How to meet people without spending too much money.

ema_o

OP, am wondering if you are overdoing the trying not to come across as desperate and are coming across as disinterested from what you said about speed dating.
Do you know how to flirt (not over the top, but just to let a guy you are interested in him?) If not do you know a friend who does, who you could watch in action or get some tips from.
In my experience you don't need to do much, just ask lots of questions and smile a lot, as long as you are friendly blokes tend to think you are interested (even if you are not).
Other suggestion (this is how I met my OH) is to ask your friends to set you up with someone. This is often even easier if your friends have partners / are married as their OHs may know someone who is perfect for you, or just someone who is single and you might get on with. Then just arrange to meet for a coffee or something and see how you get on (saving money on an expensive date!).
Even if you don't get on you are expanding your social circle (they may have a friend who would like you!) and having a chance to practice your flirting!

choille

If you're any good at cooking have one of those underground dining clubs.
They sound an amazing way of meeting people. If you & a friend could do that together, it's also a way of making some cash.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8285618.stm

Or just find out where some are going on & attend.

Lotus-eater

choille wrote: »

If you're any good at cooking have one of those underground dining clubs.

WTH is an underground dining club?

What's the first rule of the underground dining club? Tell no one your ingredients.......... 2nd rule of UDC, tell no one .......etc.....

choille

Link added.

patchwork_cat

Fascinating.

euronorris

Hi there!

I noticed that you said you are quite shy, though you work hard to overcome this/not let is show. However, have you asked your friends how confident and happy you come across to others?

If you are feeling down and disheartened with the whole dating thing, it can often show (however well you think you may be hiding it) and this can put a guys off. Generally then, it is the shy guys are interested in you, but then too shy to make a move! Catch 22 I know! (I am not saying that this is defnitely what is happening here, just a possibility)

Have you tried asking some of your male friends for their opinion on your confidence, approach, etc?

And I know, people say stupid things. They are trying to be helpful (mostly - some, I'm sure, just enjoy having a bit of a dig!) and don't realise how they come across. Try not to pay attention to them, because, as you have found out, not everything is great at home for them either. I find this is usually the case for those who make the nastiest comments. They are unhappy and trying to make themselves feel better.

I spent about 5 years dating losers here and there and generally getting disheartened with the whole thing and about to give it another 'don't look for it' session when I met my OH.

In the end, although I had tried dating websites, singles nights, going out with friends etc etc, I met him through a work colleague. He lived in Belgium at the time, and I was still in the UK. Most of my friends thought I was crazy to even give the relationship a chance, but it was so rare to find someone who I got on with so well and who also seemed to like me just as much, so I threw caution to the wind! lol.

Now, do any of your friends know any single guys? They don't have to set up as such, just invite you both to the same event and let you talk etc

World of Warcraft has generated quite a lot of new couples. There is a couple in my Guild who met online and are now living together. And, OH and I used this as a way to keep in touch and 'bond' with each other whilst distance was an issue. (can be as cheap as 8.99 per month on DD. I usually buy scratchcards at around €20 for 60 days though as can then cancel whenever I need to)

Do you have any hobbies/passion that you could indulge in (cheaply)?

I wish I had more ideas for you. I'll keep thinking.

ukjoel

euronorris wrote: »

IWorld of Warcraft has generated quite a lot of new couples. There is a couple in my Guild who met online and are now living together. And, OH and I used this as a way to keep in touch and 'bond' with each other whilst distance was an issue. (can be as cheap as 8.99 per month on DD. I usually buy scratchcards at around €20 for 60 days though as can then cancel whenever I need to)

.

WARNING WARNING WARNING

World of warcraft is the computer equivalent of crack cocaine.
Before even venturing near it make sure your diary is free for the next few months, your friends dont expect you to respond to telephone calls, and there is plenty of food in the house as you wont venture out. Also if you do have a husband/wife/faithful pet let them know what you venture into so they know which support groups to contact when required.

Its true that it has created several marriages but it has also created many divorces and I only averted mine from breaking up by buying her a copy of the game and now watch £50 every quarter being sucked out my bank account. On the plus side the money we save by being social lepers is significant.

Also be warned that not everyone on World of Warcraft is what they may claim to be. Trust me I was at Tescos at midnight for the last release and I havent seen that many dodgy looking characters (myself included) since the 3rd series of Oz.

woody01

" I am waiting for a rich man, with a 9" ****"...

Well....you wait is over :whistle:

euronorris

ukjoel wrote: »

WARNING WARNING WARNING

World of warcraft is the computer equivalent of crack cocaine.
Before even venturing near it make sure your diary is free for the next few months, your friends dont expect you to respond to telephone calls, and there is plenty of food in the house as you wont venture out. Also if you do have a husband/wife/faithful pet let them know what you venture into so they know which support groups to contact when required.

Its true that it has created several marriages but it has also created many divorces and I only averted mine from breaking up by buying her a copy of the game and now watch £50 every quarter being sucked out my bank account. On the plus side the money we save by being social lepers is significant.

Also be warned that not everyone on World of Warcraft is what they may claim to be. Trust me I was at Tescos at midnight for the last release and I havent seen that many dodgy looking characters (myself included) since the 3rd series of Oz.

hahahahahahaha funny, but extreme.

It's true, it has caused some relationships to split, but I think there were most likely issues in most of those relationships to begin with, and so WoW becomes an escape and it goes too far etc etc.

Personally, OH loves it and plays it more than I do, but he will come away from the computer if I ask him too and he won't turn down an invitation to go out just so that he can play the game.

And me, well sometimes I find I've played it for hours every night for a week and then I don't play at all for a week. And sometimes I just go on and check my post and then I'm off again. Swings and roundabouts. Depends on how much free time I have, not how much free time I can create. lol

Bring on Cataclysm!!!!!!!!!! (sorry, didn't mean to hijack thread)

euronorris

woody01 wrote: »

Well....you wait is over :whistle:

And with a name like 'Woody'......I think you're onto a winner there OP!