When swiping through curated photos, filtered selfies, and expertly crafted profiles becomes more dating in real life than cheer, dating in real life, you may want to consider alternatives to online dating apps. “As much as I embrace technology, dating in real life, there’s nothing better than meeting someone in real life. Chemistry can tell chapters beyond a dating profile,” says relationship expert and matchmaker Destin Pfaff, who along with his wife Rachel Federoff, founded Love and Matchmaking. But in an era where dating apps rule, how does one go about meeting their meeting their soulmate the old-fashioned way? We asked the experts to share their tips how—and where—to meet someone out-of-this-world…in the real world.

Take yourself on a date.

We get it, you feel most comfortable when you’re singing Sweet Caroline with your crew, instead of humming your favorite song solo, into your Sauvignon Blanc. But that handsome guy who caught your eye? He’s probably not going to risk getting rejected in front of five of your BFFs. “In therapy, we work on building confidence and self-esteem to have the courage to go out by yourself or with one friend,” says psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, and author Kelley Kitley. “People are more approachable when dating in real life are at a social event without a group of people,” she says.

Consider pulling up to a bar seat at happy hour alone, with a great book. That page-turner can make a perfect conversation starter.

Volunteering is good. Working at the sign-in is better.

It makes sense that doing charity work is a great way to find a date: “You meet like-minded people who have the time to give back to the community and to support their passions,” says Tammy Shaklee, relationship expert and founder of the national offline matchmaking company, H4M Matchmaking.

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But what if THE ONE is stuck driving the van while you’re outside hammering nails? Your paths may never even cross, and that would be a bummer. Shaklee has the perfect solution: “Sit at the registration table,” she says. You’ll get to meet every participant who checks in!"

Say hello in the grocery dating in real life line.

Waiting is the worst. Who likes to stand there with nothing to do but count the freckles on the person's neck in front of you? But think dating in real life it this way: there’s nowhere else to go, so why not start a conversation? “It passes the time and you never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone,” says relationship expert and therapist Dr. Juliana Morris, who points out that if even if Mr. Right isn’t directly in front of you, dating in real life, it’s good to practice striking up conversations with strangers. “You never know if it could be a match or if they could know someone,” she says.

Participate in your church (or temple).

Wherever a community gathers, there’s a good chance of meeting someone—and places of worship are no exception. “Churches are redesigning ways to stay connected to attract community members,” says Shaklee. “Sign up to receive invites from your local religious organization for events like leadership conferences, modern music performances or evenings hosted by a quality speaker,” she suggests. According to Shaklee, some churches have coffee shops to athletic facilities so that even non-members can share feel comfortable sharing in the fellowship.

Take a solo trip on a group tour.

“Traveling can be a bring out the best of you,” says Morris. “Your mind is learning, dating in real life, you see new sights and cultures, and it can be a wonderful backdrop to get to know someone.” Many travel companies offer group trips designed especially for people traveling solo. Chinese dating apps Exodus Travels, 66 percent of their clients sign up for tours alone, dating in real life. Another option is Contiki, an eco-conscious company that appeals to younger travelers (think 18-35). Whether you prefer to cycle through Vietnam, or eat your your way through Paris, there’s a tour for you. Even you don’t meet your soul mate on the Inca Trail, you’re growing as a person, and that’s always attractive.

Flying is a first-class meeting zone.

If you decide to take a trip, keep in mind it's not just the destination…it’s the journey. “I always tell clients to look their best during traveling because people are bored and watching,” says Morris, who points out that not only do fellow travelers often have things in common, but they also have the time to connect (now that's a positive spin on a delayed flight!). A simple question like, “Are you flying home?” Or “What book are you reading?” can lead to much bigger conversations. “I know multiple dating in real life who have met their spouse in airport travels,” encourages Morris.

Learn something new.

“Doing something different can make you open up,” dating in real life Morris, “And people are attracted to open, vulnerable people.” If you're not sure where to start, or what to do dabble.co lists all kinds of cool classes by location. Or, similarly, dating in real life, meetup.com is a website where people can join (or create) groups that meet for dating in real life like hiking, golfing, or even coding. “Taking an interesting class will likely attract interesting people, that you may be interested in!” Says Pfaff. So whether it’s beer brewing, wine pairing, painting or sausage making, find something that piques your curiosity and go for it.

Pay attention to group calendars.

You may be tired of online dating, but don’t discount the internet as a tool all together. “Sites like feverup.com or eventbrite.com can provide great information on fun events going on around your town,” says Pfaff. He also recommends checking out your Facebook Events, which lists what’s going on near you. Pfaff likes that you can see profiles of who’s “interested,” so you can get an idea who might be there, even before you go. “These are great ways to scope out activities where you could possibly meet someone,” he says.

Walk a dog.

