The worst places I’ve looked for love this year

LOVE has no bounds and doesn’t usually ask questions when it decides to strike. And as such, theoretically, it should be possible to find love any and everywhere.

That was probably the thinking of the readers below, who sought love in unexpected places. Here are their stories.

Social media

While this can reap positive benefits, it’s best to be on the lookout for those who enter this sphere with devious intentions.

“I had a habit of adding random girls who looked nice, developing online friendships with them, then trying to get relationships or love out of it,” said Dewain R, 25.

He said he eventually came to the realisation that fake profiles do exist and online love can become dangerous.

Strip club

While this may be a good place to look for a one-night stand, if you are looking for something serious then it is the last place you want to search for that special someone. “I used to frequent go-go clubs with the notion that if I found a nice-looking go-go I’d have a very decent relationship and sex life, but the girls give problems and the patrons get too familiar. You’re also at risk of STIs,” said Antonio D, 34.

Jail or prison

For most people, finding themselves in lock-up or in confinement, the thought is usually, “How can I get bail or get out?” But for Ricardo J, 24, the thinking was different.

“I don’t know what I was thinking but at the police lock-up I saw them bring in a very pretty girl for fraud and while I was being released I slipped her my number. I sat at home waiting on her to call but I guess fate had other plans.”

In an HIV testing line

It’s always good to look before leaping and Anecia W, 30, will tell you why.

“Out of curiosity I decided to get tested for HIV and in the waiting line outside of the mobile bus I saw a tall, handsome man. It was taking forever to get inside and we struck up a conversation. We exchanged numbers and agreed to go for drinks sometime. When I went home reality hit me that he was also standing, waiting to do a HIV test. What if he was positive? I never even thought about it.”

Rehab clinic or asylum

Everyone deserves a second chance, but be careful who you extend care to in the form of a potential love affair.

According to Jason G, 40, “I was visiting my sister who was on a mental ward and the young lady beside her was extremely attractive. She had a nice body and she spoke intelligently and I was drawn to her, even started falling for her. I kept looking for her and eventually we got to know each other. I realised she had attachment issues, thoughts of suicide and would possibly kill if she got the chance. I had to withdraw myself and help her get additional counselling.”

Family reunion

This may be at the top of the list for the worst places to search for love. According to Renee H, 23, she found herself falling for her second cousin whom she had not met until a family reunion in August.

“All it took was one smile and I was hooked. I asked everyone I could ask who it was, but he was nowhere in sight. I tried describing him, but to no avail, then in the night when he came for dinner I started poking my sister and saying, ‘That’s him, that’s him’. She looked at me odd then she went, ‘That’s your cousin’s son’. I immediately left the room.”

Workplace

Though many people have met and fallen in love at work, there is a flip side. When the relationship gets sour, it gets really sour. You don’t want to see the person you grew to hate every day of your life.

“I tried that and now every time he walks past my cubicle I feel like hitting him with a brick. It’s unbearable. Don’t do it, and if you do, remember, it’s a great risk,” Denielle D said.

Court

If you find yourself before a judge, chances are you have broken some law or are accused of doing so. Think twice before trying to hit on the person next to you during the court proceedings.

“I was before a judge for a traffic ticket and the man beside me, who was there for the same reason, used the opportunity to strike up a conversation,” Sabriena R, 31, said.

“Being single for a while and seeing that he was good-looking and worked for a prominent accounting firm, I decided to entertain him. The judge held us both in contempt of court.”