that the feelings you have on
your wedding day can’t be refrigerated like a piece of wedding cake. You
have to make a fresh commitment to each other each day.” Response: Those
words of wisdom should be included in the vows.
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