How does speed dating work?
Speed dating is one of several trends current among young (and sometimes not-so-young) singles, especially in the West. Basically, in speed dating, a large group of singles gathers in a certain venue booked or reserved for the purpose. The point is to meet many people, forming a broadly-sketched impression of each (while allowing them to form impressions of you).
The venue is divided into several stations, usually comprised of small tables with two chairs for a man and a woman (or two women or two men, since there is no reason why only heterosexual people would try speed dating). There are speed dating events for various groups, including Christian speed dating, African American speed dating, gay speed dating and city speed dating. People rotate stations so as to meet many people one after the other. There is usually a pre-determined time limit for each station—often just a few minutes, such as three to five. At the end of the elapsed time, a signal such as a buzzer or bell goes off, telling everyone that it is time to move on to the next station.
Many people tend to bring note-pads to singles speed dating occasions. This is to help them remember important details, keep track of whom they have met, and write down contact information. However, if you are unsure about this and other practices, you might want to ask the event organizer what the speed daters he or she knows usually do. If you are unsure, keep your recording tools small and unobtrusive. If you like, use your cell phone instead.
Convenience is one of the obvious advantages of speed dating. You can meet and speak with dozens of people in the space of a couple of hours. In a manner of speaking, speed dating also saves embarrassment. This is because everyone is already expected to talk with everyone else. Therefore, you do not have to put your dignity at risk by approaching somebody, who might otherwise have taken an overly arrogant and rude attitude towards your approach. On the other hand, some people insist that speed dating can never convey an accurate impression of a person, and that the process itself may create anxiety through its crowdedness and over-regimentation. It is up to you whether the pros outweigh the cons, or whether the “cons” are actually true disadvantages for you.
For a half-whimsical, half-satirical portrait of speed dating, check out the music video for British singer Sophie Ellis Bextor’s song “I Won’t Change You.” The video plays up both the fun and the ridiculous sides of speed dating.
