About Singles
Bars
Singles bars, true to their name, are bars frequented by single people, where they meet over drinks to have a good time. Some bars that are not labeled singles bars sometimes have singles nights during which only singles are expected to attend.
History
Singles bars in the 1960s and '70s were primarily for singles to meet and most probably end up in bed together at the end of the eveining. In the '80s at the height of the AIDS epidemic there was a lot of fear and paranoia and some thought that the singles bar concept was dead. And then people got wise and educated on safe sex practices and the singles bar scene thrives today.
Function
Singles bars are primarily for unmarried people to socialize and meet. For some there is the expectation of going to a singles bar to find a sex partner or a one-night stand. For others they may be looking just to meet that special someone that may lead to a long-term relationship. There are some websites that cater to finding singles bars in your area. AOL's City's Best is a good one. See link in Resources below.
Types
Most singles bars are for singles in their 20s and 30s. However, some singles bars cater to those in their 40s and 50s. Some singles bars' events are also part of private clubs for people in that particular age group. There are also gay and lesbian singles bars for people interested in same sex relationships. City Search, Yelp and City's Best are good sites to search for gay and lesbian bars in your area.
Features
Some singles bars organize activites such as speed-dating events to make the singles scene even more interesting for its patrons. Also some regular bars have certain designated times as singles nights and also plan special activities, singles parties or singles parties for a specific age group.
Theories/Speculation
Like a lot of other things affected by the behavioral patterns of the baby-boom generation, singles bars will increasingly cater to the needs of baby boomers. Now boomers are older and increasingly single, thanks in part to a high divorce rate. Also there is an ongoing dialogue on sex and sexuality and their importance to overall health. So it is likely that there will be an increasing number of singles bars that will cater to the needs of the 60-plus crowd who are single and also looking for some form of companionship.
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