Archive for June, 2008
It’s one of the “in” things on the dating scene. Throughout the country pubs and clubs are quickly catching onto the marketing power of speed dating and the positive effect it can have on their profit margin! If you’ve seen the posters advertising these, but haven’t had the courage to turn up to one yet, why not get a couple of friends to go with you, and see what goes on. At the very least you’ll have a new experience to talk about. Before you go however, here are 5 things you need to know about speed dating:
1. The rules are the rules. You don’t make them, you can’t break them. If the speed dating host gives you just 5 minutes with each person in the room, that’s all you’ll get. Try to hang on to someone longer and they’ll be someone trying to edge into your seat before you get out of it! On the other hand, there are bound to be people there where spending 5 minutes with them will seem a lifetime.
2. Not everyone is there looking for a life partner. Some people go on speed dating nights because they just don’t have time to take things one partner/one night at a time. Others come on speed dating nights because they want to touch base with as many potential dates as possible. Some speed daters are almost habitual about it, they have no intention of actually hooking up with someone in a one-to-one relationship. Then of course there are those who are desperately seeking that special person in their lives and wonder if it’s you. None of these types of speed dater are bad, but you need to be aware of their existence so you don’t get caught up with someone who hasn’t the same expectation of the evening as you have.
3. This leads nicely onto tip 3. Don’t have a high level of romantic expectation from the speed dating experience. I’m not saying it’s not going to happen, what I am saying is that if you gauge the success of the evening on finding a soul mate, then you will probably be disappointed. Instead take a more fun approach and have an expectation of meeting some interesting people some of who you’d like to know better. That way you’re sure to have a much better experience.
4. Do your homework! Find out how long you will have to sell yourself to each candidate and then make sure you have enough to say that will let them see your real personality shine through. Have questions to ask shy candidates to try and draw them out a little and see that you’re approachable. Don’t monopolize the dates. If you talk all the time you aren’t finding out about them, and if you had taken the time to do so, you might not find yourself on a proper date with someone who bores you to tears! Divide the time so that you alternate between listening and talking.
5. Never give out more personal information than you’re happy about anyone in the street knowing about you. As with any dating situation personal safety must be your number one priority. It’s fine to give your name, but leave contact numbers, addresses, specific workplace locations for another time when you’re more comfortable about who you’re talking to.
So there you go. Sign up for the next speed dating evening you see advertised and get out there and have some fun!