The third and final reason wins out - the simple desire for companionship and someone to share my life with. No matter how introverted and shy I’ve become, I still, like the majority of people, feel the need to share myself with someone. It’s the one mystery of existence that constantly plagues and motivates me at the same time.
I soon found myself at a random Martini bar in the central part of Denver, Colorado. I walked into the bar with my fight or flee instincts sumo-wrestling in my head and approached the greeting table. I was given a nametag that also contained a number that would help match me with potential “second-dates” online after the event was over. It was part of the rules (who knew there were rules to dating?) to set up a post small-talk second date with the help of the dating service.
Everyone was instructed, several times by my count, to mark “interested,” “not interested,” or “networking” on the provided score card and let the service put you in contact with anyone who felt the same. This is, of course, because speed dating is a business designed to make the owners some coin, and not the noble humanitarian effort it should be.
The particular event I attended was centered around a series of eight-minute dates. Each participant was given a card with eight table numbers. When the event began, we were paired with one other person for a short session of Q&A. A pretty simple concept fueled by the two-for-one drink specials. It wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I imagined it would be.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the evening for me, being a single male who was a feeling a bit desperate, was that none of the eight women I was paired with was in the least bit unattractive. Seriously; I’m not being generous in my opinion here by any means. Most of these women were amazingly attractive and it perplexed me that any of them felt the need to use a speed dating service.
Article comments
1 - Elsa
I feel disappointed there's no picture in your bio. I am curious to check you out! :P
2 - Triniman
Interesting article.
In my city's main newspaper, there was a story about the dating scene in which single events were organized. You had to bring a single person. For her birthday party, the originator of the event decided that since most of her friends were single, to have an event with friends in which they also bring single people. Eventually, she ended up getting married to one of people who attended after putting on several events.
A new pair of singles took over the event and they are now called "Hitch" parties, after the Will Smith movie. The last event had 150 people.
3 - Triniman
Oh, this is their website: hitchparties.com
The concept may not be new elsewhere, but I think it's new in my city (Winnipeg, Canada.)
4 - ProudBison
Just checked the website... As a Winnipeger, I'm glad to see that there are some people willing to do something about our limited nightlife. As a single young 30-something, its nice to know that I have other options of meeting single women.
The women at the last party are definitely a good reason to check out the next event.
Great job to the two guys that are organizing it!
Unfortunately, I won't be in Winnipeg for their next event. Can't wait for the next Hitch party!