Think dating in Chicago is a breeze? Think again. Whether you'd like to admit it yourself or not, there are certain things that are considered serious deal breakers in the Chicago dating realm. Check out the list below to see if you've ever unknowingly (or, let's face it, knowingly) ended things because of these deal breakers.
1. In order to go to their place, you have to take a train, a bus and another bus
Why should you have to walk alone on a dark street to get to your date's apartment? Talk about needing some city funding for lights. It's not that you don't want to make the trek. Except in reality, you really don't. Also, why do bus and train schedules never seem to overlap?
2. When they tell you they live in Chicago, but it's actually "the burbs"
Chicago and the suburbs are not synonymous. When a potential date tells me they live outside of the city, I wonder whether they live with their parents or if they've preemptively bought our future home. The pressure from either of these scenarios just causes me to move on. It's sad to say, but dating in Chicago is all about "location, location, location."
3. They're a Packers fan
I don't think I need to explain this one. If they root for that team in Wisconsin, they need to be cut out of your life.
4. When they take you to a Cubs game and they want a pretzel and craft beer
Come on, it's baseball. Order a couple of hot dogs and Old Styles, the best way to watch the game.
5. They take you on a first date to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
I've been to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reba on several first dates. I love the place, but instead of Google searching the "best first date place in Chicago" or "most romantic date night in Lincoln Park," take me somewhere original where I haven't been a dozen times.
6. They won't leave their own neighborhood
Would it be convenient to date someone who lived close by? Sure. Does that also mean that you'd never head to Chinatown? Or explore Lincoln Square's German Fest? Chicago is a huge and amazing city, and has way more to offer than just one neighborhood.
7. When they don't understand the grid system
If I had a dollar for every time a potential date was late because they don't understand how the city works, I would be a rich woman. The grid system in Chicago is essential to navigation. I am the worst navigator, but even I can get to a restaurant off the Grand Red Line station without getting turned around and going five blocks in the wrong direction. Sure, we've all been there. But there are those people who refuse to learn the grid, are notoriously late and often claim they "always know where they are going." Don't be one of those people.