When it comes to cutting to the chase in the dating arena, speed dating wins the prize. The idea behind speed dating is just as it sounds. Daters move along a table and get to know each person for a pre-allocated amount of time. If someone piques your interest, daters will mark it on their card and will be able to connect after the event. The key behind speed dating is the notion that you know you are attracted to a person within the first two minutes of meeting them.
While this may be a stretch from the conventional way of meeting someone, its garnered quite a bit of attention in the recent years. Perhaps meeting someone through friends has become an archaic ritual left to those who believe that fairytales exist in real life or it may simply just be a more efficient way of going about dating. On June 20, Chris Hall the owner of Rendez Vous Club hosted one of Vancouvers biggest speed dating event. A total of 200 men and women showed up to roll the dice hoping to score a big win in the relationship arena.
The men and women who attended the event were separated into three groups by age range: 23-28, 29-34 and 35-40. The biggest turn out was between the ages of 29-34. Ive never tried speed dating myself and fairly green when it comes that area to say the least. I wanted some questions answered such as: whos signing up for this kind of event, what they really thought about it and is this one step before an overt declaration of desperation. According to owner Hall, his speed dating has led to 20 marriages so far.
This all sounds promising but isnt it intimidating to step into an arena like speed dating? Arent people self conscious about what it says about them? As I stepped into the venue with trepidation, I was surprised to see the amount of attendees. Vancouver was certainly looking good that night. It was not at all what I expected as I steadied myself for what I thought would only be awkward gathering of dating under achievers. The room was buzzing as the event started and there didnt appear to be a lack of conversation. The room was filled with everyone from working professionals to those who are looking to network.
During intermission, I made my way around the room to talk to some of the attendees in each age group to get their thoughts on the event and what brought them there.
Brad, 34, told me his recent move to Vancouver brought him to speed dating. He thought this would be a great way to meet new people and network. I have no expectations coming into speed dating. Ive tried Internet dating and I prefers speed dating because women online are more critical and stand-offish, he said. (Rating: Will definitely try again)
Benji who is 28 and works in sales says: I came for fun just to meet people and talk. Fifty dollars for a drink and couple hours of meeting people is reasonable. Its much less than what I would spend at a club on a night out to meet someone. The downside of this event is its held at a club and its too dark to see how a person really looks like. Also, with 200 people in a room, its hard to hear someone talk. Its a little better than Internet dating because you never know what youll get from the Internet. (Rating: Maybe try again)
Jamie Lee and Tesla who are 24 went for fun as friends. Their bubbly personalities sure seemed like the experience was a positive one for them. They said: We went in with no expectations. We thought it would be something new to try and got some girlfriends together to try it out. We believe that girls are more open to speed dating. We went on the beat singles mingle boat cruise awhile ago and there was 100 girls and probably 40 guys. I think its more difficult for guy to come to events like this because their guy friends are unlikely willing to come with them. The only negative is its based heavily on first impressions. (Rating: Maybe try again)
Sarah who is 35 and newly single after a long-term relationship, said this: I thought this might be a great thing to try. It was a little intimidating at first but I feel that speed dating helps cut out the most difficult thing about dating which is approaching someone. People in the room are all kind of in the same boat. Meeting someone when youre older is also more difficult and Im willing to open yourself up to more options. (Rating: Will probably try again)
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Amy Yew is a researcher and therapist. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.