If this sounds cliche, sorry, dating in real life, not sorry! (Because it's true!) “Dogs are great conversation starters…and distractors,” says Morris. For example, not sure what to say after hello? How about “What’s your dog’s name?” But dating in real life more than a good ice breaker, when you’re caring for a dog you’ll seem more approachable and kindhearted to others, says Morris. “If you’re a true pet lover, your relationship with your pet can show a vulnerable side of you that gives others a peek into your personality.”

We saved the easiest, and best, for last: Smile.

There’s no happy filter IRL. So you’re gonna have to work those cheek muscles on your own. We’re not saying you need to be in a good mood all the time. That’s foolish. But from the bank to the bike path, “you can ‘accidentally’ meet someone almost anywhere in your day to day,” says Pfaff. “Be open to the universe delivering to you in the least expected places,” he says. When that happens, he says to “put your best self forward.” So the next time you spot someone who catches your fancy, try this crazy idea: “Make eye contact and smile!” What happens bi sexual dating site may be even more satisfying than swiping right.

• Dating apps are now a common way to meet people, though there are many who prefer not to use them.
• People have various reasons for not using them, from saying they're a waste of time to preferring natural, in-person chemistry.
• Here, 21 people reveal why they don't use dating apps — and how they meet people instead.

Though dating apps are a common way to meet people these days, there are still many people who prefer to meet romantic prospects in real life for the first time.

According whats it like dating an indian girl a 2017 report by Statista, 61% of Americans aged 18-29 and 44% of Americans 30-59 are currently using a dating site/app or have used teenage lesbian dating apps in the past. However, a 2018 survey by polling platform The Tylt found that almost 84% of millennials would rather find love “in real life” than online.

"Meeting people ‘in the wild' makes conversations more organic and easygoing," Maria Avgitidis, founder ofAgape Match, a matchmaking service based in NYC, told Business Insider in an email.

Read More: 12 traits that 'perfectly happy' couples have in common, according to a new study

Avgitidis said that meeting in person provides an opportunity for exploration, curiosity, and a different kind of sexual tension. "More significantly, you're not hiding behind a screen and turning a soulmate into a pen pal," she said.

Here, 21 people reveal why they don't use dating apps — and how dating in real life meet people instead. The answers have been condensed and edited for clarity.

1. Charlene, 40

"I'd been in long-distance relationships up until a few years ago and dating in real life no desire to try dating apps since becoming single. My friends use them, and their complaints about the quality dating in real life matches, the dilemma of too much choice, dating in real life, and the buildup of chatting with someone for weeks only to meet in person and not have chemistry completely put me off of dating apps. Swipe and chat my day away on yet another app? I don't have time for that!

Luckily, I'm an extrovert who's OK with alone time, so being by myself and striking up conversations is my zone. Meeting men is easy because I'm living my life and doing what interests me and, luckily, since they're there, too, it's something they're interested in, dating in real life, as well.

I think men can sense that I don't have an agenda — I'm not focused on dating just to date or find 'The One,' but am interested in connecting with people and cultivating knowledge and building relationships (not just one Relationship with a capital 'R')."

2. Supriya, 29

"I am not a fan of dating apps at all! Though a lot of my friends use them and narrate the fun experiences they've had, the idea doesn't resonate with me — they're nothing but an algorithm.

I think the probability of meeting a person through friends or family at a party or a get-together is more convincing to me. Meetups for like-minded people with common interests sound great, too. Meeting someone in a situation like that sets the tone and a topic for conversation, dating in real life, whereas my friends who use apps get so nervous about how they'll be perceived on their coffee date!"

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3. Chris, 29

"I can't stand dating apps — it takes the whole chase out of the equation, dating in real life, which is the fun part for both parties. I used one for about a month and people would respond once or twice, then never dating in real life back again. It seemed like they were on there to get validation, but not to follow through with actually going out. It was a big waste of time.

I meet girls at the gym — which is a healthy habit anyway! — and it works out great. I feel in my element there, and that is where your self-esteem is most high, in your element or place or expertise. I highly recommend it."

4. Sarah, 34

"I don't use dating apps because I don't think they are an accurate representation of the person, dating in real life. People tend to overdo it with the apps and only tell you the best parts about themselves, dating in real life, which inevitably leads to disappointment when you find out they are a slob or have anger issues. I think apps are actually ruining dating for everyone, because they create unrealistic expectations.

Instead, I make it a point to go to events where I can meet new people: friends' birthday parties, coworking spaces (and all of the events they put on), and honestly, I sometimes just give my number out to men I meet at coffee shops or grocery stores.

I've had great success, dating in real life, and there is way less pressure versus dating in real life the back-and-forth and eventual meeting that happens on dating apps. Now, I'm dating a guy I met at a picnic my friend organized a month ago."

