How would a 38-year-old single, highly educated female from the BIG CITY like Raleigh?

[miamiblue]

Originally Posted by Nativechief

If you want to get a feel for the night life in Raleigh here is what I suggest . On any friday night after 11pm drive downtown and park your car and then get out and start walking. Be sure you walk at least 3 or four blocks in each direction. You will get a feel for the city and its exciting "nightlife"... Oh yea be sure your cell phone has 911 on speed dial and you are wearing a good pair of running shoes..

What parts of downtwon were you in? Surely not the areas with all the restaurants, art galleries, and museums. Probably not at the performing arts center, the downtown amphitheater, or the convention center. I'm guessing it wasn't Glenwood South, because there are so many people there on a Friday night after 11pm you probably won't be able to find a parking spot.

I live downtown and walk around after 11pm quite often (no need to drive to and from a restaurant or pub when I can walk). Sure there might be a panhandler here or there (as there is in nearly every American city), but if someone asking you for some change is enough to make you want to call 911 and run for your life, you might have some confidence issues...

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

I'm a bit older, but I know women of all ages here, and it's weird -- I know only 2 people who smoke -- and they are at work. That's it. But it's sad to hear that so many do.

I'm pretty close to the OPs age, and I only have one friend that smokes, and she's trying to quit.

Of course, I don't hang out in bars anymore. I had more friends that smoked back then.