Seasonal ballads such as “All I want for Christmas is You,” have finally been dismissed from public circulation, yet you are still yearning for that special someone to share time with, even if it isn’t for time spent “beneath the Christmas tree.” It’s difficult to find like-minded individuals now-a-days, particularly during the holiday season. This is especially true of black professionals, hoping to find romance outside of the work place. Don’t worry, Liberette has your back. We’ve done a wee bit of field research into the realm of black professional dating, and we’ve discovered a few surefire ways for you to have a sweetie to serenade the next time Christmas songs are back in season.
Downtown Dining: Chicago has a few great features, one of those being great cuisine on nearly every other block of the city. But these restaurants can offer more than braised pork or chicken curry; they can offer you the opportunity to meet other singles. When dining out with girlfriends, make sure to find dining establishments that encourage mingling and social interaction. Establishments such as G-Cue (located on 157 N. Morgan Street), Miller’s Pub (134 S. Wabash) are great sit-downs that have a nightlife feel to them.
Shopping: This town is a Midwestern shopping oasis. There is no other centralized location in the tri-state area that has as many places to buy and sell. And, where there is buying and selling, there are people –more specifically, men…black men. In a great deal of shops and boutiques, there are eligible singles browsing the aisles, searching for their next business suit, but that’s a terrific place to find a new suitor. Scenario: You enter the store with a good friend, preferably male, and you’re “searching” for a suit. There is a man there, hopefully single, browsing for a suit, and needy for a woman’s opinion –and you just happen to be there. Brooks Brothers Suits (713 North Michigan Avenue), Astor & Black Custom Clothiers (600 W Jackson Blvd), Black Suits at Macy’s (111 North State Street) are business men hot-spots.
Grocery: We all need it and we all like it; food is essential to our development and cognitive growth, so it makes sense that we all spend a great deal of time, at the grocery store, stocking up on the essentials. With that, it’s practical that love connections can be found in the spice aisle or in the produce area over a pound of carrots. When seeking a grocery store, commit to a store that actually sells groceries, not a corner store or a liquor store, and definitely not a mega market. Those stores speak to frivolity or gluttony, while grocery stores speak to sustenance. Seek out supermarkets such as Pete’s Fresh Market and Whole Foods, which encourage healthy living. Also, if you’re interested, check out men’s guide to picking up women: http://www.thechicagoguys.com/how-to-pick-up-chicks-at-grocery-stores/ or http://www.askmen.com/dating/player_150/197_love_games.html.
Drinks after work: A long day’s work deserves cool cervezas. And, oh boy, are there a great deal of places to get your early evening buzz on. Men and women, alike, flood the post-work bar scene, interacting on various levels. There are a lot of cool, hip places all around the city, such as: Funky Buddha Lounge (728 West Grand Avenue # 1), Rednofive (440 North Halsted Street) and Flat Iron (1565 North Milwaukee Avenue) that cater to young people who want to be social.
Learn more about your friend’s boyfriend, and their friends: So, if you’re wondering how your friend landed such a catch, then probe. If he’s a great guy, there’s a possibility that he has great friends. With that possibility, create situations where meeting friends of boyfriends become usual. Throwing a gathering is always an option. Also, consider crashing parties with your coupled friends, with the intention to leave with someone.
Someone else’s work party: When the holiday season rolls around, holiday parties are mainstay for not only fun but networking opportunities. People rarely think of these events as a possible platform for meeting love interests, however, but it’s a great way to connect with other professions in an organic and celebratory environment.
Online Dating: Technology has been harnessed in our favor over the past few years. Video dating and party lines have gone the way of the doo wop, and everyone can spend their time online, networking with individuals, in hopes of enriching their personal lives. There are dozens of dating websites which connect individuals; this includes eharmony.com, okcupid.com and match.com. There are also sites geared toward black individuals, such as: www.blacksingles.com, http://www.afrointroductions.com, http://www.blackprofessionalpeoplemeet.com, and www.afroromance.com.
Speed Dating: Yes, speed dating is alive and well, and singles in Chicago are making their rounds. The Black Single Professionals in Chicago hosts single and mingle events ever so often, and best way to take advantage is join their meet-up page, so you can access Black professional singles.