Read more: 15 science-backed tips to get someone to fall in love with you

5. Angelique, 24

"It seems like everyone in my generation/age group is using some sort dating in real life dating app, but I don't see it as an authentic way of connecting on a deeper best dating site for seniors with someone. I dabbled with Tinder, and, wow, was I overwhelmed! I was forgetting what stories I told to who, what plans I had with who … so I deleted the app and made more space on my phone, dating in real life was way more important!

I'm an outgoing person who has interest in many activities — slacklining, surfing, snowboarding, running, biking, hiking, etc. I actually met the love of my life through slacklining at the beach — which was the most authentic and organic way it could have possibly happened. Her name is Erika, dating in real life, and we now live happily in Berkeley, CA."

6. Holly, 53

"I don't use dating apps because my town is small, and I worry that my dating profile would become public knowledge. There was a time when I was on Match.com and dated someone for over a year. For now, I'm tired of online dating.

I have this belief that if I want to meet a man, I need more women in my life, because all women have a man or two whom they are friends with, but don't want to date. So rather than going online, I mine my friends, new and old, to see if they know someone I might like. It's a much better way to meet new people, dating in real life. I'm not lonely, so getting to meet new men is a fun way to spend a free evening."

dating after divorce old and fat Reuters/Bernardo Montoya samoa singles dating

7. Lisa, 47

"I don't use dating apps — quite frankly, I'm too busy dating scottish women picky. I consider myself a success-minded, ambitious person, and my main complaint with dating sites is that sifting through prospects becomes added work. When you reach a level of success and you're in business, you become pickier about who you want as a partner and rely more on introductions and after-work social gatherings to meet people.

I maintain my energy in such a way that I attract fun, interesting people everywhere I go, dating in real life. Meeting someone that I'd be interested in romantically wasn't ever an issue for me. I guess it's one of the benefits of being a teenager in the '80s, and in my 20s in the ‘90s, when flirting was mastered as opposed to relying on an app or profile pic. Most people I know who are earning over $150,000 per year aren't wasting time on dating apps, dating in real life.

I'm a love-life coach and met my boyfriend face-to-face over two years ago while out in the world! It was a Sunday Funday. I was at an outdoor marina restaurant and when his friend recognized me from Facebook and called me over I said hi to the man who is now my boyfriend. I sat down next to him and started a conversation — imagine that!"

8. Anonymous, 31

"Dating apps work for a lot of people, but they aren't for everyone. As the novelty wanes, users tend to cycle them on and off, which leads to a high volume of matches who have gone inactive.

Instead, it's much more fun meeting people the old-fashioned way — actually socializing. Go out with friends, have a good time, and speak to people that take your fancy. There's no pressure to perform — just have fun with ssbbw women for dating you're comfortable with and meet new people on your terms. It's fun, rewarding, and allows you to meet all kinds of people."

9. Liz, 28

"One time for 24 hours, I tried dating apps just to see what they were all about, but I prefer to meet people organically, at the gym, bars, volunteering, and through friends of friends. I haven't found 'The One,' but I've met people all those ways. Just put yourself out there!"

Read More: My partner and I come from different cultures — here are the main barriers we face

10. Anshu, 24

"I don't use dating apps because, to me, it aims for what I call a "bed relationship," when my purpose is to search for a long-term relationship. (I used one or two platforms and most of the messages were asking to have a "bed relationship." After those experiences, I stopped.)

Instead, I meet people through classes (I am a yoga master) or conferences, where I get to know them, get to know more about their career, and so on. It is more secure than just using dating apps and wasting time. In fact, I used this approach and met someone in a yoga class."

11. Audrey, 39

"I've tried several dating apps, dating in real life, but abandoned them a few years ago. I find top lesbian dating sites a lot of sifting through chaff involved — kind of like real life, really, but with dating in real life people who are in it for a one-night stand.

Also, all that swiping gets tedious after a while, and most people can't piece together a compelling profile, so it's not even like you get an dating in real life read!

I still find meeting people through friends is the best way. Or, through social causes — volunteering for a charity, etc. — I recommend that as quite an effective method to meet like-minded people, dating in real life. Otherwise, I don't think people should rule out watering holes. I've found a couple of long-term partners that way."

12. Stacy, 27

"I've tried apps in the past, but never actually met anyone that I would want to meet in person. I think this is because I tend to become attracted to people after developing an in-person connection with them. I don't have crushes on celebrities, pictures of people, or people I've met only once, so it makes sense dating apps wouldn't work well for me."

dating in real life Jeff Chiu/AP

13. Chelsea, 26

"I've made two attempts in the last six years at using dating apps. First Tinder, then Hinge, and both lasted, at most, three days, dating in real life. My main issue with app dating is how uninteresting, or word-smithy, people are. I swear, it's dating as a plus size woman pulling teeth to get more than a sentence or two.

I also find that similar to most online culture, some people are willing to share FAR too personal information too soon. So I'd say it's not working out with apps, for me, at least.

