It’s safe to say that we live in fast times. Everything around us seems like it’s moving at lightning speed, sometimes leaving us with an impression that we’re missing out on most of what life’s got to offer. This is especially evident when it comes to dating and intimate relationships. But what if we say there’s an easy way to catch up with everyone else?
Modern technology allows us to install all sorts of dating apps that give us a chance to meet someone new and fall in love. However, we all know that the internet isn’t the safest of places out there. It’s a perfect place for someone to take advantage of our loneliness and desperation. Therefore, we present you with speed dating — a safe yet more exciting way to find the love of your life.
“I Have a Date!”
No matter what, turning down your friends on a Friday night isn’t going to be possible without a couple of sly remarks. Some might get nosey and begin to question whether you have something more important to do. And if that’s the case with you, it’s a perfect setup to shut them up by saying that you’re going on a date. Moreover, you’re meeting with more than one person. How about that?
Unlike dating sites, speed dating allows you to come into contact with more than ten people of your preferred gender. The whole thing is set up for strangers to sit in one big room (usually a bar or café), where they have a limited amount of time to leave a good impression on others. And once your time is up, you switch your seat and say hello to another pair of lonely eyes.
But before you begin to chat with other singles, you get to write down what kind of partner you’re looking for. From age ranges to hair color, you can state your preferences. But these notes won’t always work since it’s all random people like you. Nevertheless, a chance to meet someone face-to-face is more than alluring for your lonesome soul to skip.
The Virtues and Downsides of Online Dating
Although the main topic of this article is speed dating, it’s important to state how it differs from its online counterparts. After all, we’re living in the heyday of the digital age, and dating apps are all the rage among young people. They sure have some virtues and positives that everyone can enjoy. But just like that, there are numerous cons too.
Firstly, let’s talk about the brighter side of dating apps and sites. The one thing most of us can agree on is that it offers you complete anonymity and the safety of your home. There’s no need to worry whether something bad is going to happen if you go out with a stranger. Well, at least not while you’re sending texts to one another.
Also, online dating allows you to expand your territory to the whole globe. You can text people from different countries, meaning all sorts of different looks will be available for you to communicate with. Still, this makes it a bit harder to eventually meet and make the most of your connection.
On the other hand, there’s the problem of scams. Although you’re at home, someone can still make your life hell if you don’t catch up on them early on. From giving away credit card numbers to posting your personal information all over the internet, online dating can prove to be a source for all sorts of manipulations and criminal activities.
But when it comes to speed dating, none of these problems exist. These single events are perfect because they allow you to see others face-to-face and evaluate them first hand. No email address, no fake pics of foreign models, no fuss. It’s all down to you and the impression you leave on your potential partner.
Benefits of Speed Dating
The first thing you’ll find while searching for your new partner is the fun environment that these dating events have to offer. It’s like going out to the club or pub but with a much better chance of hooking up. You get yourself a drink, stroll around for a while, and finally engage in talking with all sorts of different people. And if by some chance you don’t find the one you’re looking for, you get to have a fun night out in the town.
On the other hand, speed dating events are all about managing one’s time. It’s all fast enough that you won’t feel like you wasted your time doing nothing. The conversations are swift and help people get to the point without any pointless small talk. There’s no way you get to regret taking a chance.
Another great thing about speed dating is that they’re inexpensive. You won’t need to cash out hundreds of dollars for fancy dinners. They mostly go for around $50. And if you consider the opportunity of meeting more than a dozen new people, it’s pretty cheap. Also, some events allow you to come for free the next time if you don’t find a match.
Some stats show that more than 75% of people find at least one match. It’s no secret that numerous successful marriages and long-term relationships came from speed dating. Sure, it sounds silly to some, but they’ve never been to an event like this. They’re fun, cheap, and most importantly — pretty effective.
Choosing the Best Speed Dating Service
Luckily, in the U.S. and most other Western countries, events like these are pretty common. Ever since the late ’90s, speed dating came to full force and broke into the mainstream. Even popular shows like “Sex and the City” would include it in some of their episodes. Hence, if it was good for Carrie and Samantha, why wouldn’t it be for one of us?
However, there are some dating tips you can acquire before going for it. The first thing is, of course, to make sure the place you’re looking to check out is near you. You don’t want to travel across the country to find interesting people to talk to. Sure, you can do it, but there are so many events like these, one of them is bound to be near you.
Another thing to keep in mind is the number of participants at the event. Speed dating can range from just a couple of people to more than fifty sometimes. It all depends on what you prefer. Some people don’t like a large crowd around them and feel uncomfortable showing off their full potential, while others thrive at it.
Also, some places like to host events that have a certain theme. From New Year’s Eve types of events to full-on Halloween parties, you’ll find them all. Hence, it’s important to choose the one you feel suited for and play around with your outfit if you wish. And in case you wander into some bar with a weird theme, you’ll find yourself laughing hours after the event is over and telling your friends all about it.
Summary
Speed dating is an awesome way of increasing your chances of finding a partner. The opportunity to talk with more than just one person is what makes all the difference. It’s much safer than texting through apps with people you can’t communicate face-to-face. You simply select the one you like and hope you two match by the time the event’s over. But if that’s not the case, you still get to enjoy yourself drinking, talking, and making new friends.