Avoiding the Meat Markets

Singles events can sometime feel awkward, forced, and like meat markets. You walk into a room and feel self-conscious feel like you're being judged by everyone (cause, you are). Ms. Avi's advice: join a young professional group that plans activities, and then attend the activities. You don't meet single men/women simply by being on an an e-mail list...you must actually get off the couch and go to events! Not only will you be able to meet other Jewish singles, but you may also make new same-sex friends as well. Two of the most popular DC/NoVA/MD groups are GesherCity and YPK (Young Professionals Kesher).

GesherCity: Join the different “clusters” based on your interests. Interests include the Outdoors, Books, NYC Natives, and Techies. Not all clusters post events on the website, so your best bet is to officially join clusters that interest you and the coordinators will send evites or e-mail the cluster with upcoming events. If you go alone to events, you may be more likely to meet people and will be more approachable to men/women than if you go with a huge group of your girlfriends. Ages: 21-35. People recieve nasty e-mails at 35 saying that they're no longer elidgeable for GesherCity --> but it does serve to keep the single 40 yr old men from hitting on the 20 yr old girls. There are even two clusters for NoVA --> check out the Fairfax Cluster and the Arlington Cluster. Past Fairfax events include, hiking, bowling, camping in Western MD, game night, wine tasting with the Federation, comedy show at the JCCNV, services at Adat Reyim, and country-western dancing.

YPK: BBQ's, happy hours, hikes, baseball games. This group originally from NoVa, has expanded to include DC and MD. They have a wider age range, 20's-30's (which really tranlates into early 40's) so the 21-25 crowd may not feel as comfortable. If you're looking for a close-knit community, YPK has more repeat attendees, so you're more likely to see the same faces again.

Future Posts: Great DC/NoVa Dates, DC Sports Leagues, Dancing

Sunday 6/28 Thirties and Forties Jewish Speed Dating

http://www.prosinthecity.com/index.cfm?CityId=1&action=events#Event8052

For details, click on the link above. This event is not at some loud DC bar. It's at Stacy's Coffee Parlor in Falls Church, VA. Do you have anything better to do on a Sunday night anyway?

Notes for Him: Takes one/two notes about every girl you potentially want to contact after the event. That way if you e-mail her after the event you have something better to say than "hey, it was great meeting you, let's get together." When you message her, write something specific that you remember about her or your 4-minute conversation.

Notes for Her: Men are attracted to bright colors and feminine clothes. Dress as if you're going on a first date at the venue. Once, a women showed up black cocktail dress to Stacy's - completely out of place. A casual dress or skirt works well.