Andrew / August 2, 2006 1:06 AM

Question suggested by Adam, who says, "Where the heck are the good speed dating services for 20-something artistic off-the-beaten-path-type people? Searching the internet comes up with nothing but p0rn and 'lunch-time professional' speed dating."

But no need to limit it to 20-somethings.

Leroy / August 2, 2006 6:37 AM

Dating services? This is weak. How about 'What is your best pickup story ever?'

A question like that will inspire the masses.

ps. Meet your special someone the old fashioned way: at a anti-Vietnam War protest rally.

printdude / August 2, 2006 8:10 AM

Wow.
When I was a 20-something, I could have used a dating-restrictor, but not a dating service.
Perhaps acting lessons will help poor Adam find a quality girl. At least he will get over his shyness and fear of public speaking.
Because, you know, girls really dig the guys who can speak.

Mikey / August 2, 2006 9:16 AM

Any bar after midnight...

Chris / August 2, 2006 9:29 AM

I like the pick-up question better.

I once picked up a stripper while she was working. My friends were dazzled.

She was nutz though. Who knew a person who takes off their clothes for a living would have such issues?

p / August 2, 2006 9:41 AM

i was picked up by megan mulally once. true story. hottttttttt. ok not actually her, but identical in every way and a good 15 yrs. older than me. i was taught.

mikey / August 2, 2006 10:38 AM

http://okcupid.com

Math nerds made an awesome algorithm that’s designed to sort people by “match “friend” and the best part “enemy.” Hook up or take tests, whatever.

it’s not technically “local” or a “service” or even a full-on dating thing, but remember sparknotes people with the "slut test" and the "at what age will you die tests?" They did this site, too.

jennifer / August 2, 2006 10:44 AM

the internet.

Andrew / August 2, 2006 10:46 AM

We've done pick-up lines.

Dan / August 2, 2006 11:55 AM

Hey hey hey... this isn't make your own question anarchy here.

The folks at GB make the questions and we answer them.

Marilyn / August 2, 2006 12:39 PM

That's true. I asked them to ask "Would you take care of your dying mother or ship her to a nursing home," a very useful question, but I got NA-DA from the Powers that GB.

printdude / August 2, 2006 12:54 PM

see I thought we had done this one, too. only it was this:
Meeting People

Which is quite similar.

But really, do 20-year olds need dating services?

Or do they just need to leave their house more often?

Alex / August 2, 2006 12:55 PM

Well Chicago and many other big cities have 8 at 8, a company that puts 8 people together with similar interests for dinner at a restaurant, and you take it from there.

There are pros and cons. The cons are that membership ranges between $250-$500, not including what you eat. Who wants to pay that? Also, this is something that mostly we chicks sign up for, so unless you have a nice male friend that for some reason you do not want to date, you are put in waiting line abyss.

The pros are that if you're willing to pay that much money for membership it kinda weeds out the people who may not have the best intentions. And if you're placed on the waiting list, they still offer free events, like golfing and hanging out at Duffys. So you are still able to take part in something if you're not invited to join.

Another con: they plan events at Duffys.

C-Note / August 2, 2006 1:33 PM

In a few years we'll look back at all these 'dating services' and their .03% success rate and say, "Wow, that was a big waste of time, not to mention money." Some people would say a fool and his money are soon separated. I'd say a fool and his money are lucky to get together in the first place.

Andrew / August 2, 2006 1:43 PM

Marilyn, I don't recall receiving that question, but it's a good one. I'll post it sometime soon.

We're certainly open to Fuel question suggestions, but we try to avoid going over the same territory. I was originally going to post a question about taxi stories, but we've covered that before so I axed it.

The resistance and outright hostility to this question is a little strange to me, frankly. It's a valid question. There are a lot of lonely single people out there, and there are a lot of dating services to choose from -- why is it so lame to ask which are the good ones?

And why does the questioner's age matter so much? Making fun of someone because they can't find a date in their 20s is just shitty. Maybe you had good luck in your 20s, but that doesn't mean everyone does.

Marilyn / August 2, 2006 1:52 PM

Thanks, Andrew.

I agree that the 20s can be really hard for finding a decent companion. If you lost out in the college sweepstakes, you're pretty much in the same boat as everyone else--fix-ups, dating services, pick-ups, taking classes, volunteering.

Mikey / August 2, 2006 1:54 PM

Andrew -

Do you recall receiving my "Fantasy Island" Fuel suggestion? I submitted it a couple weeks ago but never heard a response...

