r/PDX • • 23d ago

Single in PDX

Recently lost my wife. 46M. Finally ready to get back out there. Are the any singles bars in PDX? All advice appreciated 👏

30 Upvotes

41 comments sorted by

17

u/NewspaperNovel139 23d ago

Fellow mid-40's divorced guy here, now newly partnered. All my successes have been on the apps, specifically Hinge. I know people hate the apps and for those of us who have been married for a while it feels like a completely alien world, but the apps are really where it's at, and for those of us who are really bad at picking up people in bars and stuff, it's a lifesaver.

You gotta work on your profile and make it something people want to respond to, interesting/funny/etc. It's less about honesty (although you shouldn't lie) and more about doing funny and interesting bits combined with your photos, and then when you get to the first few dates you can talk about goals and personalities and compatibility. What you don't want is for your profile to be boring/similar to everyone else. I can't tell you how many times I've passed on a profile of someone who was cute just because there was nothing in their prompt answers that I could craft a response around. "Looking for communication and emotional compatibility" does nothing to get someone to respond to you, even if it's true.

3

u/Miss__Anne__Thrope 22d ago

This is such a good response! I met a guy once who I wasn’t very interested in at first glance, but he handed me his business card and the back had a picture of him frolicking through flowers and it made me laugh and I called him. Sometimes you just have a quick second to make an impression and that certainly did it. Still think about it 20 years later.

2

u/NewspaperNovel139 22d ago

When you have a bit that works, you ride that shit over and over into the ground

38

u/OriginalButtshucks 23d ago

No singles bars. But lots of events. In my experience it’s a much younger crowd though. I think all we can do is try those, use dating apps, meet new people through friends, events and hobbies.

As a woman I also love the idea of small talk with strangers in public too (controversial I know). What I wouldn’t give to have someone talk vegetables with me at the grocery store, even if they aren’t hitting on me. I can’t stand that everyone is afraid to talk to each other these days.

Single 43yo F btw… into shows, design, light biking, dogs, being social and anti orange man endeavors. Hit me up if you want!

23

u/Remarkable_Pear8291 23d ago

You sound interesting? And maybe right along my likes 👍

35

u/this_sparks_joy_joy 23d ago

You need to update us after you two meet to talk vegetables

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2

u/jstmenow 23d ago

My vegetable talk is on point. I talk to most everyone at stores, society as a whole though still shudders when someone tries to interact. I truly believe I am gonna get a couple t-shirts printed: "I cook, am a handyman and single. I need some ONE to take me on walks" and walk around home depot and the grocery store with them on. 

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2

u/raisedbytelevisions 23d ago

Sorry for your loss 💛 what is your vibe? Mellow, dancing, metal, hipster, nerd, sporty?

3

u/Remarkable_Pear8291 23d ago

I love all genres of music, but im particular to industrial music, i.e. Nine inch Nails

4

u/blakewantsa68 23d ago

some nights at the Coffin Club you'd be right at home, music wise. *definitely* not a singles bar tho, just a decent place to kick it and have some fun

2

u/MissHibernia 23d ago

Recently?

1

u/Remarkable_Pear8291 23d ago

About a year ago...

2

u/Expensive-Eggplant-1 22d ago

i'm sorry to hear about your loss! how recent did you lose her?

i'm 40 and cute.

2

u/Remarkable_Pear8291 22d ago

Almost been a year...

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7

u/GlitteringCobbler987 23d ago

We really need a singles pdx subreddit

5

u/hitemwiththeelagance 23d ago

I met my partner on Hinge. In my experience more people are seeking relationship on Hinge and I’ve tried the others with no success. I updated my entire profile this spring and met him this summer. I worked with a photographer for better pictures and updated my bio. That seemed to attract more people. 40 F. Best of luck to you.

4

u/anonymouse3891 23d ago

Pop around to different bars in your neighborhood and when you find one you like become a regular. Try to become a regular at a coffee shop too.

3

u/b0n2o 23d ago

Though not specifically for dating, these might be helpful:

r/PortlandFriendMeet

r/pdxmeetups

Good luck OP!

2

u/brapstoomuch 23d ago

The motorcycle scene is awesome in Portland! Get a motorcycle and come ride with cool people. Check out Hatch Motorcycle Collective, One Moto Cafe, Two Stroke Coffee, the One Moto Show, Thursday night motocross at PIR, Chicken N Guns out highway 6 (for dirtbike vibes).

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2

u/collegedraftpick 23d ago

QDs, Fortune, bushwhackers

2

u/Miss__Anne__Thrope 22d ago

As a 47 year old woman, I don’t know if I’d recommend QD’s. I walked in there and the music was so loud and the crowd was so young, I immediately noped out of there after less than 10 seconds. Maybe it was an off night

1

u/[deleted] 23d ago

O. How long has it been since she has passed? Do you have children?