What is speed dating?Speed dating (sometimes also referred to as "8 minute dating", or "5 minute dating") is a new style of dating that is taking Britain by storm.
Thirty girls and thirty guys (sometimes more, sometimes less) get together; they get a limited amount of time to chat to each other, usually sitting either side of a table, for a couple of minutes at a time, then move on to the next "date". During the night you get to meet everyone there of the opposite sex and decide who, if anyone, you'd like to see again. It really is that simple.
How exactly does it work?
An organiser arranges the venue and takes bookings for the event; unless the agency is looking for specific clients, these are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. Payment is normally required up front - this helps ensure that everyone who books actually turns up. The venue is somewhere smart but relaxed, usually central.
When you arrive at the venue, you'll be given an introduction to how the evening will proceed.
You will then be handed a small card or form - keep this safe because you'll use it to note who you want to see again.
You'll also get a sticker or tag with your name (or a nickname / number) on it, so that people know who they're meeting.
The women usually stay seated, and the men move around. The amount of time allocated to each "date" varies... It can be anything from 2 minutes to 10 minutes. A lot of services use three minutes, which allows you date 30 people in an hour. A buzzer will sound when the allocated time is over.
You make a note of the nametag of those people who you like and want to see again.
When the evening is over, the organisers will collect all of the speed dating forms and enter them onto a computer. The computer will then look for cross-matches, where two people have both said that they like the other person. They'll then put those people in contact. The genius of it is, you know that on the next date, you both liked each other and wanted the date to go ahead, so you start off on a better footing.
What if I don't get a match?
In the unlikely the event that you don't get a match, most events will allow you to attend their next one free of charge!
Is there speed dating near me?
Yes. Most big cities in the UK, including London, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol and Birmingham all run speed dating sessions.
How can you get to know someone in 3 minutes?
It's surprising exactly how much you can get to know, but remember that you don't need their life story. What you're really looking for, is whether you like the sound of the other person and what to know more. If you do, fill in your card with their ID. If not, you just leave it blank.
What are the advantages of speed dating?
Speed dating is suitable for everyone:
It's perfect if you're shy.
You don't need to worry about rejection; all the "dating" bit is done anonymously.
It's quick (obvious, really), so great if you've got a busy lifestyle.
You get to meet a much wider range of people than you usually would.
It has over a 50% success rate in finding long-term relationships.
Is speed dating suitable for me?
Without a doubt, yes. There are speed dating sessions for straight singles and gay singles, with everything in between!
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