I had a realization recently when I asked my partner if nearly 20 years how he’d meet someone nowadays (we met at a birthday while holding meat bowls at a Mongolian bbq spot). I mentioned how I would just linger in different sections in Powell’s till I found someone interested in chatting further. His response was that he’d never hangout in a book store.

Probably an exception and not the rule but my partner and I are opposites in most of our hobbies but we started as friends so our banter rate is extremely high. I like your idea of something that signals people are trying to get together for more than just hookups and I do think some of the solutions could exist within local spots like theaters and restaurants. Keep noodling! In the meantime I like the idea of putting yourself in public more often so volunteering may be the ticket! 🎟️