I thrive in organic environments with naturally developing relationships from acquaintance to friend to potential partner — I'm past my one-night-stand days."

14. Sherry, 40s

"I got burned out from too many disappointments — personal ads in New York Press a couple of times, Nerve.com, then OkCupid. It wasn't all bad, but still, whether out of frustration or because I actually met someone promising, I'd take breaks. And, after too much feeling bad, both for rejecting and being rejected, I quit all together.

A few years ago, I met someone organically, and it was amazing. We were together for over two years, and then situations changed and, well, now I'm single again. This time, I think I'm just going to accept singleness and maybe someday I'll get lucky."

15. Scarlett, 22

"I'm old-fashioned and personally believe dating apps ruin our view of relationships, dating in real life.  With apps, we too easily dispose of people and are quick to get into new, meaningless relationships. In dating in real life experience, dating apps have made me feel like if things don't work out with someone, I can turn to the apps."

Read More: 7 science-backed reasons why you're better off being single

16, dating in real life. Lauren, 29

"My roommate and I debate this topic all the time, since she is a dating app user. I tried Bumble for a minute — that wasn't too terrible because I felt like I was a african dating site more in control of my fate, dating in real life. But, overall, I hate them. I think they're a load of bull.

They feel so insincere, photos never actually look like the people when you meet them, and when you finally connect with someone, the conversations are severely lacking. These dating apps are also very taxing on one's self-esteem. It's rough to take a look at an empty inbox, especially if you've swiped someone and you're waiting for them to match with you. You also base so much on a simple swipe left dating in real life right motion and very rarely get a chance to see how the person acts when they're not "on display."

I'm a big fan of meeting people at concerts, bars, networking events, and through friends. If I meet someone somewhere I frequent, at a concert of a band I love, or through a friend, I feel like there's already some sort of established level of commonality. I met the guy I'm currently with through a friend of mine, and he's honestly wonderful."

17. Teresa, 29

"I went on Tinder for dating in real life days once, and I found it pretty horrifying. I'm all about encouraging the IRL trend.

I enjoy the thrill of random encounters, spontaneity, and romance that unfolds organically. Sometimes, I meet people through work connections, dating in real life, but mainly through social events and a pretty large global community of awesome people and entrepreneurs who love dancing, dating in real life, celebrating, and house music, dating in real life.

And yes, having a relationship in NYC is possible. I always recommend that people do what works for them! Spending less time with eyes glued to a phone screen can't hurt, though."

James Alcock/Getty Images dating in real life

18. Eva, 39

"I do not use dating apps because of the overabundance of bad dates and strange people I have met over the years. I have used Tinder, dating in real life, OkCupid, The League, and Hinge, and they really are dating in real life the same in both San Francisco and Dating in real life Angeles.

I have had luck meeting men by random encounters — from bars to supermarkets to on the street, and, guess what? They are weird, too.

I also seek out Meetups for fun alternatives for dating in real life people. I would recommend trying some real-time opportunities. It's much better because you can get an actual read on someone, as opposed to chatting through an app to a photo from God knows when."

19. Lauren, 23

"I've never signed up for a dating site or app and have been in and out of relationships since apps became popular a few years ago.

Personally, I believe in naturally meeting a person and having the confidence to make that connection in-person from the start. I've found success doing this by attending or joining social events or groups, having the guts to actually introduce myself at a bar, and — most recently — being set up by a mutual friend. I've been with that same 'set up' guy for one year now and could not be happier!

My advice would be to stop hiding behind a screen and seriously put yourself out there when trying to meet new people! You'll be surprised how impressed those on the other side are when you make that first move in 'real life.' Try intramural sports, dating in real life, professional development organizations, dating in real life, or volunteer groups!"

Flickr / zenjazzygeek

20. Jacki, 26

"I've never been on a dating app or site of any kind. Although Dating in real life love swiping for my friends, it always bothered me how superficial the process seemed when thinking about it 100 free dating site in malaysia myself. Also, I get creeped out enough in real life — I don't need to invite that into my pocket.

Instead, I've had success finding people by going out and being active: going to a bar, dating in real life, meeting new friends, joining a running club, etc. Do what you love, but make it a social experience, which helps attract people who are interested in the same things. I've seen apps work for friends, dating in real life, but in my book, nothing beats the old-fashioned way."

21, dating in real life. Sherina, 37

"I don't use dating apps. I have before and was meeting men who just wanted a quick fix — I don't mean sex, but just having someone so they aren't lonely. Each time I used apps, it was because I felt bored or lonely.

I believe in the law of attraction — you attract who you are at any moment. I haven't used apps in over a year and focused on my happiness, and wow! I get approached by men often and I don't even try. It's true. When you aren't looking, it happens. I am currently not dating, but it feels like I have put myself out there more than previously!"