Andrew / August 2, 2006 1:58 PM

I do, Mikey. It's in the queue.

Peter / August 2, 2006 2:10 PM

Chicago Sport and Social Volleyball leagues are good gor the young crowd, but it isn't really an off the beaten path dating pool.

But, hey, you would be the dark and mysterious one...

aloneagain / August 2, 2006 2:22 PM

I would be interested in any valid responses this Fuel generates too, even though I am in my early 30s.

I spent all of my twenties in a committed, like-marriage relationship, and now that's it's over, I'm finding it hard to meet people to date, especially since I am anti-friendster/myspace/online dating, and especially especially at this age, when it seems like everyone i know is already married or 3/4s of the way there.

So I understand.

printdude / August 2, 2006 2:29 PM

Ouchies.

Vilification for opinion expressing doth hurt.

Rebecca / August 2, 2006 2:49 PM

Craigs List

Last August I spent a bunch of time writing a thoughtful, honest posting about myself and what type of a person I was looking for. I chose not to post a picture because I didn't want it to detract from the content of my ad. I did get a lot of responses, but most were very sincere, not creepy, etc.

I also got one response that I had a really good feeling about, so we talked on the phone and finally met up for an afternoon at the Museum of Science and Industry.

It will be our one year anniversary at the end of this month.

lara / August 2, 2006 2:52 PM

grad school. i'm not kidding. i guess i have found that if you have interests and pursue those interests, you usually will meet people. volunteering with organizations that address issues that you believe in facilitates meeting like-minded folks. truly, though, my two grad programs have produced some of the most sustained and dynamic relationships, both queer and straight.

Alex / August 2, 2006 2:54 PM

I've witnessed internet dating success stories; even though none of them have been my own, it does work for some people. I don't think it works for me, so I am done with it.

You have to just put yourself in situations and places (other than bars, although they're great, too) to meet people. I am terrified of putting myself in a crowd of people I do not know, but after getting completely fed up with my neurosis, I did, and I realized that it does work.

Rebecca / August 2, 2006 3:07 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention --in keeping with helping our "off the beatten path" question writer-- in my ad I wrote a lot of very specific things about myself and about who I'm looking for (neither of whom are very mainstream): about my strong political beliefs (anti-racist, feminist, vegan), and that in general I don't get along with folks who self-identify as "cubs fans" or who go clubbing.

And I found a fantastic guy that's a perfect fit.

I think because it's so rare to find really good posts on Craigs List Personals that when one that's well thought through and sincere shows up that the sincere folks reply.

Ramsin / August 2, 2006 3:20 PM

Marilyn-

You may be one of the top five most insufferable people in the history of this site.

mikey / August 2, 2006 3:43 PM

again, start here..........

http://www.okcupid.com/politics

see where it takes yous and play nice.

Allan / August 2, 2006 3:52 PM

Hey Ramsin! You lay off Marilyn she is a prospective date of mine possibly some day and I won't tolerate anyone talking that way to the possibility of a potential date maybe sometime. Got it!
No one better not mess with Lara either she may come to love me one day perhaps with a bit of coaxing. These are my only two dating options at this point. I am in my mid 30's and am about as close you can be to a virgin without actually being one. It;s not that I am saving it but there just haven't been any takers. Slurpee cocktails in the park ladies?

Marilyn / August 2, 2006 4:57 PM

I really would like to know why people dislike me so much. I find I attract this kind of negative response, particularly from men with tiny dicks.

JB / August 2, 2006 5:03 PM

I think the "meeting people" thread covered this pretty well, but I understand how much it sucks to be lonely.

I met my boyfriend the old fashioned way--at a bar.

Blagg the Axman / August 2, 2006 5:16 PM

As a boy bonded to the service of King Mandrake, the summer months brought me to the royal orchard, lugging bushels of fruit for the glory of the throne. It was a simpler time, and the rules were simple indeed: Thou shalt not eat the fruit of the king, thou shalt not tarry nor linger, and thou shalt not wander from the beaten path.

Though I had left behind the lawless life of a street urchin, my rebellious spirit occasionally resurfaced—over the coming years, it would have to be beaten out of me. So it was that day. Leaving my basket to investigate an odd noise emanating from a thicket, I chanced upon an enormous wolf, eyes of blazing red, hunched over the corpse of a woodsman. The brute emitted a throaty growl ere I neared its kill, and then it was upon me, bowling me over as I darted to avoid its salivating jaws.

