You’ve seen it in movies. It’s a hundred percent possible. A person meets another person. A few days later, they’re confessing their eternal, unbreakable love.
And then you’re there. On the couch, munching on your chips and probably thinking, “I want what they have.”
Don’t get it wrong — there’s nothing wrong with this. It’s just that… movie characters find love because they get out of the house and because it’s a movie. Think of this as the makeover montage or the best friend who drags you off the sofa.
Maybe, the answer to finding love is going out and being present in places where you also enjoy your hobbies.
1. The Bar
It’s the most common meet-cute scenario there is. Hangout at the bar and wait for someone to send you a free drink, come up to you, or let the bartender initiate the conversation. There could be three outcomes: you find love, it reminds you why it’s always better in movies, or you’ll get free life advice.
Because the goal is to achieve the first outcome, it’s best to keep an open mind. Consider being as engaging as possible: ask questions, talk about your interests, or talk about ‘The Big Topics’. This way, you can find your match or at least someone you’ll click with. There’s more to the quality bar service than serving cocktails and helping you get drunk.
2. The Court
Remember Annie Hall? Not the most hopeful and romantic example, but movie lovers would agree that it’s one of the best meet-cutes. So, the next time your friends invite you to play tennis, try giving it a shot. After all, ‘love’ is a term in tennis for a reason.
If you’re not one for sports, consider trying it out even once. You’ll never know what it can bring, just make sure to be a team player. Through sports, you’ll also find out different qualities about a person: their leadership skills, ability to be with other people, competitiveness, sportsmanship, etc. These social aspects are needed in a relationship, too!
3. The Train
The ever-so-popular Before Trilogy began with a train ride. The emotional, fragmented roller coaster that is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind starts with a train ride. So many things can happen in trains, and one of them could be falling in love. Perhaps, it’s enough to say that you’re in for a ride.
In real life, people will be minding their own business–sleeping, reading books, staring into space, etc. If you’re lucky enough and determined to turn your life into a movie, always have a presence of mind. You’ll never know when someone will approach you and strike a conversation. Besides, a heightened awareness of your surroundings enhances safety, so there’s nothing to lose.
The Caveat
Movie meet-cutes, when translated to real-life circumstances, can be creepy. Instead of turning your life into a movie, a more productive goal could be learning to get out of your comfort zone. It’s in these social interactions that ‘the magic’ happens. Sometimes, people can be interesting, and this is something one can only uncover when they constantly meet new people.
