My first speed dating experience
Hi, I’m Tim. A few days ago, I went to my first-speed dating event. As with most new things, you know what will happen but never really know how it will play out.
I expect to see if the event is a pathway forward and what opportunities it may offer. The sooner you do new things, the longer that experience will benefit you.
The idea of speed dating is a group of people, in this case 20. 10 males, 10 females. At the beginning of the night, everyone gets given name tags. The women are seated at the tables. The men are then assigned 1 to each of the tables. The host then explains the rules. You have 5 minutes to chat when a bell is rung, giving you a minute to finish talking and to rate your match on the app with a yes or no. There’s also time to mingle beforehand and afterwards and a 10-minute break in between.
My experience
The conversations got repetitive. A lot of questions were: how’s your day? I had a wander around Tower Bridge and the monument. What’s you’re job? Where are you from? This can be one of the better questions, especially if you’ve travelled from further away, as it can create a bit of curiosity. One woman did ask me if I did meet someone, would I travel 2 hours to see them? I said Yes. Maybe I should have mentioned the time I flew to the US?! Or perhaps I could have asked if you would travel for 2 hours for the person of your dreams. Just saying yes, you rely on the other person to find some emotional connection to it. If I had said that, it could have led to follow-up questions, which would have allowed me to elaborate, and she would therefore give her belief that I really would.
Advantages
It’s a good way to meet many people in a short time.
It’s a good way to get feedback, possibly compliments, and to view other people’s mindsets towards speed dating. I would say around 2/3rds had their first time speed dating(including me)
It’s a learning experience; if it’s your first time, you’ve opened up another pathway to potentially finding someone.
People were easygoing and friendly, and the bar wasn’t too crowded.
Disadvantages
Despite plenty of conversation, most people are inexperienced and don’t know what to say. Most questions are mundane, such as what you do as a job. It was also loud, making it hard for us to hear each other.
The time constraint combined with a lack of experience can be a real problem, and you’ve only got this one chance unless you get lucky and meet them at another speed dating event.
You’re in a loud environment with music playing, having a conversation with someone who can barely hear you. After five minutes, you have to decide whether you want to see them again.
You need the internet. I didn’t get to rate anything on the app because I got home late.
Would I do it again?
Yes, if you practice the skills necessary for a fun and engaging experience. If you do this regularly and you work on your skills to get their character out. It will give you a great opportunity if the person with those qualities you are looking for turns up at one of the events. You’ll be able to find them, and at least you’ll have a chance.