Does speed dating work? Will I meet anyone I like? People don't take it seriously though, do they? It's just a bit of fun?

You name it, I've heard them all. And the answer to all of the above is, yes. 

Speed Dating works, quite simply because it centres around meeting people. Meeting actual people in real life. But the Proof is in the pudding isn't it?

Where dating is concerned, we stumble when we think apps are the answer to all our problems. Hundreds of people to swipe through, wherever we are. Our prayers have been answered - yes?  

No.  

If anything, dating apps overcomplicate the dating process. Usually we would decide to date someone on an initial interaction, but now we must decide purely on photos (usually posing with a sedated tiger-WHY?), text for a while then set aside a night only to have your date ghost you, cancel or not be anything like you had hoped. It's a risky business. 

Lots of people are telling us they're done with the apps. The fad is over. So why not skip the superficial judgement step and actually meet people in person. Only then can you make your mind up if you want to date them and you throw a fun night out into the bargain. 

So why is speed dating so much better?  

Forget the ghosting, dates cancelled and horrible tinder dates. Forget swiping on the bus or the loo (we've all done it). This is time consuming, right? We don't all have bags of time to date.  

Speed dating is fun and makes economic sense (20 dates-one night).  

Be proactive and social with your dating, we do everything on phones these days, shouldn't something as social an activity as dating be left in the real world?  

Meet people first and match later. A mutual match from speed dating means a lot more than someone who swiped right on a photo. Think about it. 

Now to the heart of the question.  

Will you meet someone you like? 

Yes, chances are at an Original Dating event you will meet someone you want to see again. We're so sure we offer a guarantee that if you don't, your next event is free because at the same time we understand just because we put you in a room with 20 dates doesn't mean you'll fancy everyone.   

Will I get a date out of this?  

More than likely you'll get a few. We find on average people make 3 matches at our busy speed dating events. This isn't to say the first event you go to is going to see you married off, who in their right mind could make that claim.  

It's a numbers game and you don't know who's going to be there on the night but that's also what's exciting. You might meet someone you'd have never met otherwise, the only reason being you decided to have a bit of fun and meet new people. The one thing I can promise you, is you'll have fun, meet some interesting people, and quite possibly a date or 3.  

The people that go to our events are fun, interesting, and just the same people you'll find on dating apps. So why not meet the real people behind the photo before you swipe right? 

Now for the pudding. I remember at an event a few years back, I was chatting with a guest and the conversation went a little like this. 

Guest: Yeah but I'm never gonna date anyone who goes speed dating. 

Me: Why are you here then? 

Guest: Just for a laugh. 

Me: So is everyone else! 

This conversation was before the event had even started and someone had already made a decision. 

Low and behold they made a match (probably more but it only takes one, right) and stuck around afterwards chatting to their match, for quite a while I might add. Why? Because everyone else is also here for a laugh but also with an open mind, so don't take yourself too seriously and you might just surprise yourself. 

Now for the cherry on top! This morning we received an email from one of our previous guests. What started out as a run of the mill email, transpired into something rather wonderful. A chap (which I will refer to as Steve) asked to be taken off the mailing list, the reason being he had met someone at our events a few years back (only just realising he's still on the mailing list) and was now set to be married in September.  

Steve said, 'You're too successful for our own good'. We want to wish them both all the very best from everyone here at Original Dating.  

So, does speed dating work?  

Yes of course it does, just don’t go in expecting the world and you might just find exactly what you're looking for, 'Steve' can attest to that. 

It's important to mention that it's fine to attend more than one event. You'll meet a different crowd each time and every experience is totally different. Speed Dating works because we are putting people who want to meet other people in a fun and social setting.  

If you want to put Original Dating's events to the test and find out that it really does work, why sign up here for a first-time discount. See you soon! 

 

 

 

 

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.