Me: I mean, come on, no one really comes here expecting to meet their future boyfriend/girlfriend right?
Girl#1 (surprised): So you’re just here to make friends???
Me: …Ooohhhh…I guess you did…
A couple of friends and I are working on a new business concept dealing with singles/dating, so yesterday afternoon we were doing some research on the competition. It turned out that one of our potential competitors was having an event that night, so I said: “Is anyone up for some market research?” and the rest is history. I had already been speed dating about 3 years ago, but I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised this time…
3 Years Ago
When I went 3 years ago, I had prepared several characters/personalities that I was going to use with the various women: an immigrant who arrived the day before, an alcoholic, a religious nut, someone still hung up on his ex, Borat, someone who was hearing voices, etc. I was extremely disappointed when I arrived and noticed that A) the layout had all the girls sitting next to each other so they would be able to hear all my bizarre conversations and B) they were all French-speaking, so the jokes wouldn’t really work! My fun idea was ruined, but in the end, I still had a few good stories come out of that night.
Yesterday
Since this was more for research purposes, my buddy and I were able to have a bit more fun with it. The downside, again, was that although some of them were bilingual, out of the ~16 girls, only 3 really spoke English. My humour is of the witty/clever variety, so most of the conversations in French were, unfortunately, pretty generic. My buddy (who is French, but usually speaks English) even said it was awkward trying to explain what he did and to be smooth in French.
The upside, was that the venue was cooler, so now we know how much of a difference the venue can make and the majority of the girls were half decent and were capable of handling a conversation for 5 minutes. We also found out that engineers make up the bulk of speed daters… interesting! Overall, I’d say it was definitely a productive evening!
What Surprised Me
3 years ago, the majority of people (men and women) at the event seemed very awkward. At yesterday’s event, most of them appeared to be intelligent and decent looking, so I wondered: “Similar to online dating, has speed dating now become more mainstream and “normal” people are giving it a shot?”
Assuming that people are ever-willing to experiment with new dating concepts/methods, I believe my idea should work well, but I’ll explain it in further detail later on.
If you’ve never been speed dating, I definitely recommend it as a fun evening experience. This is what I told a guy who seemed pretty nervous before the event: “Worst case scenario: you come out with a few funny stories to tell. Best case scenario: you meet someone amazing. Hopefully you fall somewhere in the middle!!”
Have you ever been speed dating? Would you try it?
Hey Ian,
nice story, it was like reading sex and the city haha
how’s life btw.
Monica – LOL – You’re actually the second person who told me it sounded like Sex and the City! I’ve never actually seen the show, but I’m hoping that’s a compliment!
I’m doing v. well thanks! How have you been??
I saw your facebook status a few days back and have been waiting for this blog entry lol.
Sounds like you had a good time, in typical Ian fashion!
To answer your question, I’ve never been speed dating. If I was single, I would definitely give it a shot. Not because I would be hoping to meet my soulmate, but because it could be a fun way to pass some time. Sort of like car shopping (listening to the salesman pitch you, make you a “great offer”, and then haggle them down even more is a blast!!).
… but since I’m practically married, I’ll just live vicariously through you and this blog
Matt – It was a great time!!
That’s it, it’s a fun pass time for an evening.
BTW- there are couples who go speed dating just for the kick of it, so see if your gf might be up for it! Just keep your fingers crossed, that you don’t meet someone else! LOL Kidding, kidding…
I’m actually due to go car shopping fairly soon, so I’ll probably get some advice from you in that department!
Bah… I’d be more afraid that she’d meet someone else… lol
Matt – Awww… how sweet… make sure she reads that comment!
lol
From the girls I’m friends with, I keep hearing a repeat story, “My friend wanted to try it, so I tagged along with her and acted like someone else.”
Makes you wonder how many of them are for real.
Christien – You’re right! What was even more sketchy was when my buddy and I called to go at the last minute, I said: “Is there still space?” he responded with: “Don’t worry, I’ll call 2 more girls.”
Almost makes you wonder if they have their own “filler” women?
It is a compliment for sure, Sex on the City is quite a nice TV serie.. and they dedicated several episodes to speed dates, all of those with funny endings.. is a must see
Elizabeth – Thanks! Hmmm…I guess I’ll have to ask the girl on my team to fill me in on the Sex and the City speed dating episodes!
I would deffo go again! I’ve even helped organise a few to help young Tamil “professionals” meet other like minded “professionals” and it was a really good night!
I think it’s a lot more acceptable now than it was three years ago!
Scrump – Cool!! I’ll have to get in touch with you to see how you planned/organized your event. I’ve got an idea I’m working on, so hopefully I can get some insight from you!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.
Cameron – Thanks for the positive feedback!! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Cool website, btw!