Local hangouts are fertile dating ground

So all of a sudden it’s spring and I’m supposed to be falling in love, right?

Just forget about the double major, the multiple jobs and that whole “planning for the future” thing and devote all my time to finding someone to lay on top of me for the three months of summer.

However, while the chances of finding “Mr. Right” at this age are somewhat slim, I can admit that the prospect of meeting a few “Mr. Right Nows” who fit in my busy schedule is always appealing.

Developing a relationship requires a lot of personal work, time and, usually, sex. But some of the strongest relationships I’ve witnessed began right here, in and around our own little campus.

These are the top six places to meet someone in Westwood.

Holding strong at the bottom of the list is Margarita Mondays at Acapulco.

This weekly party generates a regular crowd of Bruins. For the 21-and-over, it’s a great place to spend an otherwise dull Monday evening getting up the courage to speak to a peer who previously caught your eye. Also, the $2.50 margaritas help to speed along the process.

Diddy Riese ranks number five. While waiting, talk with the people around you, especially at the early hours of the morning, when the line can wrap around the block. It’s almost like a well-lit, sober party with no surprises in store.

And, despite Diddy Riese’s proximity to campus, the store’s amazing cookies draw people from all over Los Angeles. This includes the not-quite-as-smart but attractive students from across town.

Rounding out the bottom three is the John Wooden Center. For the most part, people who consistently go to the gym are generally attractive, which is a plus. However, the overdose of testosterone in the weight room and the span of stretchy spandex in the cardio room can be very intimidating.

Working out here is rarely about physical health. I’d say it has transformed into a full-blown social event, complete with themed attire. Depending on what you’re looking for, it could be a hot-body gold mine. I’ve gotten a handful of hot dates and even one semi-relationship from Wooden.

The bronze medal goes to Espresso Roma Cafe. This is a gold mine.

Not only are there extremely attractive future CEOs, but with Kaufman Hall so close, it’s crawling with dancers as well.

Located in the Anderson School of Management, the cafe offers great food, an inspiring atmosphere and a view filled with the most attractive people on campus.

Despite the huge crowds at lunch, you can almost always find a table and someone to chat up while you eat. Just keep an eye out for wedding rings.

The runner-up is the Jazz/Reggae Festival. This once-a-year event should be declared a holiday, at least in Los Angeles. Arguably one of the largest events held at UCLA, the festival offers a plethora of students and non-students with whom you can sway to the music.

Two days of utter, sunny bliss create an environment where everyone simply wants to get along. Just make sure to avoid the baby strollers.

And the number one spot: in class.

There are a few positive things you can get from crushing on a classmate.

First off, just to be admitted to UCLA, they have at least one of these qualities: braininess, life experience or strong athletic ability.

Second, you must have something in common just by taking the same course, whether it’s the desire for an easy A or serious interest in the course material.

Lastly, you have 20 to 30 chances for a second conversation per quarter, compared to one chance at a party that lasts two to three hours.

Communication studies student Josie Lopez said the best part about meeting her boyfriend in class was always having the reassurance of seeing each other at the next class session.

“There was no pressure to set up the next date. And I looked forward to the walks we took once class was over,” Lopez said.

Each of these options shouldn’t take too much time out of your already busy agenda. Just think of it as enhancing the social aspect of your life.

Don’t worry about meeting “the one.” This is about taking a step in the right direction and getting a cookie while you’re at it.

Intimidated by all of the expectations of spring? E-mail Forde at nforde@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.

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