Here's why I think cats could never drive cars

May 2, 2008 12:13 PM

How do I meet smart, sparkling people?

I live in the West End of Vancouver, where I used to frequent a couple of notorious bars. At these places, I was, on any given night, likely to come across smart, interesting people. For various reasons (the bars aren't there anymore being one, but not the only) I no longer do this, and I miss the opportunity to explore ideas with strangers. I really do miss it, and wonder how I can regain this opportunity in a nonalcoholic setting.

posted by Turtles all the way down to human relations (14 comments total)

You could suggest a meet-up.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:16 PM on May 2

Another meetup?
posted by phrontist at 12:17 PM on May 2

The best way is to join a club or group involving something you are deeply interested in that has meetings every so often. Such as a book club, knitting group, trivia club, etc. Then you will meet motivated, interesting, (hopefully) intelligent people.
posted by nikksioux at 12:17 PM on May 2

Attend lectures on a subject you find interesting. There is usually a period after these lectures where people can mingle and discuss. Meetup.com is a good place to look for other people who are into the same things you are and you’re provided with the opportunity to get to know them while doing something you enjoy, say visiting museums or listening to vinyl records.

Or attend your next Meta meetup.
posted by blithely at 12:21 PM on May 2

I should say that the nonalcoholic aspect of the setting is by no means a requirement, and that I am chastened that I don't read AskMefi enough to realize that I missed a great opportunity earlier this year (damn!).
posted by Turtles all the way down at 12:22 PM on May 2

Help your friends host dinner parties for their friends whom you haven't met yet?
posted by Salamandrous at 12:26 PM on May 2

I second the dinner party idea.

Another option is to find a coffee shop with a gregarious atmosphere... or find any coffee shop and use your own sparkly-ness to turn it into your perfect hang-out.
posted by scrumtralescent at 12:38 PM on May 2

Form a club about something that you love. If people join, it won't matter that you don't know or like anyone else in it; you'll both love the topic. But eventually you will know and like some of them, maybe the smart and interesting ones, maybe the fun ones, maybe the attractive ones.

A club needs a clubhouse. Choose a very comfortable cafe, then advertise the club's existence and the dates on which it meets. (Advertise in a publication that will be read by the sort of people you want to meet.) Be sure to use an "I'll be wearing a red carnation" sort of gimmick so others can find you. Be there every time, even if you're sitting all by yourself with your laptop. Take minutes and publish them as blog entries.
posted by pracowity at 12:43 PM on May 2 [1 favorite]

Pub quizzes, if they're around, can be good places to find sparkling people and interact with them. If you talk to the quiz master, they'll probably be able to set you up with a team who's looking for some more brainpower.
posted by craven_morhead at 2:19 PM on May 2

I see there's a Cafe Scientifique in Vancouver - smart people meet once a month to hear an expert talk about something and ask questions.
posted by djb at 3:10 PM on May 2

Turtles, I live in approximately the same neighbourhood and had the same problem. I started going to lectures at Science World, Philosophers' Cafes, SFU's free lecture series at Harbour Centre, Meetups, Capers' fairs, farmers' markets, etc. It worked wonders. But, in all honesty, the best thing for me was having kids. I met a whole new network of bright people with fascinating interests and thoughts. However, I would not advocate having kids to meet these people -- that just happened to be a plus for me!
posted by acoutu at 6:01 PM on May 2

Well, Turtles, you could start by refraining from wearing your too-small Omaha the Cat T-shirt (we can see your belly button!) It could be a bit of a turn-off.

Seriously, I'm going to take a different tack and recommend volunteering (ripping out ivy in Stanley Park?) to help widen your circle of friends.

A meetup would also be excellent!
posted by KokuRyu at 10:36 PM on May 2

you could start by refraining from wearing your too-small Omaha the Cat T-shirt.

Oh, dear. I suspected that might have been the problem.
posted by Turtles all the way down at 8:53 AM on May 3

Koku: Would you suggest I substitute my "Licensed Bikini Inspector" or "Free Mustache Rides" tee?
posted by Turtles all the way down at 10:37 AM on May 3