10 Find New ways to meet men

10 Fun New Ways to Meet New Men -- and Feel Good About Yourself

by Sherry Amatenstein (see more from this contributor)

Have your tried-and-true methods for finding potential Mr. Rights become more trying than true lately? Don't give up hope -- and don't head for the convent just yet! Instead, take a deep breath, catch your second wind and check out these novel ways to hook up with hunks. Plus, each of these activities are good for you, so you'll have a win-win situation whether you end up with a man or not. Not bad...

1. VOLUNTEER
Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

All that positive energy swirling around makes it easy to strike up a conversation with a fellow (and I do mean fellow) do-gooder.

Why men like to do it:

Now, you have to choose your non-profit carefully. When it comes to meeting men, not all charities are equal (and they certainly don't begin at home, so get out there!) Choose one with elements that men enjoy: outdoors, "manly" work, sports, etc. Habitat for Humanity, for example, may be a great bet.

Why you should do it anyway:

One word -- karma.

2. TAKE UP GOLFING

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

Golfing is definitely where the boys are. Just ask iVillager Missy. "I hated sports but figured if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. So I used a free airline ticket to go to a golf resort for a golf lesson and round of golf. My family thought I was insane and looking back I think I was. I must have been the worst golfer in the place! Some men were aggravated, but for the most part they were complete gentlemen and very encouraging. I wish I had a dollar for every guy that asked 'Where were you when I was single?' About three months later I met my future husband and our first dates were on the golf course. It's still something that we can enjoy together, even though my score has not improved much."

Why men like to do it:

As they putt around the course, they're used to networking with their opponent at the same time. In this case, that "networking" could be flirting.

Why you should do it anyway:

Fresh air and exercise never killed anyone, but do watch out for flying golf balls.

3. SIGN UP FOR A BICYCLE TOUR

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

iVillager Brian constantly advises his single women friends, "If you want to meet decent single men, go on a bicycle tour, like one of the rides that are held to benefit multiple sclerosis research. The guys who go to these things are quite often very physically fit, confident, sociable, nice guys. I took up cycling after being divorced at age 38, and I met more great women, had more good times with them, and had more serious relationships with them than ever in my life. Bike tours -- especially the kind that include a weekend stay somewhere or a post-ride event like a meal -- are safe, unforced places to meet good guys. The rides are always offered in short versions for new cyclists, so there's no worry about whether someone can handle the distances."

Why men like to do it:

To achieve fabulous thigh and calf muscles.

Why you should do it anyway:

To achieve fabulous thigh and calf muscles.

4. ENROLL IN A SELF-IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

The people taking this course are evolved and sensitive and looking to become even more evolved and sensitive. And there are built-in opportunities for interaction when you are put into groups to participate in exercises.

Why men like to do it:

They can listen to women talk about themselves and learn what makes the other sex tick.

Why you should do it anyway:

Even if you don't hook up with a guy, you'll come away feeling more positive about yourself.

5. JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

This caring environment encourages the sharing of your deepest needs and fears. How better to discover if a guy is attractively insecure or certifiable. A proviso: Although it turned out great for Hugh Grant's childless character (in the movie About a Boy) to join a single parents' support group strictly to pick up women, don't fabricate an addiction as a man-meeting maneuver.

Why men like to do it:

They really need help with their problems.

Why you should do it anyway:

Heck, everybody's got something they need help with -- whether it's dealing with pet loss or overcoming a nasty nicotine habit.

6. DO A CHARITY MARATHON

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

These days nearly every cause hosts a charity walkathon or marathon to raise money. Just because the male singles that participate are fleet-footed, it doesn't mean they're running from love. Plus, when it comes to sporting events that require as much training and organization as a marathon, there are plenty of opportunities to meet your fellow athletes-turned-activists: Find a training buddy and get to know him during the months before the race, mingle at the sig n-up meetings hosted by the organizer, invite a mixed group of runners and supporters back to your place for a post-race spaghetti feed, etc.

Why men like to do it:

It offers them the opportunity for exercise and to feel like they're doing something good. Some, of course, participate because they have a personal connection with the cause itself (for example, having lost a relative to breast cancer).

Why you should do it anyway:

There is little that is worthier than the opportunity to raise money for a good cause.

7. HANG OUT AT COFFEE BARS

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

Every city has, in addition to a zillion Starbucks, at least a few cozy coffee bars that encourage patrons to hang out, read and of course, chat up other java lovers. Just ask iVillager Lisa, who finds that getting caffeinated gives her the courage to make the first move. "It's then easy to start a conversation when you see someone on the next couch reading a book you've just finished. I did this one time and after we finished our coffee, he invited me to continue our conversation over dinner."

Why men like to do it:

It gives them a chance to take a break from worrying about work, money, etc. and unwind with no agenda in sig ht. Plus, if he sticks to a low-fat latté, he won't have to worry about his waistline the same way a beer-drinking fellow might.

Why you should do it anyway:

You can catch up on your reading, which in turn will make you feel even better about your fabulously intellectual self.

8. CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL HEALTH STORE

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

You know that the customers here are health minded. Plus, there are usually flyers on the walls advertising upcoming events (e.g., health food cooking classes). iVillager Tina said, "I met my boyfriend Don when he advised me on which brand of soymilk to buy."

Why men like to do it:

Men who go to health food stores are the type who like to take care of themselves, and -- even better -- often like to cook.

Why you should do it anyway:

Soy milk, sister.

9. CHECK OUT CONVENTIONS

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

Most conventions -- whether they are for Trekkies or mountain climbing trekkers -- attract large crowds. This obviously increases your chances of meeting that ever-elusive critter, the single male.

Why men like to do it:

They're usually mildly fanatical about whatever the convention is showcasing.

Why you should do it anyway:

Maybe you'll learn about a group or activity that will become a part of your life.

10. GO TO A SPORTS BAR ON GAME NIGHT

Why it's a good meet-and-greet activity:

Why watch the World Series at home when you can hang out a sports bar complete with big-screen TV, electronic sports games, lots of nibbles (don't go wild on the drinks) and best of all, your own personal pool of testosterone? During commercials and at tense moments when the game is on the line, you can impress guys with your knowledge of the game. ("He was robbed of that base hit! Totally robbed!")

Why men like to do it:

They're cheering and commiserating with like-minded sports fanatics.

Why you should do it anyway:

Watching a big TV event is always more fun with a group. Even if this group turns out to be a little too beer-can-crashing-on-the-forehead for your taste, just think of the tales you'll have for your girlfriends on your next girls' night out!