Speed Dating

I wouldn't say that I'm an expert on speed dating, but I enjoy it and I know the basics quite well. Because I enjoy going out, I've had a lot of experiences with it. I have been on a lot of different speed dates by myself and also with a local online dating service, and I have just recently started to organize my own events. There are some people, usually used to the bar scene, that may be intimidated by speed dates because they are a little unconventional. These people don't have the first idea of how does speed dating work, and they worry that it will be uncomfortable.

I can understand what their concerns are. The very first time that you give speed dating a try, it can be a little intimidating. When you're at the bar looking for a date, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. You can walk right up and try to start a conversation, talk for as long as both of you want to, and then casually slide away if things aren't going right. Speed dating, however, is a little more regimented. At a certain point, you change partners, engage in a quick conversation, and then move on to the next individual.

Even though this may seem a little stressful, it does have its rewards. One of the best things about speed dating is that it gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of people in a very short period of time. Speed dates break the ice quickly, and you have a chance to ask each other questions, and go over all of the basics in just a couple of minutes. If a conversation dosen't seem to be going well or it's awkward, at least it won't last long. With the 30 or so different people that you've met, you're likely to find someone who you click with.

Speed dates can vary a little from place to place. There are some speed dating services that keep things rather simple. At one place I used to go to, you would simply enter a room where there were approximately thirty small tables set up. At every one, there would be a different woman. Every man would have a seat at a different table. Whenever a bell rang,  the men would stand and move over to the next table. When it was finished, each individual would turn in a list of who they liked. Whenever people clicked, they would get each other's contact information. This is basically the standard everywhere you go, but some places like to jazz it up a little. They might hand you conversation starters, set a romantic mood, or have drinks. Regardless, it's all just about the same.