Crashing to the ground, my hand fell upon smooth wood—the ax-handle of the late woodsman. The wolf leapt again and I had time only to swing loose and shut my eyes. Once more I fell, the great beast atop me and the ax gone from my hand. Yet the wolf laid still. The woodsman’s blade was embedded in its skull.

That day brought me two hard-earned lessons: Never step from the beaten path, and if you do, know how to handle an ax. I marked them well.

Marilyn / August 2, 2006 5:20 PM

Blagg, I don't think an ax in the skull is really a great way to connect with members of the opposite sex.

sky / August 2, 2006 6:13 PM

I wouldn't necessarily say that Marilyn, the more I read Blagg's comments, the more I want to date him.

lara / August 2, 2006 6:21 PM

marilyn et alia:
first, it seems to me that with turning allan around from e-letch to charming coquette in less than one day, there may still be hope for ramsin's senseless, ill-directed, and counterproductive vitriol. i refuse to believe that we can't all play well with others, even virtually. but, i would suggest holding your comments about penis size for a bit longer. not that i am doubting the accuracy of your interpretation, but you should resist joining ramsin at the mud-slinging level for as long as you can.

ramsin: wtf??? if you have a problem with marilyn, be specific. putting out e-hate with no clear complaint is just a waste of our valuable fuel space.

allan: impressive. you managed to not only respond on question, you made internet dating part of you post, and made links to an earlier thread. who gets the superfuel award this time??? you have my vote.

joy / August 2, 2006 6:22 PM

only marilyn can find fault in blagg's comments. what a killjoy.

lara / August 2, 2006 6:25 PM

one more thing: it seems to me that blagg actually speaks not of dating, but rather of other erotic practices which seemingly have nothing to do with the opposite sex...

Marilyn / August 2, 2006 7:03 PM

It's obvious I'm being targeted now. Not interested. Ta.

Gapers Block / August 2, 2006 7:39 PM

B-O-O...H-O-O...

Shasta MacNasty / August 2, 2006 7:52 PM

I don't know about speed-dating, but have you tried Nerve.com? That site seems to be oozing with 20-something creative-types. I had absolutely no success, but them I'm an average 30-something, so I was doomed from the start.

I tried Okcupid.com and ended up on a 4-hour date with a guy who did all the talking. About food. Which was fine by me, because I love food too, and he was clearly a foodie. The problem was that he didn't ask me one question. Not. One. I don't know what to make of it. If he wasn't interested, why not bail within the first 30 minutes to an hour? And could anyone be nervous for FOUR hours? I never heard from him again. That'll teach me to save the purple M.A.C. eye shadow and "Sweet Like Brown Sugar" t-shirt for the SECOND date. GAH!

lara / August 2, 2006 8:22 PM

i stand by my call for civility, respect, and, if the banter must get personal, at least put forth some effort for wit or creativity.

for clarity's sake: i think these guidelines ought apply to either gb exchanges or the big hot date found through any of the aforementioned dating sources.

well wishes for productive social interactions all around, friends.

Kim / August 2, 2006 8:28 PM

I met my current bf on ok cupid…we weren’t the highest percentage match … we were actually bigger enemies according to the formula, but the3 variable funny test sealed the deal because you know how everyone says they want someone with a sense of humor? Well that’s all fine and good but if he likes fart jokes and you like things a little more subtle this can kind of weed out the differences in a funny way.

We both came out The Cutting Edge, which means instead of fart jokes we’d both prefer something like the office, so that’s nice to know (not that I would begrudge anyone their love of fart jokes). Anyway…..just another story for you! Good luck!!!!

kim / August 2, 2006 8:31 PM

here was the link sorry!!!

3 variable funny test !!

bran / August 2, 2006 9:59 PM

I'm kind of shocked by the paucity of valid responses to this question. There're 42 responses as I write this, and only four decent responses - 8 at 8, Craigs List, OKCupid, and Nerve.

Um, aren't we all computer-agey types, and aren't most of you hipsters to boot? (Doesn't the hipster qualification imply that you're going to be even more computer savvy than the rest of us?) At the very least, all of us have surfed the dating sites, and most of us have gone on some dates - or maybe just some hookups - as well. And we all want to be loved or fucked - we have that in common, too - so I feel like we all should have something constructive to share with each other on this topic, and its regrettable to me that you all have resorted to nervously laughing around the subject.

