If you’re a single mom looking to rejoin the dating scene, figuring out where to go might feel like a challenge. Not to worry, that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about today.
The truth is, just because you have a child doesn’t mean your dating life has to change completely. Sure, you have a few extra things to keep in mind but your dating life is far from over.
Let’s take a look at seven ideal places for you to get back out there and meet younger guys, shall we? Dating as a single parent isn’t easy so it helps to expand your options!
Cocktail bars
Every now and then it can be nice to head out on the town feeling confident. Let loose a little, enjoy a few cocktails and chat the night away.
The reason I’m a fan of cocktail bars in particular for meeting younger men is because of who it attracts. Rather than the frat-esque crowd you might find at a dive bar, these guys are likely a little more refined.
Since cocktail bars often have some interesting looking drinks, you also have ample opportunity to start a conversation. If a guy at the table next to you orders something that looks interesting, just ask him what it is. Honestly, it can be as simple as that.
Online dating
Speaking of modern culture, I couldn’t put together a list like this without including online dating. If you’ve never tried it before, it might sound intimidating or like it’s too much hassle, but at least give it a shot. There’s so much great advice out there for single parents but it isn’t always easy to figure out where to go or which dating apps you should try to meet younger men (like Beyond Ages does here).
Be open about the fact you’re a single mom to streamline things for everyone involved. It’s true that some people won’t be into that but I can assure you, the majority won’t care. So long as you’re upfront about it.
Take a look at the top dating apps around, see which one works for you and give it at least a few days. Despite the horror stories you might have heard, online dating is a wonderful thing. Better yet, you can find potential suitors without ever leaving the house — ideal for a single mom, right?
My only caution here is to follow the advice of Beanstalk founder Lucy Good: Wait until you’re sure “you’re strong enough to handle the setbacks, the ghosting, and other potentially bad behavior out there,”
Coffee shops
In a culture where most of us struggle to function without caffeine, the local coffee shop has become important to us all. It’s more than just a purveyor of that personality-boosting brown liquid; it’s a place to hang out, study and socialize everywhere from New York to smaller cities.
These days it’s perfectly normal to hang out with a laptop, enjoy your coffee(s) and get a little work or study done.
That also means you won’t be alone. So long as they aren’t rocking some form of headphones, don’t be afraid to say hi. After all, why hang out in such a public place if they’re against being social, right?
It’s a low-pressure, casual place to meet new people and you just never know who you might come across. Worst case scenario: You leave with more energy than you arrived with.
Restaurants
We all have to eat at some point, right? That makes restaurants another simple way to integrate this into your existing schedule.
Every now and then, make plans with a few friends, arrange a babysitter and go have dinner together. Stick with more casual restaurant types and pay attention to those around you.
Especially if you’re including a few drinks with dinner, this can be a great way to meet a younger guy. Remember, eye contact is your friend — make it known that you’re open to interaction. Better yet, put yourself out there and go say hi yourself!
Outdoor activities
Hiking, biking, walking by the water, picnics in the park. . . whatever this looks like for you, it’s a great way to spend a day.
By doing more of these types of things, you’re going to help yourself in so many ways. You’re living a healthier, more active lifestyle, getting a little more sunshine and spending time with friends.
Important to this list, you’re also putting yourself in more situations where you can meet younger guys. All it takes is to be walking through the park and seeing a cute guy walking his dog.
If you’re nervous, just go ask if you can pet his dog and let the conversation go from there. It’s such a low risk and low pressure environment and an easy way to get things started.
Spin classes
There are a lot of dating myths out there but actually meeting people at the gym isn’t one of them. These classes have been very popular for years now and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Not only are they an excellent workout, they also tend to have a real community vibe to them.
If you have the time to become a regular at your local spin studio, you’ll end up making new friends real soon. While most people who go to spin are women, there are usually a handful of guys that go too.
You’re a single mom and your time is a scarce resource — why not multitask and meet younger guys while you get your workout in?
Local events
Last but not least, keep an eye on the local events coming up in your city. Find some events that interest you and go check them out.
Whatever the event, you’ll be surrounded by other people all day. Inevitably, that means you’re going to come across single guys there as well.
It doesn’t matter what type of event you’re at, there will be relevant talking points that make for easy conversation. Even if you use the old classic of asking for directions to something, that’s still enough to start a conversation.
It’s a casual, social environment and you just never know who you’re going to meet!
There we have it, 7 ideal places for you to go meet some younger men and get yourself back into the dating scene. Since these ideas don’t always have to be at night, you can work them around your own schedule.
Depending on your work situation, you can even put yourself out there while the little one is at daycare. Only you can decide what works for you, just make sure you aren’t putting your entire life on hold. Being a mom doesn’t mean your dating life is over!
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