What life do I have as a single, gay young intern staying in the Loop? (Chicago: fit in, theatres)

[Chicago60614]

There are tons of gay sports leagues, groups, bands, etc. in Chicago. My friends are in a dizzying array of them, I just don't care myself. Their Gridrs are also blowing up 24-7 regardless of how attractive they are.

You live in the west loop and YOU'VE BEEN HERE FOR A WEEK. Just give it time, you can't rush friendships. Maybe it's a slow week.

[rzzz]

This one is hard to figure out. He's only been in Chicago a week but got 4 dates and that is a bad outcome?

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by rzzz

This one is hard to figure out. He's only been in Chicago a week but got 4 dates and that is a bad outcome?

Haha seriously! As a straight guy, getting 4 dates in a WEEK would be an all time record.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by ForYourLungsOnly

Haha seriously! As a straight guy, getting 4 dates in a WEEK would be an all time record.

Yeah, agreed. 4 dates in one day would be ridiculous and I'd be elated.

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by Longford

My experience has been that it's also the "typical behavior" of "straight" men (to find a female friend/partner).

Yes true, but with gay men, its elevated higher... as men are generally the major pursuers of sex as a recreation. Its the way they're wired. (meaning that men can enjoy sex and not confuse it with love and emotional attachment/bonding like women are wired, generally speaking).

there is even a word for what this activity that gay men do that i've never heard straight people say "the word "Trade" as in "I found some trade tonight". or "he was just trade."... i.e. recreational sex just for fun and enjoyment, no strings attached.

[mjtinmemphis]

4 dates within a week is a lot for gay guys as well.

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

4 dates within a week is a lot for gay guys as well.

Yes I've been told stories straight from the horses mouth so to speak ;

the OP sounds like some of my neighbors in Boystown actually, the daily grind of finding dates and cruising.

[PunjabiBuckeye]

Thank you for the great replies everyone!

I think my problem is that I didn't really have any problem, but it's just the blues I have been experiencing that one normally experiences after moving to a new city and starting to build a friend circle from scratch, that too when I'm freshly walking out of le'closet.

Since I've gotten some very supportive replies (except for the guy who said gay men are looking for people like an average person seeks coffee in the morning), I think I'll give out some more details for those who don't mind-->

In no particular order, a few statements:

1) In Columbus, OH I lived in the gayborhood/horny college kids area (Short North+Ohio State), and in DC I was in the gayborhoods as well. And of course, here I live in West Loop, not the most thrilling scene for being gay. But West Loop or Chicago, it's a world class city that's very liberal. Why should it matter so greatly?!

2) Could you please elaborate more on the "fundraiser scene"?

3) Out of the 8 nights I've been in Chicago, I've only spent 4 in my bed (don't judge). But that's only out of loneliness, and sinking self esteem. I'm just waiting for someone to dine with by the Riverwalk.

4) Gay sports leagues don't seem that central in Chicago... perhaps because it's a much larger city than DC?! Also, I have failed to get myself excite for Pride, more depressed about, kinda like my birthdays where I was so afraid that none of my friends were gonna show up.

5) I had a couple guys walk to me and make conversations which started with compliments, before I even had the chance to spread out my beach mat on Hollywood Beach. There were also some girls at Sidetrack who were like "OMG you're by yourself? let me find you a cutie",

6) If it makes you happy for me, I have a date tomorrow evening, and possibly one the day after. Not with guys I am head over heels for, but that's what dates are for I guess.

Overall, I think if I open my eyes, Chicago has been friendly. So I'll take the blame on me rather than put it on this magnificent city, although I can't be too harsh on myself, I'm just a human waiting to be held.

[justalicious6989]

I honestly wouldn't trust Grindr for meeting guys for dates. Especially here in the city. It's just not a quality app. Hook up central is what they should call it.

[Freefall18]

My grindr is never blowing up, I must be really ugly