I'm currently sitting on a plane (three hours late, mind you) en route to Austin, Texas to participate in the annual O. Henry Pun Competition. Yes, this is a thing... and it's serious. This is the second year I've gone to this competition, and win or lose (though hopefully win), I know I'm going to have a good time. Why? Because the entire weekend is filled with like-minded nerds who love words ... just like me.
You might be scratching your head right about now, wondering why I'd be talking about my proclivity for wordplay rather than doling out some dating advice as I usually do. Not to fear _ there is a method to my madness.
These events, or any special interest event, do two things: invite people who have similar interests to come together and provide a space for you to be in your element. If I'm just walking around with my friend Lisa, for example, and I make a pun, there is a 100 percent chance that she will roll her eyes at me. Yet if I make a pun (well, a good one, and we can debate what makes it good later) when I'm in Austin, I'm celebrated. Seeing someone in his or her element is an attractive quality.
Clients always ask me how to meet someone in real life, or offline. While I'll always suggest putting yourself in a place where you know other people are single and looking (speed-dating, singles Meetups, etc.), I'll also suggest seeking out events or groups that cater to your specific interests. That way, you're having a good time anyway, as I plan to this weekend, and if you happen to meet someone, it's only an added bonus.
I have heard numerous stories of people getting together _ either in the short term or the long term _ at these events. Same with hiking groups, Game of Thrones watch parties, tennis tournaments, you name it. Now, don't simply join a group where you have no interest in the activity because that defeats the purpose. For example, if you hate fishing, don't sign up for the weekend fly fishing class in the hopes of meeting someone. You'll not only be miserable (sounds like my worst nightmare, personally), but you will also not be showcasing the best version of yourself.
I have personally gone on numerous dates with people I have met at these types of events over the years for the reasons I've shared. And then I already know one thing is for certain _ they find me funny! As opposed to a former serious relationship I was in where whenever I made a "dad joke," my boyfriend would essentially ignore me, leading me to jokingly (though not really) say, "At least pretend you think I'm funny." Never again.
Are shared interests the most important thing in a relationship? That's debatable, depending on how you assign value to certain elements, but it sure doesn't hurt.
Homework time: What's your "thing" that gets you excited and puts you in your element? Now go do it! Keep your eyes peeled for dates, but more importantly, just be yourself and have fun.
Post-weekend update: I won third place!
