MEET CUTE

The podcast host and dating expert dishes on the best spots to meet your special someone—beyond the dating apps—this summer! BY LINDSEY METSELAAR

Wow! Memorial Day Weekend is here. If you’ve been following my podcast, We Met At Acme, or my Instagram, you know that, of course, I’m going to be kicking it off with another friend’s wedding. This one is going to be in the Hamptons, and speaking of the Hamptons, I’m so excited to be a part of Spotlight magazine. Sydney Sadick and I go way back to our Hewitt School days, and I feel honored to be able to share with you my tips and tricks for dating Out East.

The Hamptons in the summer offers endless opportunities to meet someone. You’ve just got to know where to go! Here are some of my goto spots for running into that potential special someone: P THE BEACH, OF COURSE What else to do in the summer than hang at the beach? Everyone is in a good mood because they’re getting some vitamin D, so it’s always an opportunity to chat it up with the group next to you, and maybe even suggest a game of Kadima. P A FRIEND’S DINNER PARTY My friend Stephanie hosts a Shabbat every Friday at her house, and I’ve met countless people there. If you host, the key is to make sure you switch up the guests every time. P A SHARE HOUSE I know what you’re thinking, but not all share houses are fratty. In fact, my parents had a share house in Westhampton back in the day

Lindsey Metselaar

with a few other couples and had a great time. P LOCAL EVENTS It’s so important to try and plug in to the events that go on in the Hamptons. There are so many, whether it’s an art show, a horse show, a book signing, or simply a farmer’s market. Bring a friend, and talk to people. If you’re not outgoing, make sure your friend is! P A WEDDING Don’t be afraid to attend without a +1. P SOUTHAMPTON SOCIAL CLUB It’s called Southampton Social for a reason. It also happens to be frequented by the cast of Bravo’s Summer House. P SURF LODGE You knew this one was coming, but it truly is one of those places that never gets old. Every time I’m there I see people canoodling. Try to make at least one new friend per visit. P WAITING IN LINE AT AN ICE CREAM SHOP This is actually my favorite place to make a new friend. Complaining always brings people together, especially when it’s about how long the line is that night at Big Olaf (if you know, you know).

The most important thing about meeting people IRL, whether you’re in the Hamptons or not, is being aware of your surroundings. Look up when you’re at a bar, make eye contact, and be a yes person who’s not afraid to talk to someone you don’t know or attend an event you’ve never been to before. We spend way too much time buried in our phones when the person we’re looking for is likely right in front of us. T

Metselaar and friends Metselaar with new husband Steven Greene