All posts by jmolloy@thinkstrategic.com

Five Reasons Singles Clubs Are Better Than Dating Apps and Websites

singles group posing together at the park

We live in the age of dating apps. Whether or not you are among the 79% of people aged 18 to 29 who choose to date online, it’s undeniable that online dating is a cultural phenomenon in 2023. However, there are those who still prefer more traditional methods and meeting people organically. While dating apps certainly have their advantages, there are also some compelling reasons why singles clubs are better options for those looking for love. Here are five reasons why singles clubs are better than dating apps and websites.

1.  They Offer More Personal Interaction

One of the biggest advantages of singles clubs over dating apps is the personal interaction they provide. Unlike dating apps, where introductions are handled virtually, singles clubs provide an opportunity for members to meet face-to-face and get to know each other on a more personal level. This can help to build stronger connections and increase the chances of finding a compatible partner. Not everyone knows the latest norms when it comes to texting, and not everyone wants to. Having an alternative like a singles club can actually work wonders when combined with dating apps. Give yourself the personal interaction option.

2. There is a Greater Focus on Common Interests

Another advantage of singles clubs is that they tend to attract people with similar interests. Some clubs are themed after specific types of events, while others offer a myriad of options for singles to choose from. Whether it’s hiking, dancing, learning new things, or playing board games – singles clubs often allow members to explore a number of activities or interests. Naturally, this makes it easier for members to find like-minded individuals and form relationships over time based on shared interests. If your relationship’s foundation is built on a strong common ground, most other things fall into place.

3. Singles Clubs Can Take Away the Pressure

Dating apps can be overwhelming and stressful, with users constantly swiping through profiles and trying to make a good impression. In contrast, singles clubs provide a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Once you join – you’re in – and members can take their time getting to know each other. Though we can’t speak for everyone, our members are very welcoming and love meeting new people. Meeting in groups at events can help to remove the pressure of making a good first impression. Everyone is there for the same reason, so focus on the fun!

4. You Get a Much Better Screening Process

Dating apps can be a breeding ground for fake profiles and catfishing scams. Singles clubs, on the other hand, often have a more rigorous screening process to ensure that members are genuine and have similar intentions. This creates a safer and more secure environment for meeting potential partners. Events & Adventures, for example, not only conducts background checks and interviews – we try to ensure that new members match with our existing ones and are compatible in terms of personality. This takes a lot of the guesswork out and surrounds members with likeminded singles.

5. There Are More Opportunities to Socialize

Finally, singles clubs provide more opportunities for socializing than dating apps. Whether it’s attending events or participating in group activities, singles clubs offer a chance to meet new people and build relationships in a fun and engaging way. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are shy or introverted and may struggle to meet people through traditional dating channels. While dating apps have certainly revolutionized the way we find love, they aren’t for everyone – especially the more timid or shy individuals. A big welcoming group and an epic adventure can really help to break the ice.

Get Started with Singles Clubs Today!

Events & Adventures is a singles club dedicated to bringing singles together in 14 cities across the U.S. We’ve been around for over 30 years and have been planning more than 30 activities every month ever since! Our friendly and seasoned team will walk you through every step of the process and be with you at events for a smooth introduction to how we roll. Find something for every night of the week on our monthly calendar of different activities – and that’s it! All you need to do is show up, meet fun single people, and have a blast. From exotic international getaways to chill bar crawls and dance classes – there’s something for everyone at Events & Adventures.

Have a chat with us today and see if our singles club is right for you.

Dating After Divorce in 2023

singles group enjoying some fine dining

Divorce sucks. Whether it was your choice, theirs, or a mutual decision, it just sucks. Despite how it might feel, however, divorce isn’t the end of the world. Getting out of a toxic or failed relationship is a good thing. It’s a new lease on life. It’s time you used it to start living a life you love and ticking off your bucket list with like-minded singles. Wondering how to do that? Events & Adventures can help! With over 30 years of experience managing events for singles of all kinds – recently divorced included – we have some tips!