I met my beau of a year through friendster, and I'm totally not ashamed to admit it. He seemed like a cute dork in his profile, so I took a chance and I couldn't be happier: he turned out to be a cute dork with a great sense of humor. I've used nerve's services in the past, as well as the Reader, and ('coz I'm queer and when I was single and horny you couldn't get laid faster than on) manhunt.net and gay.com. I know people who've used LavaLife, and I'm sure there're plenty of other webby services as well. I even know some folks who've done the "It's just lunch" thing - not their cup of tea, but, hey - they did it.

Two things: (1) It's kind of stupid to "brand" a dating service and let that brand limit what you can expect from it. They may be services, but they're not like a restaurant or a store where they go out and find a specific product to schlep to everyone - they're more like a thrift store in that they can only offer what comes to them. In that way, they're more like a college classroom - sometimes it's full of duds you can't wait to get away from, other times its full of people who you think will change your life. College isn't a bad place or someplace to be embarrassed about because every now and then you run into a bunch of duds - you just take more classes. The internet's the same thing: don't like the catches on match? throw 'em back and click elsewhere.

(2) I wonder if the Fuel Community's grade school quality responses to this topic reflect a greater insecurity about sex and dating in our community, and some weird shame that we may feel looking for that sort of thing online or in the Reader? Is it like porn, where we strangely feel like shit about ourselves for beating off looking at pictures of people feeling really good about themselves and each other? Or do we view on-line hookups and relationships that result from them as somehow invalid (maybe because there's not that "love at first sight moment" - you actually start talking first)? Or maybe we go online really just looking for someone to fuck and we feel guilty for putting up profiles that suggest that we're after more as an enticement? I'm not sure, but the nervous aversion to this topic seems to indicate discomfort rooted in some degree of shame...

Of course, asking where GB readers go to publicly post ads for love may not be the smartest question: I don't know about you, but I'd be afraid the Shylo would track my ad down and make a Public Notice about it...

bran / August 2, 2006 10:07 PM

And I get that Public Notice is a column that responds to printed missed connections, but really: if you make a habit of publicly ridiculing, in one fashion or another, peoples' attempts to find love - no matter how desperate-seeming - don't you think you might be setting a precident that discourages relaxed and honest public discourse in a forum of your choosing on the subject?

j / August 2, 2006 10:45 PM

Right on Bran.

Myspace and friendster are fantastic places to find folk one might like to meet. I've been out on some fantastic dates some of which have led to something more and some crummy dates that led nowhere, all in all no terrible experiences and I regret none of it!

Here's an interesting Fuel idea:

Should GB have a personals section...?

Leelah / August 3, 2006 12:03 AM

Internet dating did not work for me... I tried nerve, salon.com, the reader, match.com

Then again, I never met Blagg the Axman on any of those sites.

Justin / August 3, 2006 12:37 AM

Shylo doesn't scare me.

Adam / August 3, 2006 8:10 AM

Wow - when I emailed this question I wasn't expecting this. I actually was expecting (and suggested) a Merge post - so when this got put in Fuel I was kind of surprised.

Bran - thanks for the support. I was a little taken aback as well at the lack of understanding responses from the GB readers. Just because I want to explore new ways to meet people doesn't mean I'm deficient in some way - or deserving of ridicule. I thought I left that behind in middle school.

Printdude - post #3 - thanks for suggesting acting lessons...I just wish you had done it with a little less disdain. I actually make most of my income acting and will be starting grad school in the fall for it. (I know - very practical :) I speak very well, thank you very much - I socialize very well, I just haven't found that special someone.

Thanks to those with suggestions - I've never checked out Nerve before.

Meg / August 3, 2006 8:45 AM

I met my current bf through nerve.com. I had moved to a new area, didn't know very many people, and wanted to meet someone who wasn't related at all to work. I'm not real good at meeting people through bars.

I have a couple of thoughts about meeting people through an online dating service:

1) Meet a person face-to-face sooner rather than later. Notwithstanding the caustic exchanges on this current thread, most people can seem to be charming and funny over email. It's easy to build someone into a fantasy perfect person if you never meet them. If you do that, the real thing will always be a disappointment. That's no fun for anyone.

2) The first time you meet someone, your goal should be to just figure out if this is someone with whom you could see yourself spending any time with, in any sort of capacity. The question should be: Could this person be my friend? Not: Is this my dream mate? It might take more than an hour coffee date to figure that out.

