Speed Dating

Is eight minutes enough time to get to know someone? Is 480 seconds enough time to determine whether or not you would like to go on a date with a person? If you try speed dating, you will quickly learn timing is everything.

Speed dating is a process based on the principle of first impressions.

When your time is up and the whistle blows, your date is over and you are off to your next eight-minute rendezvous. Though sometimes the process is mocked, there is something to be said about the nervous, vibrant energy created by a room full of single hopefuls, all with the same goal in mind.

What is Speed Dating?
Word Web Online defines speed dating as An organized meeting in which people talk to potential partners for a short time in rotation to assess whether there is mutual interest.

The concept was established by Rabbi Yaacov Deyo as a way of introducing Jewish singles to each other to keep marriage within the religion. Speed dating now has spread throughout the world as a matchmaking process open to everyone.

How does speed dating work?
Although the format varies from country to country, the principle is basically the same.
Speed dating usually takes place in a bar or restaurant to promote a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The typical price range is $35 to $45. Online registration is completed in advance according to venue and age group.

Once at the event, participants are assigned a number and location, and are given a scorecard with yes and no columns attached. The length of the date varies from three to eight minutes depending on the organizer. Participants discreetly circle yes or no on their scorecards and jot down notes to remember who their date was. Once the whistle blows, everyone moves to the next table, where another date begins. This process continues until all the singles in the room have dated one another.

At the end of the night, scorecards are submitted to the organizers. Participants are notified via e-mail if there has been a match, meaning both parties said yes to each other. Participants are then provided with the other person's e-mail address and the ball is now in their court to contact the person.

Is speed dating safe?
Speed dating is a safe practice because it is conducted in a public environment. Anonymity is protected by the process itself. No contact information is given out during the brief date. Information- including phone numbers, last names, addresses or any other personal facts- is automatically withheld. It is an avenue for people to simply meet and talk privately.

Speed Dating Tips
- First impressions are crucial: show up looking your best.
- Make eye contact. Smile.
- Allow your personality to shine in the short time you have. Remember once the whistle blows, your time is up!
- Mingle during breaks.
- Sit apart from friends. Your date may be intimidated knowing that your friend is sitting next to you.
- Be pleasant and attentive. Strive for dialogue, not a one-sided conversation.
- Try to be open to different people. Say yes even if you are uncertain.
- Do not have high expectations. Relax and have a good time.

Pros and Cons of Speed Dating

Pros-
- Allows singles to meet various people in one night.
- Structured interaction relaxes otherwise shy people.
- Time limit ensures you will not be stuck dating someone you are not interested in for too long.
- Matches occur after the event, so you do not have to face rejection in person.

Cons-
- Reinforces first impressions, which may not be indicative of compatibility.
- Puts shy, quiet people at a disadvantage if they are not comfortable opening up in the short time frame.

Does speed dating really work?
Thousands of couples have met and have had success stories from speed dating. Some dates have eventually resulted in marriage; others have resulted in a few dates and a laugh. The good thing about speed dating is there are no serious risks involved. It is a casual, fun experience. If you are single and want to try something new, give it a shot. You may just meet the match of your dreams. If not, at least you will have a few good stories to share with your friends.