The single climate in 2023

Dating in 2023 is difficult enough without being out of practice. The dating scene has likely changed quite a bit since you were last single, and you have probably made some changes yourself. Between the dating apps, websites, and hookup culture – it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Not everyone is a social butterfly and some people prefer more traditional methods than others. So, when it comes to meeting new people, we advise starting where you already have common ground. While dating apps and websites are responsible for many successful relationships, they’re not for everyone, and there are some things they just can’t do. Despite the fact that dating after divorce can be a bit of a learning curve, some things never change. These include the cardinal rules…

The Three Cardinal “Don’ts” of Dating After Divorce:

  • Don’t rush it – especially if you have kids.
    Divorce can push people to rebound and that’s perfectly natural. Nothing is wrong with reclaiming your confidence with a hookup or two. In fact, before you start looking for something serious, it’s better to find yourself again. Join a club, take a class, go on an adventure… Finding yourself again, after however many years of marriage, can really help you to find what you’re looking for. Plus, if you have kids, don’t waste their time with someone you’re not serious about. It’ll either confuse them if they’re young or embarrass you if they’re older. So, to recap, rule #1 is to focus on yourself. The rest will come to you.
  • Don’t dig up the past – focus on the future.
    No one likes to hear about someone else’s ex, especially the person you’re currently dating. If it’s a discussion that needs to happen – let it be brought up – never bring it up! And when it is the topic of conversation, be sure to keep it short and to the point. Aside from that, remember that everything you know about dating has led you to a divorce… Jokes aside, it just means it might be time to focus on the new you – the one who knows what they’re looking for.
  • Don’t get played – get up to speed.
    As previously mentioned, “the game” has likely changed quite a bit since you last played it. Maybe you never really “played” at all, and that’s ok too! This is your chance to get savvy with the new lingo and slang. Acquaint yourself with trends like “ghosting” and “catfishing” before you become a victim of either. Trust us – you’ll be glad you took the time to catch up to the trends before dating after divorce in 2023.

How to meet single people this year

It’s a new year. Are you going to spend it moping about your divorce, or doing things you’ve always wanted to do? We could go on forever about the best ways to get back on the proverbial horse after your divorce, but the best one is just too simple to keep hidden. It’s with us! Events & Adventures plans events solely for single people to meet up and have a great time together in organic and group-friendly ways. Our escapades range from chill activities like classes and bar crawls to epic skydiving and world-traveling adventures. There’s a screening process to hand-select the best singles to fit in with our members, a calendar stacked with 30-plus activities every single month, and nothing but good times to be had at our singles club. And the best part is – it isn’t a dating service! There’s no pressure to date if you’re recently divorced and just looking to make friends and/or experience new things. We do this for the thrills, the community, and the connections that last a lifetime. You don’t have to do your dating after divorce alone – do it with Events & Adventures! Get started today!

How to Survive Being Single on New Years Eve

being single on new years eve doesn't have to be a drag with events and adventures

Being single on New Years Eve is understandably a scary scenario for many people. Society has conditioned us to believe that we must have a special someone to smooch at the stroke of midnight or else our entire lives will implode. The truth of the matter is – if you need fireworks and champagne to feel a spark – you’re probably kissing the wrong person. Singles can have just as much fun without all the stress or pressure. There are two main ways to be single on New Years Eve and still have a great time. Option one would be to not participate in the celebration at all and pretend it’s just another day. You can do this solo or with like-minded others. Option two would be to do the celebration your way – single, but not lonely. Keep reading for tips on how to make either one work for you.

Option 1 – Just another day

Ever hear the adage – “ignorance is bliss”? Well, it certainly can be. If you are one of those people who can easily block out all the noise from firecrackers, music, and other people – do it! By the time you’re finished with whatever alternative activity you chose to do, it’ll be a new year and all the hullaballoos will be over. There are many ways to free yourself of the burden of New Years Eve expectations. Below are a few examples to give you an idea.

