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Extraordinary Guys in Ordinary Places

By Eva Williams

March 2009

As females, we always want to look and feel great. Perhaps more importantly, we want to smell great. While working on the "looking great" part, smelling great was not exactly a priority for me—I had just finished doing an hour on the elliptical at the gym. I decided that it was time to tackle the bike and went upstairs to do so. When I got there, I saw that there were two guys on the bikes. I had two options: either I could sit in between the two of them, or I could sit on the side of one of them. Since I had a rather unpleasant odor, I took the latter option. While trying to adjust my iPod headphones, the guy biking next to me started to talk to me. The conversation started off with politics and then moved on to other topics such as music and movies. Then he told me that he went to the law school and asked me if I did as well. However, I had to break the news to him that I was a freshman at the college. But, that didn't stop him from giving me his contact information. Overall, he was a pretty nice guy and there was nothing suspicious about him.

I must admit that what happened was totally unexpected. My hair was frizzy, I was drenched in sweat, and my smell was…unpleasant. But, sometimes life is unexpected—better yet, men are unexpected. You can meet them at the oddest times and in the oddest places. Sometimes, we try to meet guys at typical places: parties, through other friends, at sporting events, and soon enough we feel like we have exhausted all of our possible outlets. However, there is more to meeting guys than frequenting these typical places.

When trying to meet guys, it is important that you are somewhere where you can spark conversation. Places like parties can seem like a good way to meet people; however they do not allow you to really get to know someone because it is difficult to indulge in conversation over the loud music. A movie is a similarly bad place to try to meet people, since talking is generally not allowed. Here are a few better ideas to get you started:

Hemenway/The MAC: Guys love a girl who works out because it shows that she takes care of herself. You don't have to be thin or fit, but just showing that you make the effort means that you care about yourself and your health, and a lot of guys find that attractive (as they should!). Unisex gyms like the MAC and Hemenway provide ample opportunity for a guy to start up a conversation with you. Plus, don't be self-conscious even if you feel like you're looking less-than-hot at the moment—if a guy strikes up a conversation, work your confidence muscle and go with it!

Join an organization: Joining a new organization is a great way to meet people. This way, you can meet people with similar interests. Participating in an organization is also a great way to get to know someone without the awkward pretext of going on "dates". This way, you are already engaged in an activity together! Large unisex organizations such as Crimson Key are a fun way to meet guys. Service organizations are also great, as long as you do not make meeting guys a priority over doing service.

Museums: I know it sounds clichéd, but it actually happens. Movies need somewhere to get their ideas from! When you are with a few friends in a cultured place, a guy who sees you may appreciate the fact that you appreciate the museum. Plus, a museum like the Sackler is a super easy place to spark conversation, since there is always something to comment on. However, if looking at paintings makes your skin crawl, don't pretend to be into it just to attract a guy. Find a locale that's more in line with your tastes!

Shopping: Guess what girls, guys shop too! When at a bookstore or electronics store, you just might meet a guy. The conversation can easily start off about a book or movie and then escalate. Try asking the cutie browsing next to you for a movie recommendation—it just might turn into watching a movie with him. Hey, it happens! Places worth checking out include the Cambridgeside Galleria, shops in Harvard Square, and Downtown Crossing.

The world is full of places to meet new people. Even when you feel like you've exhausted your options, you can meet new people at unexpected places, so you should definitely leave yourself open to opportunities like these. Put on a smile and strike up a conversation!