Quick Facts
- 12 great places to meet someone if you're tired of being chronically single
- From work to niche communities, hiking trails to religious gatherings, and volunteering to saying yes to events
- Shared interests, passions, and values can lead to meaningful connections
- Be open to new experiences and step out of your comfort zone
- 70% of people believe that shared interests are essential for a successful relationship
- 40% of people have met their partner through mutual friends
- 25% of people have met their partner at work
- 15% of people have met their partner through a hobby or activity
What is Meeting Someone Special?
Meeting someone special is a life-changing experience that can bring joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
It's about finding that person who shares your values, interests, and passions, and with whom you can build a strong connection.
In today's digital age, it's easy to feel like you're the only one not in a relationship, but the truth is, there are many people out there who are also looking for someone special.
The Struggle is Real
Being single can be tough, especially when social media showcases everyone's highlight reels. It's easy to feel like you're the only one not in a relationship, and that can lead to feelings of loneliness and frustration.
But the truth is, there are many people out there who are also looking for someone special. According to a survey by Match.com, 70% of people believe that shared interests are essential for a successful relationship.
Another survey by eHarmony found that 40% of people have met their partner through mutual friends, while 25% have met their partner at work, and 15% have met their partner through a hobby or activity.
"The key to meeting someone special is to be open to new experiences and step out of your comfort zone. It's about putting yourself in situations where you can meet new people who share your interests and values." - House of Explorers Adventure Curators
12 Great Places to Meet Someone
1. Work (The 9-5 Plot Twist)
One of the first things they tell you in corporate Nigeria is that your coworkers aren't your friends. But while they said coworkers can’t be friends, nobody said anything about being more than friends. One day you’re hitching a ride after work, and the next, you’re sharing inside jokes over lunch breaks. With an average of 8 hours spent at work daily, it's no wonder that 25% of people have met their partner at work.
Tactical Tip: Take advantage of company-organized social events, such as team-building activities or happy hours, to get to know your coworkers better. You can also try sitting in a different spot in the office or attending industry conferences to expand your network.
2. Find a Niche Community
"I met my partner playing flag football," says one of our users. "We were on the same team, suffered through the same training, and the rest is history." Book clubs, sports clubs, swimming clubs, tennis clubs, or wine-tasting groups-it doesn't matter.
If you're keen to meet new people, places to meet up with someone are often centered around shared pain or shared passion. Shared interest takes away the "God when" awkwardness and gives you something to talk about immediately.
Tactical Tip: Look for groups that align with your interests and values. Attend events, join online forums, or participate in meetups to connect with like-minded individuals.
3. The Explorer's Trail (Hiking & Travel)
This is our favorite (obviously). Hiking is one of the best places to meet someone because you see people at their most raw-sweaty, tired, but persevering.
There's a level of vulnerability on a trail like Sobi Hill or Owu Waterfalls that you won't find at a loud club. Shared adventure builds instant bonds. Plus, you already know they like the outdoors!
Tactical Tip: Join a hiking group or attend outdoor events to meet fellow nature lovers. You can also try planning a solo trip and meeting other travelers along the way.
4. Religious Gatherings & Seminars
For many in our community, faith is a huge part of life. Whether it’s church youth ministries or Islamic seminars, these are prime spots to meet people with similar values. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 55% of Nigerians consider religion to be very important in their lives.
Tactical Tip for Muslims: If you’re looking for someone who shares your Deen, Islamic seminars, Halqahs, or Nikah workshops are top-tier. Don't just go for the knowledge; go for the networking.
Helping out with the logistics of an Islamic event or attending a community Iftar in a social setting is a more "organic" way to meet someone than just random DM-sliding. It’s about being in spaces where "character" is the priority.
5. Meet Your Friends' Friends
Most people cringe at the idea of being set up, but before dating apps, this was the GOAT strategy. Ask your friends and their partners if they know anyone. They already know your "red flags" and won't (usually) set you up with a complete disaster.
