When you’re a single woman, a good man is hard to come by.
It’s easy for the smug marrieds. They don’t need to “find a partner” for that black-tie dinner or sit awkwardly through dinner parties where gender numbers are uncomfortably uneven. Determined to find him, six bored with- bars, single Shape staffers dared to go public in their hunt. Here’s what they found:
Features writer, Andrea Ketteringham TRIES THE CONNOISSEUR’S APPROACH
“I signed up for a six-week wine tasting course at The Nose Wine Bar, partly because I’m interested in learning more about wine, and partly because I thought it might be a good place to meet guys with similar interests.”
How it worked “We sat at long tables of about 20 people per table and took notes while the experts talked. We then did a little tasting to see if we could apply what we’d learnt, and discussed the wines and what we thought of them. “By the end of the evening, everyone was feeling pretty jovial and comfortable with each other, and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation at our table.”
“In theory, I think this would definitely be a fun way to meet new men, but unfortunately there were many more single women than guys (it’s a Cape Town thing), and most of the men that had come, seemed to have brought their partners along.”
“If the course had been designed specifically for singles, I would definitely recommend this approach. Even if you don’t meet Mr Right, you’re bound to make new friends who enjoy and appreciate wine as much as you do, and you’ll impress your old friends with your wealth of new wine knowledge.”
My verdict A potential thumbs up!
Coastal advertising manager, Claire Jooste TRIES THE VERTICAL APPROACH
“Lithe, toned, tanned bodies: a very good start. The atmosphere is chilled, there’s music to get you psyched and a gentle, patient instructor helping you into a harness. So far this indoor climbing gym is proving very pleasant.”
How it worked OK, so it’s not an option for the faint-hearted because you actually have to do some climbing, but it’s brilliant for adventurous souls looking to hook up with someone who shares their addiction to adrenaline.
“The crowd is friendly, encouraging and relaxed; and there’s eye candy all around you. The experience of learning to put your harness on the right way (ahem!), rope up, belay and “spider-man” up the wall is all pretty nerve-wracking at first, but a lot of fun.
“How would I rate the potential for meeting a hot date
50/50. It’s definitely my type of crowd, but tricky because some are learners while others are already climbing in pairs (one climber, one belayer) so you may not immediately meet your man at the end of a rope. But there is lots of socialising at slide shows, braais, and competitions so, if nothing else, you’ll make lots of new friends.
“The cost of the introductory course at City Rock climbing gym in Cape Town, is R99 which includes rental of all the necessary gear, instruction with a professional guide, as well a seven-day free entry pass to the facilities.
My verdict Thumbs up! For more info go to www.cityrock.co.za or www.rockclimbing.co.za
Online editor Lauren Seton-Smith SEEKS A SAUCY DISH
“I signed up for a social cooking course because my culinary skills are decidedly lacking, and because I thought it would be a fun way to meet new people — or for the purposes of this article — single guys.
How it worked “The course was run by Brett Nussey from his home in Hout Bay, and when I arrived I was surprised to find I was the only single girl out of three guys and another couple. A very good start! We kicked off with a glass of wine, and then got down to some serious cooking. Our theme was Thai, and over the course of the evening we cooked up an impressive array of starters, mains and dessert — relaxing in between courses to enjoy the very delicious results of our efforts — and the company — around a big dining room table.
“Getting your hands dirty in the kitchen (which in my case meant de-heading a few prawns, chopping copious amounts of chilli and garlic, and steaming fish in banana leaves) is a great way to get to know everyone, as you’re concentrating more on the food than the pressure of being with people you don’t know — and it’s guaranteed to be entertaining, as various kitchen crises are averted. Plus, there’s lots of opportunity to engage in a little over-the-counter sauciness with a fellow course member as you slice, dice and whisk your way to your culinary masterpiece.
“Whether you find a tasty dish on the night is probably luck of the draw, but you will have a good time, learn a new skill and enjoy some fantastic food and great company.”
My verdict Two thumbs up!
Advertising executive, Angie Meintjes GETS HOOKED UP ONLINE
“I received one response the moment I registered — from a psycho chap that I once shared a commune with! I didn’t respond and immediately had a moment of ‘Oh heavens, not a great start’.
“I was honest about myself and what I was looking for — quite descriptive, in fact, but didn’t embellish or give myself a stupid name. I have had no responses at all. I went through all the potential men who fitted my description and requirements. Two were married, several did not fit a basic stipulated requirement, many had dodgy names and plenty failed to include a photograph. Although I also did not post a picture, their not having done so had me immediately scratching them off my list of possibles. In the end, not one appealed enough for me to contact and I obviously fell into the same category for them.
“So, as a single person who’s fairly confident, not exactly a dog’s bottom to look at, and has a pretty extensive social circle, I felt this was a poor option for meeting other singles. I was left with the impression that the people using the site were not really looking for a partner but rather looking to explore more , ahem… “adventurous avenues”.
“Registration takes about 30 minutes, and then access to the site is immediate. You complete a thorough profile, and this is sent to men who are seeking someone with your “credentials and characteristics”. If someone is interested, they send you a mail, a conversation begins, and a date set up.
Basic membership is free, but Premier membership, which allows advanced search options, costs around R276 for six months.”
My verdict Thumbs down For more info go to www.singlesinthecity.co.za
Comments