Speed Dating for Single Parents
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008
I’m going to start this post with a disclaimer: I love the concept of speed dating. I think it’s a brilliant idea, and I think it can benefit almost anyone who decides they want to take the plunge.
This may sound like I’m gushing about speed dating, or perhaps that I’m biased - but I’m neither. I don’t own or run a speed dating company, and I’ve never met someone I’ve dated at a speed dating event. And yet, I can’t get the idea out of my head that there isn’t another event or situation that you can place yourself into, where you’ll be guaranteed to meet someone you click with (or you get to attend another event for free).
Of the speed dating companies I’ve either reviewed for my “other” job or used personally, every single one has offered a guarantee: If you don’t meet someone that you click with, you an attend another event free of charge. Add to the fact that everyone in attendance is pre-chosen (based on their age and the fact that they are single and looking) - does it get any better?
Ok, ok. Some speed dating companies charge a bit much. $40 a night is steep in my world, but I wouldn’t have an issue with $20 for a night of meeting new people and some short but fun conversation. Adding a sitter would increase the fee a little bit, but not to an unreasonable amount. And if I don’t like the person with whom I am sharing a speed date with - all I have to do is smile pretty and wait, because our “date” will only last a couple of minutes, at best.
I’ve moved to a small town where there aren’t any active speed dating companies. Can you tell I’m pretty bummed about that? Yeah. So bummed that I’m considering running my own event, just to see if there is enough interest. Who knows? With any luck I may meet another single parent who also feels that speed dating is THE way to meet new people.
