'First dates are interviews' - Van Wilder, Party Liaison.
This can seem all too true when meeting someone for the first time. We sit clutching our drink like a life raft. Going through the monotony of where we grew up, what we do, our favourite colour...blah blah blah. I don't think I've ever dated someone because they liked the colour, terracotta. Don't get me wrong, over time these are things you will learn about your partner but not something that's gonna determine if there'll be a second date and ever lasting love.
Some people find it really easy to talk about themselves but if you're not one for the small talk wolves, then are you destined to be single forever? No. Original Dating has tons of alternative dating events for those that want that something else out of a dating experience. For some of us the idea of sitting in front of 20 dates seems a bit daunting, boring or exhausting. For that very reason we're always coming up with innovative ways to date and meet new people.
Why do you think we're called ORIGINAL Dating....
We've been at the forefront of alternative dating events since the start. We've launched world first's after first's. But before we get into our insane alternative events, I want to share a little of the method behind the madness.
One on one dating is great, for many reason's it's focused, intimate and you know why you're there. Now here comes the BUT, it's not always a good place to express oneself and show our charm. What I mean is it can be very formal and restrictive. Some are better than others in these situations. What I look for in people can't always be found sitting opposite, sometimes I see there's more than meets the eye but trying to peel back the onion, as they say, is easier said than done.
As Business Development Director at Original Dating it's my job to come up with new and interesting ways to meet people and to devise events that allow us to see more than what meets the eye. Everyone is interesting. You won't every find out what makes a person tick from what they do. No two lawyers or teachers or marketing managers are necessarily the same because they have the same job. You'd find out a lot more about someone by what's in their fridge, than what they do.
So what alternative dating events do Original Dating have?
Dating Against Humanity – A world first from Original Dating. This is my brain baby, my first creation, one of which I'm very proud of. This monster event has SOLD OUT for women until mid-June. The key to this event is humour. Plain and simple. Cards Against Humanity is the hit card game which even if you haven't played before, you'll pick up after one round. The aim, be as horrible as you can! The event is a group based dating event which means we can see how others interact in a social environment and have fun without worrying how you're coming across. At no point does it necessarily feel like you're on a date or at a dating event. Connect with people over humour, no matter how dark or twisted it is and you can tell a lot about someone by their choice of card...
Quiz Dating – Was first introduced to the London dating scene by Original Dating back in 1888. This ground breaking twist on the standard speed dating format, see's you teaming up with other singles in a pub quiz format. This allows us to have a common goal while getting to know your fellow quizzers, sharing a laugh and putting your heads together to try and come out on top, in first place. The social setting creates a unique atmosphere of fun and there'll certainly be no what's your favourite colour questions.
Dating Bingo – The new dating event with BALLS! Another world first and a more recent addition to Original's alternative dating events. This event see's around 100 singles become human bingo balls. Everyone with their unique bingo number must bounce around the room trying to find out everyone's bingo numbers. If their numbers on your bingo card, cross it off and once you've crossed out all of your card it's time to shout BINGO! This super sociable event ensures you meet a lot of people and have a great night out in the process. Our hosts also double up as bingo entertainers!
Ping Pong Dating – Is a fun activity based dating event which doubles up as a Ping Pong party, with up to 50 guests mingling and playing mixed doubles Ping Pong. This event is as fun as they come, allowing you to mingle and play the best pub sport ever, without ever really feeling like you're on a date. Meaning you're dating and having fun. Aren't people most attractive when they've got a smile on their face.
Like all Original Dating's alternative dating events, I would prefer to use the term social events for single people because the term dating events sounds a little too forced. These fantastic nights are designed to be like a fun night out but at the same time, safe in the knowledge that everyone's single and here for the same reason.
If you want to be part of the dating revolution sign up below and get a discount off your first ticket to one of our alternative dating events.
WORDS BY STUART GRAHAME
Stuart is the Business Development Director for Original Dating and has been a regular host for many years, making him an expert in the field for offline dating. Watch out for his regular posts full of dating tips and advice.