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Looking for love? Try the airport
Pepper Schwartz, a sociology professor at the University of Washington, believes that a busy airport is a prime meeting place for singles looking for love or just a little conversation. And to meet that special someone, you won't need to make eyes above your newspaper, or ask the ticket agent to seat you next to a single male ala the movie "Singles." Instead, Schwartz advocates either the direct approach ("Hi! You're the most handsome man in the airport and I thought I'd come over and say hello.") or the subtle approach (sit next to the person and make small talk). And now there's another way to meet folks at the airport: online.With online social networking becoming more and more popular, it's no surprise that there's a site dedicated to airport interactions. Peter Shankman founded AirTroductions.com, a site that was originally intended for business travelers to register itineraries and information about themselves so that they might take advantage of layover time for professional networking. But the site naturally evolved into a meeting place for "folks seeking personal connections." AirTroductions will be relaunched as Triplife.com this December, but you can always try other travel-related social networking sites such as Dopplr to meet like-minded travelers looking for a little love.
As with any situation where you might approach a stranger, remember your manners and be aware of their personal space. Just because you can barely keep your mitts off the handsome hottie next to you in the waiting area doesn't mean that said hottie necessarily wants to be fondled.
Gallery: The Coolest Airports in the World
Filed under: Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mira Feb 16th 2008 3:26PM
I met someone at an airport 2 months ago and we chatted. It is too bad I had to leave suddently without exchanging our numbers. I had my family that I haven't seen for years waiting a few metres away. But since then, I keep thinking about him. I cant even look for him since I don't know his name. yes, you can call me crazy!
S. Nov 30th 2007 8:17PM
An airport?????????? You GOT to be kidding me. People at an airport are anxious about their flights, usually travel as a couple/group. The last thing on their minds is meeting the future Mr/Mrs. You find someone attractive or see someone alone and you're supposed to hit on them? This is the stupidest thing I've ever read.
allison Nov 30th 2007 9:45PM
i think that's funny. i was hoping you'd say something completely random, like 'meeting your love at an old navy dressing room', but, this is interesting.
i remember on a plane ride to tennessee a year ago, i sat in a row along with a young man and young woman. (i was 18, and they seemed to be in their twenties) they started talking because the girl had never been to tn before and the guy had lived in nashville all of his life, and well, they talked for the full hour of being on the plane.
when i got off, i told my sister about it, and as i picked up my luggage and was about to drive off, i saw the guy and girl holding hands and he was introducing the girl to his buddies.
crazyness.
i wonder how they're doing today.
Nikole Nov 30th 2007 11:32PM
I agree - same thing happened to me. Exactly the same story. I was in my last thirties. We kept in touch for a long time ( We lived to far from each other to continue dating)
An airport is a great place to meet new people.
Melia Nov 30th 2007 11:03PM
This is so true!! While waiting for a flight, a gorgeous man came up and started a conversation with me, and we ended up trading email addresses and eventually, dating for awhile...there are so many ways to start a conversation in the airport..where are you going, why, etc....it's happened to me several times..just be careful, as you would anywhere with strangers :)
Terry Dec 1st 2007 12:24AM
About the Pictures on the Bottom...Coolest Airports in the World? Man you are so wrong,that is Architecture that makes me go YAWN. How are big windows and shiney floors all that fabulous? I really don't see that much that resembles anything like good architecture. Any Tin building with windows is not worthy of the title Coolest anything!
Jay Hall Dec 1st 2007 12:52AM
My guess is if you want to make friends in the airport or anywhere, you first need to meet people. What's more, many of these people want to make friends just as much as you do. I just don’t know which ones by looking at them. But, when I finally get close enough to talk, I make small talk, but not getting too personal when I first meet someone. I introduce myself early in the conversation. My name doesn't necessarily need to be the first thing out of my mouth, but if I am looking to make friends, knowing each other's names is a good start. I will remember his or her name, and use it later in the conversation.
If this person is interesting, I look for an opportunity for another meeting. If I've discovered that the person I am talking to have a common interest, I ask him or her more about it. Time is valuable so when you meet someone whom you think might make a good friend, try to exchange contact information. This is especially important if you meet someone who you aren't otherwise likely to meet again. Seize the day! Always stick to your dating safety tips if you meet online or offline. http://www.datedisplay.com/dating_safely.php
http://www.RomanceExpressions.com
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TNKiller Dec 1st 2007 1:12AM
Allison: What a small world. I was that girl on the plane. I remember you so vividly. I can't believe it's been a whole year. When you drove off with your sister, I was distraught. What you saw was my frozen smile, but inside I was dying. The guy you saw me with--well, what can I say? He started driving me nuts and I had to off him. I'm serving time in the state penitentiary at present, but all I think of is you. I can't believe I found you! I'm down for possible paroll in 2052. Do you think we could meet in Nashville when I'm released?
TNKiller Dec 1st 2007 1:18AM
Allison: What a small world. I was that girl on the plane. I remember you so vividly. I can't believe it's been a whole year. When you drove off with your sister, I was distraught. What you saw was my frozen smile, but inside I was dying. The guy you saw me with--well, what can I say? He started driving me nuts and I had to off him. I'm serving time in the state penitentiary at present, but all I think of is you. I can't believe I found you! I'm down for possible paroll in 2052. Do you think we could meet in Nashville when I'm released?
Sarah Dec 1st 2007 9:01PM
Funny... I actually met my last boyfriend at the airport on the way home from vacation! It didn't work out, sadly, but it was fun while it lasted!