So apparently… people used to meet in real life. Like… outside. With eye contact. Without stalking someone’s Instagram from 2017 first.
We found this list from “Body and Soul” of ways to meet “dateable humans” IRL and decided to translate it into something that actually makes sense for college students.
1. Step One: Look Up From Your Phone (We Know, Horrifying)
The article basically says: stop staring at your screen because no one is going to approach someone who looks like they’re texting their therapist mid-crisis.
Translation: If you’re glued to TikTok in public, the only thing approaching you is your screen time notification.
2. Your Classroom = Lowkey Dating Pool
You’re already forced to be there. You already suffer together. You already complain about the same professor.
That’s basically marriage.
3. Join a Club (Yes, Even the Weird Ones)
Chess club. Improv club. That one club that meets at 9pm for no reason.
You might meet someone… or at least someone who also made a questionable life decision that night.
4. The Gym (But Like… Don’t Be Weird)
You’re both sweaty. You’re both struggling. Romance.
Just don’t hit on someone mid-deadlift unless you want to get benched emotionally and physically.
5. Coffee Shops = Main Character Energy
Sit there. Sip your overpriced latte. Pretend to do homework.
Maybe someone will fall in love with your “I’m productive but actually not” vibe.
6. Parties (The Classic)
Go to the party. Talk to strangers. Lose your voice yelling over music.
Worst case: you get free pizza.
Best case: you get a number you forget to text.
7. Friends of Friends = Pre-Approved Humans
Meeting someone through friends is basically like: “Hey, this person has already been background checked.”
Less risk. More chaos.
8. Volunteer (Be Hot AND Helpful)
You’re saving the world AND increasing your chances of meeting someone decent? This is what we call a two-for-one special.
9. Grocery Store (Mainly for the Bit)
The article suggests this. We don’t know why.
But imagine: “Hey… do you know how to pick a good avocado?” Boom. Wedding bells.
10. Talk to People (This Feels Illegal)
Apparently… you can just start a conversation. No DM. No swipe. No algorithm. Just vibes.
11. Eye Contact (Advanced Level)
Hold eye contact for more than 0.3 seconds and suddenly you’re in a Netflix rom-com.
Or you panic and look at the ceiling. No in-between.
12. Singles Events (Yes, They Still Exist)
Speed dating is back. And honestly? Kinda iconic. It’s like rapid-fire interviews but for your love life.
13. Bars (Shocking, We Know)
But instead of just yelling “WHAT?” over music… maybe actually talk to someone?
14. Get a Hobby That Requires Leaving Your Room
If your only hobbies are:
- scrolling
- laying down
- rewatching the same show
…you’re not meeting anyone except your DoorDash driver.
15. Stop Being Afraid of Rejection
You will get rejected. We all will. But according to experts, it’s part of the process and not the end of your life (even if it feels like it).
16. Be Slightly Approachable
Take out your AirPods. Uncross your arms. Don’t look like you’re about to fight someone.
17. Group Hangouts > Isolation Mode
Going out in smaller groups (or even alone) makes it easier for people to talk to you.
Huge groups = socially terrifying.
Small groups = slightly less terrifying.
18. Go Literally Anywhere New
If you only rotate between:
- your bed
- your kitchen
- your friend’s couch
…your soulmate is not magically spawning there. Try a new place. Shocking concept.
19. Lower the Pressure (You’re Not on “The Bachelor”)
Not every interaction has to be “THE ONE.”
Sometimes you just:
- meet someone cool
- make a friend
- or get a funny story for the group chat
And honestly… that’s still a win.
Final Thoughts (From Tired College Students)
Meeting people in real life sounds terrifying…. but also kinda refreshing?
Like yeah, dating apps are convenient…. but so is eating ramen every day, and we know how that ends.
So maybe:
- look up from your phone
- go outside occasionally
- talk to one (1) human
Worst case: awkward moment.
Best case: you meet someone cool.
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