Though it’s super early in the morning and I have yet to have my coffee, I’m jamming to my favorite love song, Tamia’s So Into You. Now join me! Turn on your favorite love song and dance.
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Today, let’s talk about finding love in Los Angeles. Navigating the dating scene out here in this big, sprawling, complicated city where everyone is trying to make it is tough.
But as it turns out, it just might be possible to find love in L.A. Last week we asked you to send us your love stories and several of you who read and listen to How To LA sent us some really sweet ones.
Here are just a few:
Takara Sights met her now-fiancee at a bar in 2017. Both of them were new to L.A. and had just joined the No Boys recreational dodgeball league. After a game, the team would usually go to a sports bar for drinking games. Here’s the account of how they met:
I’m not the most outgoing person, and one night I was standing by the bar and this beautiful woman thought she was standing in my way. We got to talking. She had never been out of the country but had her passport ready to go. I’ve traveled quite a bit, but I’d never been to temptingly close Tijuana. It was a date. In two weeks we were strangers with no plan driving to Tijuana. We fell in love over late night texts, food excursions, hikes in Griffith Park, and long bike rides. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met and I’m grateful to L.A. for bringing me to her and changing my life.
Jose Cabrera also met his love through recreational activities — a bowling league. They dated for seven years and are now celebrating four years of marriage, outlasting the bowling alley in Santa Monica where they met.
For 10 years we lived a mile apart and never met. At first we didn’t date, we just did fun group stuff like beach volleyball, Santa Monica pier, concerts and bowling on our team. We had a lot of things in common, most importantly our sense of humor. But also our outlook on life and never taking things too seriously. Eventually I had to know, “Is this a romantic thing?” So I met up with her on a Friday night and by the end of the evening, I kissed her. It made me believe that love is possible in this crazy giant city.
Allison Gray moved to L.A. reluctantly 13 years ago and had never been to Lincoln Heights until … she met the “right guy.”
I fell in love with an East L.A. guy. I was a mid-city girl. He’s a cat dad. I’m a dog mom. Turns out opposites really do attract. We worked together for many years but the timing wasn’t right … until one night just before Christmas. I told him I’d love to see him a little more. One year later, he might’ve just convinced me to move to the east side. That’s how you know it’s true love. I love getting to see the downtown skyline and twinkly lights from his house. Whether we are barbecuing together, going to Dodger games or watching old TV shows, it all just feels new and exciting when you are with someone you love. Even sitting in L.A. traffic can be fun with the right guy, I promise.
These love stories are so sweet. Thank you to all who submitted them. We have more on the How to LA podcast. Take a listen here.
As always, stay happy and healthy, folks. There’s more news below — just keep reading.
(After you stop hitting snooze)
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If you ever wanted to get more involved in your community, you just might want to consider joining a neighborhood council. They are the most hyperlocal arm of government in the city of Los Angeles and the folks who join often make a difference in their surroundings. Interested?
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