Imagine a place in which you are completely at ease, a place where you have no guard up because you're simply there to enjoy yourself and have a good time. A place of genuine interest to you, a place you actually want to be. Now, write that place down.   Chances are you didn’t write down the name of a club or a bar. The fact of the matter remains that at bars and clubs, p...

Imagine a place in which you are completely at ease, a place where you have no guard up because you're simply there to enjoy yourself and have a good time. A place of genuine interest to you, a place you actually want to be. Now, write that place down.

Chances are you didn’t write down the name of a club or a bar. The fact of the matter remains that at bars and clubs, people usually have their defenses up. Women are defending themselves against men who are on the prowl looking for a one-night stand. Men are likewise defending themselves from women who will all-too-casually ask for a drink and then pass along a fake number. The whole purpose of trying to meet people becomes counterproductive as you begin to use tactical approaches to get past peoples' guards instead of getting to know them genuinely.

So where can you go to meet people and still remain at ease, guard down, and enjoy yourself? There are many options out there, and some of them might be a lot closer than you think. Here are some ideas to get you started on your quest to meet people and make a real connection: 

Bookstores / The Library
Just as bookstores have different sections for specific topics, they also categorize the type of people you will meet. When meeting someone in your favorite section, it’s easy to talk about the type of books you’ve both read and recommend some new titles to each other as well. Best of all, these conversations happen genuinely and organically and can be easily continued at the in-store café or local coffee shop. These connections are based on common interests and not ulterior motives and intentions, so you'll know you're off to a good start.

Classes
Classes of different kinds including dance, cooking, and language can be great places to meet people. These types of environments foster learning atmospheres where people must be open to new things, and thus, more likely open to new people. Furthermore, these types of classes encourage people to communicate with each other, so no need for corny openers here. Lastly, the best thing about these types of places is that the nature of classes encourages you to keep these newfound relationships going. You can easily ask one of your fellow classmates to meet outside of class to practice a new dance move, speak a new language, or even try out a new recipe.

Museums / Art Galleries / Poetry events
People who come to these events are often of an open mindset and are willing to speak about their favorite poems, artists, and art styles. Poetry events are especially good for this because people become very emotional and expressive, allowing for their true colors to come shining through. This is also a great opportunity for you not only to learn new things about yourself, but to share those things with others and possibly make a connection.

The truth is, there are tons of places you can go to meet people of genuine interest. The trick is to go to places where YOU are actually interested in going. If you go somewhere with the sole purpose of trying to pick up women or desperately seeking affection, you will most likely meet people who are guarded against you. Don’t be afraid to go somewhere you’ve never gone or do something that you’ve never done to meet someone new. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to think outside the bar.