  1. Go on a trip

Somewhere else in the world isn’t celebrating New Year’s Eve yet, or they already have. Some places are almost a day ahead of the U.S. and others, like China, don’t celebrate it at all. Plus, if you spend New Years Eve traveling, it doesn’t really matter where you go. You’ll be busy during the celebrations and pleasantly distracted after. If you’ve been looking for a good excuse to do a solo adventure, this is a great one. Pick somewhere safe for lone travelers (or grab a single friend), secure your tickets, and focus on seeing someplace new.

  1. Get lost in a good story

Binge-watching a new series or reading an exciting book is an amazing way to leave the worries of the world behind. Delve deep into a show you’ve been meaning to watch or read yourself to sleep. Either way, you’ll be far too busy enjoying the narrative to worry about what other people are doing.

  1. Catch up on some ZZZs

Face it, you live a busy life and that’s part of why you’re single on New Years Eve. You’re always wishing you had more time to get more sleep and now you do. Use it! It’s even better if you have a day off after. Sleep in late. Your future self will thank you for starting this new year well-rested.

  1. Be productive and work on yourself

Instead of waiting for January 1 to begin achieving your new year’s resolution, why not start now? Nothing is holding you back from starting that new diet, stopping that old habit, or ticking off that bucket-list item. Prioritizing your self-growth is the best way to ensure you’re less lonely next year.

Option 2 – Celebrate your way

Just because people are brainwashed into believing there’s only one way to celebrate a new year doesn’t mean you can’t flip the script. Do New Years your way and have a blast while you’re at it. Here are some examples of how you can have a great time while single on New Years Eve.

  1. Go to a NYE Party

Does being single mean that you suddenly don’t know how to have fun anymore? Of course not! In fact – isn’t it the exact opposite? There are tons of parties and events happening across the nation. Find one, take some single friends with you, and go have a good time! It’s a no-brainer.

  1. Spend time with family

Friends come and go but family is forever. Okay, so not all families are the most fun to be around, but in more cases than not – it’s better than being alone. When you’re married with children, it gets harder to have shared celebrations like the holidays, so spend them with loved ones every chance you get.

  1. Throw a NYE Party

You’re probably not the only single person with nothing to do on New Years Eve. That’s why we’re writing this. Call up some friends, see what they’re doing and if enough want to hang out – organize a party of your own. Having a few friends over is a great way to take the edge off a stressful evening. It doesn’t even have to be NYE-themed. You can have an ironic party or just a regular hang out. It’s your party so the choice is yours!

  1. Join other singles at an event

This option may sound like going to a party, but trust us, it’s way better! Rather than going to a random place with random people, imagine being at an event specially designed for single people. A singles club is exactly that! If you don’t have single friends to call on, don’t want to go out alone, and aren’t able to choose Option 1 (and ignore everything) – this is the tip you’ve been waiting for. Join a singles club today!

Events & Adventures is a singles club that hosts over 30 activities every month in 14 cities across the United States. For over 30 New Years Eves, our singles clubs have brought quality singles together for fun and spectacular nights. Events & Adventures can help you fulfill several of the tips on this list – from planning and organizing international getaways, to throwing epic end-of-year events – we’ve got you covered. Get started today for a “single on New Years Eve” experience like no other, with single people just like you.

The “Single for the Holidays” Survival Guide

survive being single for the holidays with events and adventures like these singles members enjoying a night out with drinks

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and you’re spending it alone? Blasphemy! But don’t worry, Events & Adventures is here for you with the gift of good advice. We’ve made a list of all the reasons why being single for the holidays doesn’t have to mean being lonely, and yes, we’ve checked it twice. Welcome to the E&A Holiday Survival Guide!

Take Advantage of Cuffing Season

Even if you’ve never heard of the term “cuffing season”, we’re sure you’ve noticed that as the months get colder, people get closer. The term is used to describe the age-old phenomenon of people seeking out significant others during the winter months. And while frigid weather could be blamed for the gathering of body heat – somehow – this also happens in places where it’s warm all-year-round. The effects of cuffing season can be attributed to a number of speculatory factors, but there is real science behind the occurrence, too. Studies have found that since shorter days produce less sunlight, serotonin levels can drop significantly during the winter months. That means there are single people out there who are feeling blue in the cold – or the heat – and searching for someone to balance it out. So yeah, you’re not alone in your search this season – and that’s a scientific fact!