Tactical Tip: Be open with your friends about your desire to meet new people. They might know someone who's perfect for you!
6. NYSC Camp (Bonding Through Struggle)
If you went through university without finding a partner, NYSC is your next best bet. What better way for people to come together than through shared suffering? Between the 4 AM wake-up calls, "SAED" lectures, and marching in the sun, there are endless chances to strike up conversations. Shared pain is a powerful unifier.
Tactical Tip: Attend NYSC events, join WhatsApp groups, or participate in camp activities to connect with fellow corps members.
7. The Gym or Sports Grounds
The gym is a great place to meet people, but here’s the secret: go consistently at the same time. You start as "the person I see every Monday" and evolve into "the person I talk to about leg day." With an average of 3.5 million gym-goers in Lagos alone, it's no wonder that many people have met their partner at the gym.
Tactical Tip: Find a workout buddy or join a fitness group to meet like-minded individuals. You can also try attending sports events or joining a recreational team to expand your network.
8. Supermarkets & Malls
We can’t be the only ones who have spotted someone interesting in the fruit and veg aisle. The supermarket is a natural place to strike up a conversation. You can tell a lot about a person from what is in their cart-it's a real-life personality test.
Tactical Tip: Try shopping during off-peak hours or attending events at your local mall to meet new people. You can also try striking up a conversation with someone in line or asking for recommendations on products.
9. Karaoke Bars & Game Nights
Nothing breaks the ice like a bad rendition of a 90s classic. Karaoke bars and board game nights are high-energy environments where the goal is just to have fun. When everyone is laughing or shouting over a Ludo game, that's when the most natural connections happen.
Tactical Tip: Attend karaoke nights or game events to meet new people. You can also try hosting your own game night or karaoke party to attract like-minded individuals.
10. Tech & Creative Workshops
In a city like Lagos or Abuja, there’s a workshop for everything-pottery, coding, UI/UX, or photography.
These events are full of people looking to improve themselves. Asking someone for help with a tool or sharing a compliment on their work is the perfect low-pressure opener.
Tactical Tip: Attend workshops or conferences that align with your interests. You can also try taking an online course or joining a meetup group to connect with like-minded individuals.
11. Volunteering for a Cause
Whether it’s an environmental cleanup or a food drive, volunteering attracts people with empathy.
If you want to meet someone with a "good heart," this is where they are. You’re working side-by-side on something meaningful, which skips the "what do you do for fun" small talk.
Tactical Tip: Find a cause that you're passionate about and attend events or join a volunteer group. You can also try organizing your own volunteer event to attract like-minded individuals.
12. Say YES to Events
The number one thing holding you back is your routine. To break out of it, try to say yes to weddings, birthday parties, or random gatherings. Even if you don't find "the one," you’re expanding your network, which eventually leads to more opportunities.
Tactical Tip: Be open to new experiences and say yes to events that align with your interests. You can also try hosting your own event or gathering to attract like-minded individuals.
Conclusion
Whether you listen to us or not, you deserve a tribe. And if you’re ready to stop scrolling and start exploring, check out our upcoming trips this weekend. Who knows? Your "forever valentine" might just be one booking away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best way to meet someone at a social event?
A: Be yourself, be open-minded, and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. Ask questions, listen actively, and find common ground to build a connection.
Q: How do I know if someone is interested in me?
A: Pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and verbal cues. If someone is interested, they'll likely make an effort to spend time with you, ask you questions, and find ways to touch or hold your gaze.
Q: What if I'm shy or introverted? How do I meet someone?
A: Start small! Attend events or join groups that align with your interests, and begin with small, low-stakes interactions. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase your social circle and interactions.
Q: Is it true that opposites attract?
A: While it's true that some people are drawn to those who are different from themselves, it's also important to find common ground and shared values. A balance between similarity and difference can create a strong and healthy connection.
Q: How long does it take to find someone special?
A: There's no one-size-fits-all answer! It can take time, patience, and persistence to find someone special. Focus on building meaningful connections, and the right person will come along when the time is right.
