Saturday, March 22, 2008

Searching for the Best Places to Meet Someone

The best places to meet people are ones in which
  • You can see clearly, hear clearly, and respond honestly.
  • You have an interest in what’s going on, increasing the likelihood that you’ll have something in common with anyone you meet there.
  • The atmosphere feels safe and familiar.
It makes no sense to hang out in places where you hate the activity. Doing so is kind of like people who feed their babies Gerber’s veal and then are surprised when their kids like only veal, which the parents never eat. Hang out in places where you would be happy even if you weren’t searching, and — bingo! —you’re happy.
A place you enjoy, where you feel comfortable and safe, solves the problem of what to talk about. The key is to be lighthearted about approaching a stranger. The situation is similar to baking a soufflĂ©. You need to tread gently and avoid loud noises, early peeks, or banging doors. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dessert that nobody wants — flat, ugly, and unappetizing — despite the effort and right ingredients you put into it.

No comments: