Have you ever been to a speed dating event or party? I have participated in one of these in the past and they're an extremely fun, fast-paced way to meet new people.
What’s a newer, hipper trend to dating? Speed dating of course! Instead of going out with just one person in one evening, speed dating parties like those through FastDater allow you to meet a variety of new people all in one night. It’s better than going to the bar, and hoping to get up the courage to talk to someone.
At FastDater parties, you get to meet everyone else of the opposite sex also there. So a gorgeous gal you’re eyeing? You’re guaranteed to get three minutes to talk to her; the rest of is up to you!
According to FastDater’s web page (fastdater.com), they originated in 2001 so have been around almost six years. Here’s how it works: “First, you need to become a FastDater member by signing up” on their website. “Your membership is FREE; you only pay when you decide to actually attend a FastDater Event.” These are usually held at bars, clubs, and restaurants. When I researched, I saw FastDater events in 47 different cities throughout the country.
At the events, everyone gets a card to make notes and mark and three minutes with every other person of the opposite sex. One sex will stay sitting in the same spot (At the party I attended, the girls got to sit there with their drinks and every three minutes they blew a whistle and a new man came and sat before me. Talk about easy!), while the other sex will rotate around the room.
You get three minutes to talk to each other and ask questions. After you’ve met everyone, you circle yes or no to each person you met. They are doing the same regarding you.
If you mutually say “Yes” to each other on your scorecard FastDater lets you know, and gives you the person’s contact information so you can begin e-mailing, talking on the phone, or whatever you wish.
Some pros I saw to FastDater:
1. You definitely get to meet a lot of people in one evening!
2. If you don’t like the person or click with them, they’re out of your life in three minutes and you can circle no. With dates, you’re stuck for a least a couple cups of coffee or at worst case all through dinner and a movie!
3. You get to actually meet the person face-to-face and not only figure out if you have things in common, but if there’s a real attraction there too that could lead to more than just friendship. A big issue with online dating can be that you can invest a lot of time and energy in e-mailing the person, talking on the phone, and this is based on what? A picture that may have been taken ten years ago when they had hair and weighed 50 pounds less! Now I’m not saying physical attraction is everything, but in the best relationships it is something and has to be there. Meeting the person face-to-face can and will tell you a lot.
Some cons I see to FastDater:
1. It can be a little embarrassing to go to a party on your own. I would recommend rounding up some gal or guy friends and getting moral support for this one. When I went, my girlfriend and I went to the bar after to de-brief and talk about who our top three were. Another potential issue there though: What if you both like the same person? There’s a limited population here and everybody’s interested in meeting someone to date!
2. If you really like someone and hit it off with them, it can be awkward to say goodbye to them after only three minutes. And wonder if they’re going to rotate around the room and like someone else they meet after you better?
3. What if you see someone you know, or used to date there? Would that be awkward? You have to spend three minutes with your ex. What would you say? At least with online dating the initial steps can be taken in the privacy of your own home. J
Like anything in dating, there are pros and cons to each approach available today. I think it’s important to evaluate the different dating options available in today’s society, choose what will be the best and most comfortable for you, and above all, remember the goal is to relax, meet some new people, and just have some fun! Good Luck!
