I can’t make friends as I’m a quiet guy, but I just don’t want to stay at home. My co-workers don’t invite me out. I’m not bad looking, but I’m not hot either. I’m thinking of going out alone to a bar and enjoy myself. I’m a 36 y/o single guy. I’m not looking forward to going to a popular bar as they are very packed with people. If not a popular bar, what time should I get there to get a chair by the bar (if even possible), and what would I do other than drink? Do you guys think it’s even ok for me to go alone? I’m a good, mature guy, not loud or funny. Yes, I still have a full set of hair and no beer belly (if this info. is even relevant).

Small apartment, single guy with a techie lifestyle and tastes that lean a little too IKEA-ey. I’m having trouble with making a particular corner of my apartment "interesting" enough for people to gravitate towards it when I have a bunch of friends over. It’s what’s supposed to be the eating nook of the place–an extension of the kitchen, linoleum floor, five-foot window overlooking the street outside (but usually with curtains closed for privacy), I’d say no more than 7′ by 7′–kitchen to the north, white wall to the south, window to the east, living room to the west. There’s a table, nothing fancy, black with silver legs, rectangular, about 4 by 3, a pair of equally spartan chairs.

Any tips to what I can put there (like on the table or on the wall) to make it more people-friendly, without making it look too, um, "girly" (i.e., a vase of living flowers is not the answer)? I’d also rather not buy new furniture, but I guess I could paint the table a friendlier color…

I’m a thirty-year-old single guy. I like dogs, the outdoors, my Jeep Wrangler, autumn, good wine, travel, photography…

I’m trying to integrate my "likes" into my home. I have painted my living/dining room two colors of khaki, and a chalkboard-green wall. I have a brown leather couch, and walnut tables and bookcases. I’ve also remodeled my guest bathroom – new flooring, hardware, paint, etc.

However, I’m trying to get ideas on decorating… accent pieces, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture (blank slate right now) and my own bathroom. I need help finding websites for "bachelor pads" and masculine design (not a lot of flowery-things). I’d like to redo the kitchen with the small tiles as a backsplash.

I’d like to find websites/books/magazines that show off a masculine home. Pictures are a must!!

The main goals are to have a cool guy’s house and up the resale value.

Serious responses only… any help is appreciated. Thanks!
As I said, folks… I need pictures, websites, magazines, etc. While I appreciate the suggestions, does no one know of ANY place to LOOK at pictures to get ideas? That’s what I’m wanting.