Getting Checked Out at Wal-Mart

Feeling a little lonely? Looking for a great place to meet other singles? Well, looks like Wal-Mart has jumped on the matchmaking bandwagon. Wal-Marts in Germany are hosting "Single Shopping Nights" every Friday night from 6pm-8pm. The way it works is single people who come to shop during the "Single Shopping Hours" receive a cart donned with a bright red bow to indicate their singleness - no doubt given by a cheerful Wal-Mart greeter. Nothing like a bright red bow on your cart to draw a suitor.

To assist the more shy consumer, they've set up "flirting points" where they sell chocolate and other romantic gifts for someone to use as a doorway to introductions. (Like the "big red bow isn't enough??) They say it has been very successful and are testing it in other international markets. Maybe one day it will make its debut in the States.

I have pretty mixed emotions about the whole "singles night" at Wal-Mart. It definitely is a better venue than some alcohol-laden establishment. But, since most of the qualities I look for can't be revealed in the aisles of my local Wal-Mart, I'm not sure how successful I'd be at finding a match. I'm open enough to admit I've caught the eye of an unsuspecting male grocery shopper who I "check out" to see if he looks single. I do the normal ring scan, then check out his cart to see what he's purchasing. Trust me, I've never been forward enough to do more than smile and say hello.

Maybe I'll go to Wal-Mart, put a big red bow on my cart, and see if anyone notices. And, if they do, I'll quiz them on my other list of characteristics I look for in a mate. This could be a telling sign of why I'm still single....