making connections

two years ago i met a guy in a bar. we had a rather lengthy chat as far as conversations with strangers go. we talked about where each of us was from, how we were experiencing chicago and i'm sure some mention was made of our creative processes. that's pretty standard fare for the sensitive artistic-type. days later mutual friends suggested that they should hook us up. "ummm... you were talking with him for a REALLY long time," they said as they raised their eyebrows up and down and smiled. but, at the time i didn't see that as criteria for being set up and so i believe i declined their offer. or said i'd get back to them and never did. or somehow i conveyed a lack of interest (and probably an abundance of trepidation.)

two days ago i met the same guy through the same mutual friends. and i found him to be absolutely delightful, kind, funny and... solidly in a long term relationship. i was kicking myself for not paying more attention when i had the opportunity.

i find myself missing opportunities like that periodically. the reasons vary:  lame excuses, pre-conceived notions blocking my way, like "well, it's a bar. one of us is drinking and one of us isn't" type stuff, and sometimes i'm just purely not paying attention.  

anyway this past weekend's experience refreshed me. it showed me that there are some really nice people out in the world and that my own sphere is quite limited.  so, i'm looking for opportunities to widen my circle of friends and acquaintances. any suggestions? what would you do if you wanted to meet more people in the city of chicago?

Comments

[Heather]

I've never tried it, but I keep hearing about Highlife Adventures on the radio!

http://www.highlifeadventures.com/chicago/index.html

The nice thing there is that you get to meet a lot of other great singles who are looking to reach out, meet new people and try new things. (And it doesn't have to be in a bar scene either! They have all kinds of cool stuff - concerts, learning a new skill -- like pottery or dancing, yoga, service projects, etc. etc. etc.)

[Mike]

You're probably already aware of this, but I'm quite intrigued by meetup.com. The list of activities is growing every week, and there are a lot of things I just don't do because I'm not in the city.

[SarahA]

I have met a ton of people through my different hobbies. I think it's the best way for adults to meet other adults.

[delara]

i'm with sarah. and what better way to meet people with whom you will be spending time doing the things you ALREADY love to do! of course, if you're interested in expanding your interests, you can always take advantage of the fun and often free things offered in the city - nights in grant park, workshops at the art institute, etc. and if you wanted to travel north a bit, you can also check out park district activities in evanston and wilmette. dining clubs? reading groups? art groups? lots to do. :)

[Sonia]

I agree with everyones comments, but also want to add volunteering. I think its a great way to meet someone, because you're not all dressed up or trying to impress someone. It allows you to show a real side of yourself and also do something greater and if you meet someone there, even better!