Time and time again, the question arises: Is Vancouver a hard place to date? The short answer is an unequivocal YES. Let me explain.
In a city where there are more women than men and where a large percentage of the population are single at any one time, I frequently am told that the men are “cute, but mute”, while women are “self-centered, unapproachable, and intimidating”.
Having traveled across Canada, the U.S. and abroad, coaching people in the finer points of dating, I confirm this to be true. In no other city in Canada do you find such a difficult dating scene. Even New York, a city known throughout North America for its tough street attitude, is a much better city to be dating in. Why is it a case of the woes for Vancouver?
Because Vancouver doesn’t have a dating culture and the social scene is severely lacking. People don’t know what it means to date. Romance and the art of wooing is foreign and replaced by ‘hanging out’ and ‘let’s do something’. Men are scared to ask women for dates, lest they get rejected, or their head snapped off; while women are screening too hard for “the one”, the knight who will take care of them, but with too-high criteria.
But wait, you say, people are still getting together, falling in love, and getting married, right? Yes, I didn’t say there is no dating going on, I’m saying that compared to any other city in Canada, Vancouver is the hardest city to date in. In fact, there are still ways you can get dates and hopefully tie the knot one day.
Your social circle and friend introductions continue to be the most reliable method of meeting Mr./Ms. right, followed by at work and school. Participating in activities, clubs and events work as well. The challenge with these avenues is you’re hoping to luck out and strike it rich, but you’re really limited by who is in your social circle (i.e. what if none of your friends have friends that you want to meet? What then?).
The best way to meet someone is to grow a pair, approach and introduce yourself to someone you like, make the connection, see if you can attract them (create chemistry) and then ask them out. I admit, this approach is harrowing, but on the other hand I guarantee you that you’ll meet more beautiful, high quality people, have more dates, and your life will be more exciting and full of adventure if you are willing to swallow your pride and make this first move.
It certainly has enriched my own dating life and the lives of many of the men and women I’ve coached through Man Meets Woman and Happy Sexy You.
I know, your next question is “how do I do that?” Ask me how.
Ronald Lee
coach@manmeetswoman.com
Man Meets Woman – Attraction Coaching for Men
Happy Sexy You – Be Beautiful…and Find a Man
