You've got a year or two on me, but I'm in the same boat for the most part. It's a good gig. Loving the unmarried/no kids life. :rofl2:

and that's all fine too. :tup: one of my closest buddies is single (40's) and he's like an uncle to my kids. :) to me he seems to be enjoying his life.

I don't want the kids, at the moment, but being that all of my friends are married and most with kids, I'd like to not be the third wheel when I go out with those w/o kids.

Salt-water is the deep end of fish tanks. You'll want to befriend a local pet or fish seller, particularly any that have amazing saltwater displays, because they know what they're doing. Maintenance is high, and initial buy-in can be expensive since you need to maintain a very specific water chemistry, decor, and fish population. Sadly, while they can look amazing, only other hobbyists will truly appreciate the effort of saltwater tank. Not that I want to discourage anyone, but it is the deep end. But if you have the money and interest, definitely start asking around local shops and do research on the Internet. There are tons of forums and sites dedicated to saltwater and they absolutely love sharing. And it is hard to beat the eventual beauty you can achieve in a saltwater tank.

If you want to go easier, a freshwater tank is far, far easier and cheaper. The initial buy-in can still be a bit spendy depending on what you want, and the learning curve will still spike for the first month, but once it gets going and things live for more than a month or two, it becomes minimal maintenance (food, some water cycling, some vacuuming of the substrate to get the excess poop out, changing filters, and getting rid of sick/dead fish). Definitely do research, since the start is critical, but otherwise it can be a great little hobby.

If you want to add live plants in your tank, prepare for more maintenance and a higher learning curve. But if you get past the first 6 months with a good-looking tank, you've made it and you'll have a beautiful tank with happy fish.

That's a good thing to be. You need to be around them. That way, you'll be the "single guy friend" who gets set up with all of their single friend and coworkers. Tell them to bring along one of her friends so you're not the third wheel.

Yeah, I figured it would be that bad. :(

Salt water just provided more vibrant colored fish.

Maybe I'll just pass. :icon17: It's a great idea I have, but meh.

that's a great plan. :tup:

The only thing I question is the attractiveness of their friends. Everyone's taste is different, they say she's good looking and then I'm like... ehh, not really?

Plus, they seem to only know Mexican girls, which I'm not really attracted to and tell them (always exceptions though ;) ).

I guess it's part of my pickiness (or pickyness? **** spelling)...

It's like you're going in after being vetted ahead of time. You start ahead of the curve.

So? Go meet them. If there's nothing there, you still had a nice night out. It's a numbers game. The more you meet, the better the odds of meeting someone special.

It all depends on the money, really. Saltwater is not cheap, and you can contract in people to help build it initially. It *can* be a great way to meet some people and can definitely be a conversation starter as well. But much like cars, you're going to appeal to more guys than women. :) But it does make a great way to meet people at the local pet stores/fish stores! Eventually, you'll be the one teaching others how to do it!

Just definitely do the research online before you decide to do it or not do it, there are many years of knowledge posted out by newbies and experienced persons, and none of it really changes all the much as time goes on. Fish are fish!

You guys are also "asking for help" from women at the supermarket, right? This works across all ages, but is especially potent for cougar hunting. Breaks the ice and shows them you're willing to cook.

:icon17:

No, but that's because I haven't been to a grocery store in... 4 months? I don't cook, because I don't want to clean (not that I won't clean).

Though this tactic may work better if I lived in a younger part of town - my mistake and I have to wait until home values come up so I can break even and sell my house. :mad:

Dude, learn to cook three meals. It'll go a long way. You don't have to be Emeril, just know a few dishes. Date one- coffee or drinks at a place you're a regular at. Date two, moderately priced dinner out. Date three, you cook.

Nothing says you have to shop near home. Yuppie grocery stores work best.

Haha... one of my friends met and married someone on eHarmony. I don't think it's something I'd like to do. A coworker plays with dating apps and has gone on several dates. He's 38 and thinks marriage is overrated, so he has absolutely no plans to settle with anyone.

That's right, it's just practice for the night.