Connect with us

Lifestyle

But Does Speed Dating Work?

But Does Speed Dating Work?

“Does (you name the technique — Internet dating, speed dating, going to singles events) work?” is always a question that stumps me. “Compared with what?” I ask. Compared with doing nothing, speed dating probably works pretty well. Anything is better than nothing, and what’s the likelihood that doing nothing will “work”? As our cat Peri says, “Not good, Dad. Not good.”

Does speed dating “work” better than Internet dating? Who knows? But what I am sure of is that the more you do to make finding a mate more likely, the more likely it is that you will find the love of your life. I do hear more and more reports of couples who met at speed dating events, just as it is not at all uncommon for new romance clients to tell me that they know one or more couples, now married, who met on the net.

Speed dating puts the all-important “Chemistry,” that illusive “something” most singles look for in a potential partner, stage center. Checking out “chemistry” usually has to wait until the first face-to-face meeting with Internet daters. Not a problem with speed dating: Here’s you chance to check for chemistry with a dozen or more candidates, no time wasted.

Most of us feel that “chemistry” or attraction is an important part of romantic love. But how do you know that the excitement you feel is a healthy attraction? How do you know the feeling is not fear, or a tapping into a not-so-healthy past experience?

Research came out that supports both the “working” of speed dating and Internet dating. Here’s what’s came out about speed dating: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania worked with Loveawake to collect data on 10,526 anonymous participants of speed dating events.

Robert Kurzban, the research leader, said that most participants made their decisions with three seconds. Since participants have no prior information about the other candidates, they make their decisions based solely on first impressions, that “chemistry” again. Malcolm Gladwell wrote about similar observations, that contrary to what the individuals at speed dating events SAY they want beforehand, they decided whether or not to pursue a relationship based on intuitive, non-verbal information.

What this research is not able to say though is if the initial attraction found at a speed dating event can then translate into a good, solid long-term commitment. The research on Internet dating, however, does seem to indicate that if the participants who met online used the Internet and the telephone to get to know each other before meeting, they were highly likely to want to meet again, and even pursure the relationship for at least months.

Here are some positives I have been hearing: As you could imagine, speed dating would be particularly suited to cities where you would have a big draw of like to like. In other words, filling up an event with enough professional men and women in a certain age range would be possible. Or sports fans or music lovers. Interestingly, the ages specified for the groupings are often three to five years younger for women than men.

While that follows usual dating patterns of men dating younger women, if you are older and female, ouch! The pickings (and events) are slim and far between. Often, too, the events will have a cut off age, like 35 or 40. Older folks — male or female –may be out of luck. Here’s and interesting tidbit: More women tend to sign up for speed dating events, but more men actually show up.

A commonality between speed dating events and Internet dating sites is that people going to speed dating events are there for one purpose only — they are interested in meeting someone who also is available, and they are paying to do so. That alone lends a note of seriousness, and of course, self-screens out anyone who is not.

If chemistry is important to you, then you may want to give speed dating a try. But be aware of your less healthy relationship patterns. And if you are over 40 and female, let me know if you actually find an event that will accept you.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Business3 days ago

Business Tips For Protecting Your Finances During A Recession

In 2024, taking the necessary steps to protect your finances for your business is now more important than ever. The...

Green & Energy2 weeks ago

Air Conditioning Installation: What You Need to Know

When it comes to getting an air conditioning unit installed, can significantly improve your comfort and home environment, especially during...

Marketing2 weeks ago

Marketing Tips For A Gym Wear Brand

When starting a gym wear brand, there are a few things you need to do and one of them is...

General1 month ago

Social Media Marketing: What Are All The Types?

Social media marketing is a tool that is a must-have in today’s digital age. it’s very rare that businesses can...

Business1 month ago

How To Become A Property Developer

There are several reasons why an individual will want to become a property developer. One of the main reasons for...

Business2 months ago

Remote Delivery Innovations: Case Studies from Leading E-commerce Brands

People have gone through much change in the past few years when it comes to online shopping. Nowadays, when delivery...

Business2 months ago

Why are Brits turning to online-only banks?

For years, large, conventional banks held all the aces when it comes to citizens’ finances in the UK. HSBC, Lloyds...

5 Important Web Design Considerations to Make For Better SEO 5 Important Web Design Considerations to Make For Better SEO
Tech3 months ago

5 Important Web Design Considerations to Make For Better SEO

Ever since the birth of search engines, practices in optimising websites for better search rankings have changed considerably. Where it...

SEO3 months ago

The Importance of Local SEO for Small Businesses

There are many different types of businesses and all of them will require online marketing however, with a small business,...

General3 months ago

Understanding The Unsung Heroes: Cool Rooms And The Importance Of Regular Repairs

Everybody loves a breath of fresh air when entering a superstore! But have you ever wondered who’s working backstage to...

Home Improvement7 months ago

How To Add More Value To Your Home

If you have some spare cash in the bank, it is likely you would like to spend it on your...

Lifestyle7 months ago

What is a Deep Plane Facelift

Cosmetic surgery is a choice that needs a lot of research and when it comes to thinking about a facelift...

Entrepreneur7 months ago

Unveiling the Demand for Digital Marketing Courses: A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, the realm of marketing has undergone a seismic shift propelled by the digital revolution. As businesses increasingly...

Home Improvement7 months ago

What Does an Effective Wardrobe Spring Clean Entail?

Spring is upon us which means one thing and one thing only. It is time for the annual purge of...

Business8 months ago

Your Basic Guide To Creating A Unique Investment Blog

Starting your own blog is great and once you get the ball rolling, it can be a good passive income...

Categories

Archives

Trending