3) Just because you meet a weird person, or have a weird date off of a sight does not mean that everyone on the sight is weird or crazy. There are weird or crazy people all over the place, and the online dating world is no exception.

4) Have a good friend look at your online profile to see if they think that it accurately reflects who you are. They might be able to identify important qualities about you that you wouldn't necessarily think of. You might not realize, for instance, that your friends think that you are the most loyal thing on earth, but if you are, and they do think so, that's a good thing to have on your profile.

I personally find it hard to meet people to date. I have lots of friends, but I'm not a big flirt, and I'm usually kind of shy about the whole dating scene. Online dating was good for me because it allowed me to meet people who were interested in dating someone, in general, and because I was meeting them in a date situation. If forced my out of my dating shell and I met someone great. Good luck.

someone / August 3, 2006 9:13 AM

I tried the "speed dating" thing once and it was surprisingly much better than I thought it'd be. Unfortunately, (1) there aren't enough companies doing it to offer a "variety," so a lot of the meet-ups will be in places like Lincoln Park, etc., (2) some make you meet too many people in too short a time frame, and (3) it gets a bad rap so not many people go, especially guys. But hey, I spent about 10 minutes each with 8 nice women who were all there for the same reason I was. Some I was interested in and some I wasn't, but I enjoyed meeting all of them. One lived in the Gold Coast and another in Wicker Park, another in Portage Park. Meeting new people can be difficult if your co-workers are all older and your friends are all married. Meeting eight women in an hour in an atmosphere where you don't have to feel like you're hitting on them was, well, productive ... and a much better experience than I'd anticipated.

Other than that, take classes: Old Town School, Lill Street Art Center. Volunteer with Chicago Cares, etc. I've only picked up one girl in a bar in my life.

I agree with Andrew about the 20s issue. I didn't have much luck in my 20s. I think I know myself better and I am more self-confident about this stuff in my 30s than I was in my 20s.

Lurky McLurkenthal / August 3, 2006 10:32 AM

Hmmm...A relatively innocuous Fuel thread immediately degenerating into a snarky pissing match? There's something you don't see too often.

aeb / August 3, 2006 10:45 AM

I've tried match.com, lavalife, and craigslist.

I prefer craigslist out of normal dating sites. I like that I don't have to create "a profile" and answer stupid questions about what's my favorite color and what's my sense of humor. I was very skeptical about craigslist at first but I have met several nice, normal guys on the site.

If you want to get out there and meet a greater number of people - match.com is the best. Yes, the quality of people on Match sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, but I think it has a larger pool of people to pick from. In comparison, when I was on Lavalife it seemed like although the guys seemed more interesting, there were a lot of non-active profiles. So a lot of the time I would send an e-mail and never hear anything back.

What I want to know is has anyone ever met someone from GB?

Edog / August 3, 2006 11:20 AM

I met my husband through the online personals at theonion.com.

relis / August 3, 2006 11:33 AM

Online dating . . .

I've bought and sold many things on craigslist and with these transactions I am always impressed with how nice and honest and normal all the people seem to be.

But on the two occasions that I've either posted an ad on CL or replied to one, either the guys have done weird things (like make up fake names and then confess to it later) blown off me off after making plans, or just been really really nerdy. What gives?

As far as myspace goes, I think it's only good for meeting friends of your real friends, i.e. checking out someone you've met already in person. which also borders on too much information.

Andrew / August 3, 2006 11:53 AM

aeb, if I recall correctly there has been at least one couple who met through Fuel comments. Don't know if they're still together, though.

Carrie / August 3, 2006 1:20 PM

I stumbled across a singles volunteer group a couple of years ago. I'm honestly not sure if they're still around, BUT they always needed more guy volunteers. It was pretty easy- all you had to do was sign up for one of the many volunteer activities and show up. They'd do get togethers every couple of months, too.

I dated one guy I met through there for a bit. And I also met one guy who told me that finance was one of his hobbies when I told him that I worked in finance. ha.

Like I said, I forget the name of it, but if you just yahoo or google Chicago Singles Volunteer Group, lots come up.

Ted / August 3, 2006 1:25 PM

Running clubs. The women outnumber the men, they're all in great shape, and you immediately know you have something in common.

Jeff / August 3, 2006 1:49 PM

Even though I have never sued a dating service, the impression that I get is that it seems too forced. I prefer to meet people the old-fashioned way...out in public and randomly but I haven't had a lot of luck lately. The blame is all on me though as I am not as outgoing as I used to be.

