By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
July 20, 2001
You haven’t had a date since Dubya’s dad was in the White House. The last time you went dancing, stonewashed jeans were in style. And your idea of a great evening is whining to anyone who’ll listen about the dearth of available men in Chicago.
Wake up! It’s time to get back in the game. No matter how much women complain to the contrary, this city is full of eligible men.
First step in this mission very possible, sweetie, is to get out of the house. We know you’d rather eat take-out and watch a repeat of ”Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” But unless there’s something you’re not sharing with us, you’re not going to meet a man in your living room.
So get your game plan in order. Slip into that strappy little dress–they make ’em for big girls, too–climb into your favorite pair of funky shoes and head outdoors. Once you’ve eyeballed the man you like, don’t sit there like Melanie from Gone With the Wind. Men aren’t going to do all the work. Smile. Send over a drink. Or, God forbid, approach him and break the sound barrier.
”Men approach women all the time and get shot down a lot,” says Kimberly Williams, a relationship columnist for www.aalize.com. ”If you turn the tables and introduce yourself to a guy, he’ll be flattered because it doesn’t happen as often to men as it does to women.
”Women worry about being rejected, but I always say it’s not rejection if you don’t know these people.”
So what if he decides you’re not his type?
”You could be his friend’s type. Being single is a numbers game. You have to meet as many people as you can,” Williams says.
And if the smart, funny and handsome guy you hit on happens to be committed to another woman, or man, don’t freak out. You still can work the situation to your advantage. If he’s this wonderful, his friends are probably pretty great, too.
”If you get along really well with him, let him know you’re available and that he should keep you in mind when he’s trying to fix up his best friend or cousin,” Williams says. ”He just may have the perfect guy for you.”
Remember: Men want us as much as we want them.
Now get to work.
*****
Where to find them
Unfortunately, there are no magic spots where gorgeous eligible, single men cluster. But we’ve found some places that are XY heavy. Because we care, we’ll share:
North Avenue Beach: Buff, shirtless men playing beach volleyball. Who doesn’t like that? Enjoy the view, and if the opportunity arises, join in the game.
Street fests: Always a good breeding ground for single men.We suggest: Rhythm and Roots Festival, which runs through Aug. 26, at the Brookfield Zoo; Sheffield Garden Walk and Festival, July 21-22; Taste of Lincoln Avenue, July 28-29; and Venetian Night, July 29.
Martial arts studios: ”Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” may have sparked an interest in martial arts in America, but it’s still a male-dominated sport. You do the math.
Wrigley Field or Comiskey Park: Bleachers. Beer. Sun. The boys are a bonus.
Museums: From the Art Institute’s ”After Hours” to MCA’s ”First Fridays,” some of Chicago’s finest cultural institutions are doing their part to provide beautiful settings for singles to meet.
Big Bowl, 6 E. Cedar: The setting isn’t intimidating, and the staff is pretty easy on the eyes.
Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron: There’s Latin dancing on Friday and Saturday nights, and the men aren’t afraid to ask you to dance. So don’t be afraid to say yes.
Starbucks: This coffee joint is a great spot to meet men because the lines are usually long enough that you have time to strike up a conversation with fellow java junkies.
Lakefront: Notice those men jogging, in-line skating and biking? They also stop to lift weights and stretch out at the mini-exercise stations dotted along the lakefront. Coincidentally, you’re there, too.