Avoid the Dating Apps and Websites

We know it’s a massive temptation, but try to avoid the electronic dating this season. When you’re lonely and potentially desperate for a connection – you’ll even settle for a match. But matches can either ignite into something beautiful, or as is more often the case, burn out before it even gets lit. Even if you’re logged in and swiping on something a bit more serious than Tinder, you don’t want to be getting catfished or ghosted during the holidays. These are emotions you can simply do without. Focus on something a bit more wholesome – like yourself, your loved ones, or more organic dating. Of course, if random hookups are right up your alley, go for it! We’re not against what makes you happy, but our advice is that there are much better options out there, particularly during the holidays.

Be Social on Social Media

If you’re on social media you’ve probably noticed some of your peers dropping subtle hints that they’re single. Stories, statuses, and memes can flood your feed with insightful, if not annoying information about other people’s dating lives. With cuffing season in mind, and the obvious cries for attention, this is probably the best time to pull out the old: “hey stranger” opener. We’re not advocating for desperately spamming inboxes with cringy pickup lines – please, no – but if your longtime crush is single for the holidays… this is your best chance to try reconnecting.

 

Embrace the Benefits of Being Single

Do you hear the single bells ringing? Being single for the holidays isn’t all bad. While most of these tips are intended to help you find someone you can share this magical season with, that isn’t a necessity. The holidays are more about family and friends than significant others. In fact, significant others often get in the way. Splitting the holidays between two families is never as much fun. Being single puts you in a unique position to spend quality time with the people who matter most to you, and also provides the freedom to find more. Nothing is wrong with embracing the spirit of the holidays by sharing it with the loved ones already in your life. Plus, you never know, you might meet someone accidentally! There’s an unexplained attractiveness and confidence that comes with being single and proud. Sometimes you need to stop looking to find what you’ve been looking for.

Here are some other great benefits of being single for the holidays:

  • No expectations
  • No awkward family introductions (or questions)
  • Festive first dates for awesome “how I met your mother” stories
  • No mistletoe monogamy – flirt, date, and mingle with impunity
  • Freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want
  • Vacation attractions and bucket list activities are cheaper and less crowded
  • Your single friends need you as much as you need them

Hit Up Your Single Friends

That last point is a great segue into our next. You probably have a few single friends that you can make holiday plans with. If you’ve ever wanted to take a trip or try a more unorthodox vacation, now’s the time. This is the best opportunity to get out of the cold and travel somewhere that the weather’s warmer and the water’s bluer. Or, perhaps you’d like to start new holiday traditions with your closest single buddies. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what a group of single friends can get up to, trust us!

However, if you live alone, are recently divorced, and/or don’t have any close friends or family nearby – being single for the holidays is likely something you’re dreading. A lonely Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve is something we wouldn’t wish on anyone – even introverts who typically enjoy being alone. It’s a time for sharing the gift of your presence and celebrating a whole new year of life. But don’t worry. If you don’t have any friends or family to call on – Events & Adventures has you more than covered this holiday season.

Join a Singles Social Club

Events & Adventures is a singles social club that is more about the community and the activities than the dating. Our members do find love, and often forge long-lasting relationships – even marriages, but that’s a side effect of organically meeting other members at social events. Our club has dozens of members in each of our 14 major cities across the United States and plan 30-plus fun activities every single month! Our members are all in the same boat – single for the holidays and looking for other singles to mingle with. Whether you take advantage of the cuffing season and couple up with a fellow skydiver, or meet some new friends at the local pub crawl, with Events & Adventures you’re never lonely. If this sounds like a great way to spend the holidays – contact us here and get started today!

How to Meet People in a New City

singles members ready to go skydiving

Moving can be just as exciting as it is scary. Unfamiliar surroundings with no friends or family can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Making friends and finding a date is easier than you think. A new city means a whole new world of opportunities to explore, places to visit, and people to meet! This move is a good thing. It’s a fresh start and you’re going to make the most of it. If you’d like some tips on how to meet people in a new city, stick around as we discuss a few tried and true methods.

