What is Speed Dating?
Speed Dating is an event that is taken place between women and men around the same age group. It is the act of getting to know a set amount of people from the opposite sex( or same sex for the LGBT community) for the purpose of dating or finding a long term relationship match.
The History of Speed Dating
The first speed dating event took place in Beverly Hills in 1998. After that, many people in different places started adopting this strategy to meet people and many commercial companies were formed to put together these speed dating events.
How Speed Dating Works
Each person is given the opportunity to meet a set number of people for a set period of time. Usually the average amount of people that a person will meet on average is 20. The average time that people meet for range between 5-10 minutes.(Hence the the word “speed”)
People are given a sheet of paper to indicate if the person they have talked to warrants a subsequent date. They check off “Yes” if they like them and want to see them further, and check off “No” if they did not make any type of connection with the person.
Who is Speed Dating for?
Speed dating is for any individual above the age of 20 that is single who is looking for dating, a long-term relationship or to meet new friends. People who usually participate in speed dating events are the type that are very busy with their daily lives and either do not have time to meet new people or don’t meet their type.
Why Participate in Speed Dating Events?
- You will meet people that you would have otherwise not met. No harm in meeting new people!
- It’s a good opportunity to sit, relax, and socialize.
- If you are stressed for time and find it hard to meet people that interest you it’s a quick and easy way to do this.
- If you’re new to the city it’s a great way to meet new people in town.
- If you have a fear of approaching or talking to the opposite sex, it gives you a chance to practice.
The Advantages of Speed Dating
- Fast and effective. You can quickly assess if you like or dislike the person
- Meet new people
- People who usually come out to speed dating events are nice, friendly, and open-minded to establishing connections with people.
- People who are afraid of rejection do not have to deal with it.
The Disadvantages of Speed Dating
- Some people think that speed dating companies charge too much money as an admission fee.
- It can be argued that the way it is organized is not natural and is too structured.
How to be successful in Speed Dating
- Don’t be nervous. Everyone at the event is in the same boat as you.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not in hopes to get someone to like you.
- Try to ask interesting questions to get the conversation flowing.
- Differentiate yourself from other people.
- Talk to everyone, even people of the same sex at the event. This will give you social value.
- Don’t drink too much and make a fool out of yourself. You are trying to make a good impression on people.
- Dress to impress. Wear something that makes you stand out.
- Try to be funny. Everyone loves a good joke to break the ice and make things more comfortable.
- Arrive on time. People who are late to the event usually end up without a date or have to wait a while to start.
- Be yourself. I know this is a repeat of #2 but it is truly important.
If you are successful in Speed Dating, the final outcome will hopefully be something like the picture below. Good luck!
If you’re looking for additional information on Speed Dating, a great resource is at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_dating
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