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Third of Three Parts
By Nicole Sade’ Daniel | The Birmingham Times
While dating apps remain popular, many people I interviewed for this story suggest stepping away from the screen and into the community. Here are a few places Birmingham singles can meet new people:
Speed Dating Events – Structured events designed to help singles meet face-to-face in a relaxed environment. Rather than relying on profiles and photos, participants can engage in real conversations and make connections in person.
Networking Events – Professional mixers and community gatherings can create opportunities to meet people with similar interests and goals. Several singles interviewed for this story said they regularly attend networking events to expand both their professional and social circles.
Church and Faith-Based Groups – Several interviewees mentioned church communities and ministry groups as places where meaningful relationships often begin.
Volunteer Opportunities – Serving alongside others can create authentic connections while giving back to the community. Whether it’s mentoring youth, helping at local nonprofits, or participating in community service projects, volunteering allows people to connect through shared purpose rather than the pressure of dating.
Social Clubs and Recreational Leagues – Consider joining pickleball, running clubs, book clubs and hiking groups. These shared interests often spark conversation. These activities allow people to interact naturally and repeatedly, making it easier to form genuine friendships and relationships.
Community Festivals and Local Events – Birmingham hosts a variety of festivals, markets, and social gatherings throughout the year that attract diverse crowds.
Professional Development Events – Conferences, workshops, and educational events provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals.
One piece of advice echoed throughout many of the interviews: Focus less on “finding someone” and more on putting yourself in spaces where genuine connection can happen naturally.
Speed dating participants can engage in real conversations and make connections in person. (Adobe Stock)Tips for Meeting People Face-to-Face
For many people, striking up a conversation in person can feel more intimidating than sending a direct message or swiping right on an app. Social media has made it easier to communicate from behind a screen, but meaningful connections still begin with simple, in-person conversations.
If you’re attending a networking event, speed dating event, community gathering, or social outing, consider these tips:
- Put your phone away. Nothing says “I’m not interested” faster than constantly checking your screen.
- Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “What do you do?” try asking, “What’s something you’ve been excited about lately?” or “How did you hear about this event?”
- Listen more than you talk. People remember how you made them feel more than the details of the conversation.
- Focus on being curious, not impressive. The goal isn’t to perform; it’s to learn about the person in front of you.
- Maintain eye contact and smile. It sounds simple, but these small gestures can make someone feel comfortable and welcomed.
- Don’t lead with relationship expectations. Focus on getting to know the person before deciding whether they’re a potential partner.
- Allow yourself to be nervous. Chances are, the other person is feeling the same way.
- Remember that every interaction doesn’t have to lead to romance. Sometimes a conversation becomes a friendship, a professional connection, or simply a positive experience.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that connection often happens when people are fully present. In a world filled with notifications and distractions, showing genuine interest in another person can go a long way.
BIRMINGHAM SINGLES SOUND OFF
Compiled by Nicole Sade‘ Daniel | For The Birmingham Times
While exploring Birmingham’s dating scene, I asked local singles, relationship professionals, and a recently engaged couple to share their thoughts on modern romance. Here are some of their most memorable responses.
ON CONSISTENCY
“We can have chemistry all day, but are you going to do what you say you’re going to do? Are you a man of your word? People lack consistency and it’s for males and females.” — Kristina Johnson, 31
ON HEALING
“Address your traumas and don’t just talk about them over and over. Go see a therapist about the things that happened and hurt you.” — Shekinah Joy Lee, 36, Licensed Professional Counselor
ON AUTHENTICITY
“One thing people don’t talk about enough is being authentic.” — Early Harris, 36
ON COMMUNICATION
“There’s absolutely no real communication in relationships these days.” — Catrina Carey, 56
ON INTENTIONAL DATING
“Intentional dating means being clear about your values, communicating honestly, and dating with purpose instead of just passing time.” — Matthew Covington, 39
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
“A lot of social media shows us the end result of successful relationships but rarely the work that goes into making them succeed.” — Eddie Sharpe, 41, Licensed Professional Counselor
ON THE DATING SCENE
“Dating in Birmingham is a game. It’s just not serious. Where are the serious people?” — Kristina Johnson, 31
“Dating in Birmingham is scary. People are very dishonest.” — Catrina Carey, 56
“Dating in Birmingham is like any other place. At the end of the day, it’s really about you.” — Early Harris, 36
“Small, evolving, and hopeful.” — Tierra Virden, 34
ON FINDING LOVE
“Good men and good women still exist. Don’t let past experiences convince you that something beautiful isn’t possible.” — Tierra Virden, 34
ON RELATIONSHIPS
“Love should bring peace, not constant confusion.” — Matthew Covington, 39
Despite their different experiences and perspectives, one theme surfaced repeatedly throughout these conversations, intentionality matters. Whether discussing healing, communication, consistency, faith, or self-awareness, those interviewed agreed that meaningful relationships require more than attraction. They require effort, honesty, and a willingness to remain open to connection.
Nicole Sade’ Daniel is an award-winning journalist, author, educator, and advocate for meaningful conversations around relationships and personal growth. Drawing from her background in communications and psychology, she explores modern dating, love, healing, and the experiences that shape how we connect with others. Learn more at nicolesade.com.