Say Yes to Work Friends

Depending on your profession, making friends at work isn’t always reliable, but it’s definitely a good common ground to meet new people. Most of your coworkers will be locals, meaning you can soak up the culture and get answers to important questions without having to ask strangers. If you prefer to keep your working life and recreational life separate, that’s fine too! You can make great new connections and network with acquaintances without getting too involved or personal. Get a feel for who your colleagues are, and if you are lucky enough to have likeable, friendly coworkers who invite you to hang out – go! Life is too short to miss out on good opportunities. Keep it professional, though. You don’t want to get an embarrassing nickname or something in your first few weeks. Work friends can become some of your best friends, and can potentially introduce you to even more.

Get Involved in Your Community

Making connections is often as easy as being present and positive. You don’t have to volunteer at a local shelter to get involved in your new community. Of course, you could do that, but we suggest you start by saying a daily good morning to the person across the hall, or in the corner store, or helping an elderly person with their groceries. People tend to remember a simple smile and kind deed. You’ll be surprised how far those things can go. One day, on your way home, after you’ve been called by name and waved at by a few familiar faces, you’ll realize you already have a place in the neighborhood and know quite a few people. Connections lead to more connections. Have a hobby? Consider looking up and joining local clubs and Facebook groups that you’re interested in. The most common way people meet others is by sharing an interest they have in common. That could mean anything from taking a class to becoming a regular at the local watering hole. Meeting others is a guaranteed bonus of simply doing whatever you already enjoy doing, but first you have to get out and do it. So, go get involved!

Leverage the Contacts You Do Have

We’re sure you’ve thought of this one, but maybe not all the way through. Before moving to the city, you probably scoured your brain and contact list for anyone you might know there. The fact that you’re looking for tips means you either didn’t have any, or you’re trying to meet a significant other – not find something platonic. Regardless – did you consider friends of friends? Just because you don’t know anyone in the city, doesn’t mean your friends don’t. Want to know how to meet people in a new city? Start by crowdsourcing new connections. Ask that college buddy who mentioned they have a cousin living where you are now. Okay, that’s a stretch, but you get the idea! Reach out and start networking your way to a contact list in your new location. Like we said before – connections make connections.

Avoid Dating Apps or Matchmakers

We can’t give you all the dos without any of the don’ts, so here’s some quick advice that some people learn the hard way. If you’re looking for a significant other to spend your time with, either because you already have friends where you are, or just because that’s what you want right now – don’t turn to the apps. Matchmakers are notoriously promiscuous, and even in a big city, you run the risk of encountering awkward situations. Trust us, nothing is worse than moving somewhere new, hooking up with someone random, and then finding out that they work in the same building – or go to your gym. This is just our advice, but try meeting people the organic way first. Get a feel for your new environment, and then you can think about hitting up the apps. If you still want to, that is…

Do Something Out of Your Comfort Zone

As far as we know, you only get one life – so why not live a life you love? Putting yourself out there is the only way to make new connections, so naturally, introverts have it the hardest. For the more shy or reserved folks, going beyond the community involvement tip is unthinkable – especially in a new place. But what if there was an organization that made all of the introductions and icebreakers a little bit more palatable? What if you could pick and choose only the events you wanted to go to, with up to 30 different kinds planned and organized every single month? Oh, and did we mention that this happens in 14 cities across the U.S. and Canada? Events & Adventures is a singles club where chill events like bar crawls, game nights, and hobby classes are organized every night of the week. But that’s not all. You can also go on wild adventures like skydiving, whitewater rafting, and bucket-list travel destinations. The best part is, everyone is here to make new friends, do fun and exciting things that they mutually enjoy, and possibly – like many of our members have – find the one! If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, click here to learn more. And if you’re wondering where we’ve been all your life… join our singles club today! Whether you choose to use one, or all of these tips, we guarantee they’ll help you to start living a life you love. And, just in case you were wondering, that’s how to meet people in a new city.