In my 30s, I decided to be open-minded in my dating. With that, I'm considering new possibilities including blind dates (my last blind date was in 2008),
interracial dates (my last one was junior year of high school), speed dating and one day, online dating (in the
winter when I'm not saving money to travel). I'm not looking for love, just company and fun. A few ago, I was invited to attend a speed dating event with Urban Fast Lane Love. I agreed to attending because I was so curious. So many questions ran through my head....What was it like? What kind of men attend? Am I lame/desperate for attending speed dating?
I decided to attend and find out first-hand what speed dating was about. Even if it was a flop, with my dating luck, I knew it could have some funny stories. And of course, I was right!
SPEED DATING
The cost to attend was $25. I didn't think that was a bad price and far cheaper than online dating. The price included one cocktail of your choice. I ordered my good ole faithful, a Jameson and Ginger.
Speed dating is a small, intimate setting where you have five minutes to get to know your date. You write their name down and then you chat, trying to learn all you can to see if this person is a potential match. After the five minutes are over, the men switch tables and meet their next date. At the end of the night, you check "yes" or "no" and then the event organizers email you the contact information of your matches.
I arrived extra early so I could scout the room. After returning from the bathroom, I sat at the bar and ordered my drink. I immediately made eye contact with some lame sporting a Bulls cap and a blazer. He looked like a Southside Quasimodo! I immediately thought, Lord, please don't let all of the men look like this!
I didn't want to ruin my night so I ended my scouting and redirected my attention to Words with Friends and Instagram. I wanted to be surprised by the men that I met that night.
There were a total of 9 women who attended and 8 men.
The first three conversations were awkward, but I kept laughing and cracking sarcastic jokes to lighten the mood. The men were nervous, too.
After I got to date four, I started to have fun. I realized the men were putting on their best face to get that "yes" checked next to their name at the end of the night. By my last date, all I could think about was getting some food because I was starving. I'm convinced Jameson makes you hungry!
FLOW DATING
Flow dating is similar in the time you have to talk, but the difference is, you are given one prompt question with each date. The event I attended was put on by Paul Brunson and sponsored by BET.
The prompt questions about sex, divorce and seduction with a complete stranger made an already awkward experience really uncomfortable! There was even one date where you had to give your date your best massage! For the record, I'm extremely uncomfortable with touching. I'm like a baby, I need time to warm up to you!
I know Paul Brunson is known for flow dating, but those questions were not necessary. By date #2 of 9, I was ready to leave. Oh, and the men at this event were not as attractive as the speed dating event. Their conversation was also really boring. One guy even insulted me by telling me my finish time for my half-marathons was "pathetic". Yes, theses were his exact words. He also had on a bedazzled t-shirt from him t-shirt company so I just sat and started at him, trying not to laugh in his face. I failed.
MY END VERDICT
With both speed dating and flow dating, I matched with 5 men. To date, I've only been out on one of the guys I met. We've had three fun dates and he seems nice. One guy has called, emailed, and sent text, but no date. The last guy has annoyed me twice and potentially will be deleted from my phone if I don't hang out with him by the end of March. Two men have never called.
Would I attend speed dating and flow dating again? Yes, probably, I had a good time meeting new men. Love matches? No, but that's perfect for me at this time.My heart is on lock-down for awhile...
Have you every attended a speed dating event? What was your experience like?