CL or any other dating site allows us so much comfort and safety and EVERYONE can look good on paper.

I have also made friends through different groups like Chicago Sport and Social and Sportsmonster but dating never developed.

Maybe its the fact I am a latent homosexual. Hmm...who knows. (Rubs left hand through already mussed hair and sighs in cubicle).

amy / August 3, 2006 2:47 PM

Carrie said: "I stumbled across a singles volunteer group a couple of years ago. . . . they always needed more guy volunteers."

and

Ted said: "Running clubs. The women outnumber the men, . . . "

So where are all the men?

fluffy / August 3, 2006 3:06 PM

'off the beaten path' is relative. So is 'artistic' - you could mean a woman who is a serious artist, or a girl who dresses 'punky' on the weekends and listens to the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs ....Nothing wrong with either one, just saying that those traits could be seen in different ways. Most men play it safe.

The good thing about meeting someone online is that you can get a vibe on how the person expresses themselves (and whether they can even write/spell/put a sentence together).

If I knew of the magical dating website/service everyone's looking for, I'd let you know. I wish everyone was in love and happy. Or at least getting some. heh.

Sara / August 3, 2006 3:10 PM

I met my boyfriend through IDSA - the Industrial Design Society of America. Could we get much nerdier? No. But joining professional organizations and going to meetings is totally admirable anyway, and it's a way to expand your social circle, get involved, and maybe meet someone.

I also think Meetup.com has great potential for connections - you can join a group of local people who share your interest. Anything from knitting to scuba diving to democratic support to Buddhism to French.

Andrew / August 3, 2006 3:11 PM

So where are all the men?

I recall hearing several years ago that single women outnumbered single men in Chicago 3 to 2. Can't vouch for the accuracy of that stat, but anecdotally I know a ton more single women than single men.

singlegirl / August 3, 2006 3:23 PM

I think I've suggested it before but how about....GAPER'S BLOCK SINGLES NIGHT!!!!!!

amen / August 3, 2006 3:41 PM

Yes. WHAYRE ARE ALL THE BOYS.

boyz / August 3, 2006 4:43 PM

i think all the good men are sitting at home reading books, drinking good scotch, and smoking cigarettes. i suggest hiding in the bushes in your favorite neighborhood.

Anne / August 3, 2006 4:53 PM

And yet, all the guys I know who do online dating say that they feel as if they strongly outnumber women on those sites, and that it's hard to get women to respond for that reason. And yes, the guys telling me this are perfectly dateable.

fluffy / August 3, 2006 5:16 PM

So if I make a dress out of books about cigars, and bring a bottle of scotch .......

d. / August 3, 2006 6:19 PM

hi. i only tried craiglist so far, and the results were mixed. i met one girl who was halfway drunk by the time i showed up, and two girls i met were totally awesome but i guess life/circumstances/timing just didn't quite work out. on CL it seems kind of like 32489234 guys post a day, while maybe 30 - 50 women post a day.

people all have different expectations of what they want, you know? so it's really hard to meet them or fit into them sometimes.

the problem isn't the dating sites -- it's me. it takes a long time to get comfortable. i'm so shy when i meet new people. in person at bars i turn into a rabbit and run away!

there's absolutely nothing wrong with me aside from that, im creative, fit and cute, i write, cook, love dancing, i even longboard late at night -- but really the hardest part is just making yourself dive right in...

j / August 3, 2006 10:02 PM

The boys are waiting for the girls to say hello. We're terribly shy dontcha know...

So g'won, next time you see a cute fella on the street, at a bar, at a CVS... take a deep breath, walk up to him, and say something.

Ladies of Chicago, take charge, create a city where the women are proactive, change the world!!!

Oh, Hi ladies.
;)

another Carrie / August 4, 2006 11:31 AM

Carrie, the singles volunteer group you may be thinking of is Social and Service Chicago. The idea behind the group is cool, but the organization has been faltering and their events calendar (for both service projects and social event) is pretty sad.

Better is One Brick, which has a steady stream of good volunteer opportunities and primarily young volunteers, though not necessarily single.

I haven't tried it myself, but I have a few good female friends signed up with Highlife Adventures, which is a very event-heavy, expensive singles organization. They say that these events too are dominated by female participants, even when they take pains to go to less "girly" events. However, they still both like it as a good way to meet new people in general and sign up for unusual one-off events that you would otherwise have a hard time just trying out, like fencing or flying lessons.