How to meet the perfect partner in Birmingham - without using Tinder or other dating apps

The path to dating in the modern world passes through the likes of Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and others, but not everyone is happy to go down this road.

For some, this might be the best way but others might like to meet people in real life instead. Imagine leaving your hometown and moving to Birmingham for work or university and not knowing anyone around you. In that case, how would you go around meeting people to befriend or date?

While dating apps play a significant role in how we come upon potential romantic partners, there are other ways to meet people in Birmingham as well. For those with social anxiety, this can be nerve-wracking but building a friendship before launching into a romantic relationship might be the best way into it.

So, if you are wondering how to meet people in real life in Birmingham, here are some solutions:

1. Join a hobby group

This is a great way to make friends and interesting people as you will be forming bonds based on a shared activity. Common interests can become a foundation for friendships and romantic relationships. Midlands Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park offers several classes from jewellery making to film making - which is a great way to learn something new and meet someone new.

2. Attend Meet Up events

If you can’t find anything that suits your interests, you can schedule a MeetUp event on websites like meetup.com or even post it on your neighbourhood forums. While this needs the aid of social media, you will be able to meet many people for various reasons like networking to just catching up for coffee. Whether you like board games or are a single person in the city over a certain age - there is a meetup out there for you. There are bi-monthly meetups at The Good Intent in the Great Western Arcade and even vegans meet up for food tours of restaurants like Land, Vegan Munch and more in Birmingham.

3. Speed dating

Speed dating has been around for a while having began in Jewish communities in Los Angeles in the late 1990s, but it is still alive and thriving. The Lost & Found in Birmingham city centre hosts speed dating evenings regularly for people between the ages of 20-40. And, they aren’t the only ones - The Cocktail Club, Be at One, and other popular Birmingham spots also host such evenings where you get to meet multiple people in one night.

4. Join a gym or fitness classes

While most people would say that they don’t want to be bothered while working out, but you never know when you organically vibe with someone. And, whether you meet someone or not - exercise and movement comes with physical and mental health benefits. Birmingham has multiple fitness hubs like the Priory Club in Edgbaston, YogaHaven, STRIIT Fitness and more.

5. Attend local events

Community centres near you probably share local events and gigs. These listings might be published online or there could be fliers at your local centre. For instance, each Birmingham neighbourhood has an active online Facebook group where information about events are shared.

6. Volunteer for a cause

There are many local charities in Birmingham that can do with extra help of volunteers and it is easy to find one that suits your interest. Whether you like animals, children, or plants there are charities like RSPCA and organisations like Birmingham Botanical Gardens that would be ideal for you.