Well Mrrzy, I'm not exactly sure where your problem lies on this one. I don't really feel comfortable lumping all Americans into one group, because regionally, folks are pretty culturally diverse. What may go in one area, might not go in another. You know, one person's sheep is another person's first-cousin....

Are you looking to just join the dating pool or do you have a specific someone in mind? For the dating pool, I suggest just doing things you already like to do, and get in on the 'friend of a friend' angle. You will meet people that share the same interests, so regardless of romantic involvement you still have friends.

If there is that one special one, go ASK. Go out for coffee and talk, see if personality works out. I'm pretty straightforward, and don't really have any problem asking what I want to know. I've also not had any complaints about it, so I travel under the assumption that it's okay.

Also, don't squint. When you give up looking too hard, there's no telling what you'll find....

~Elle