Are you adventurous, romantic, curious? Or perhaps you're shy, desperate, creepy? Either way, it's about time you gave speed dating a go.
According to that font of knowledge,
Wikipedia, speed dating was invented in 1998 by…a rabbi. While on first reflection this may seem incongruous, in fact it turns out to be perfectly logical. After all, who could possibly know more about choosing people than the Chosen People?
Speed dating generally involves the assembly of an equal number of men and women – say, 20 of each – who are then paired off for a short amount of time – say, three minutes. So, in the course of an hour, 20 single men can get to meet 20 single women. Not even a buffet offers that much variety.
To reduce the pressure, the selection process is done anonymously. Nobody is allowed to exchange numbers during the micro-dates. Instead, participants make a note of everybody they're interested in, and if a match occurs, the organisers pass on contact details
after the event. Cynics might think that this gives desperadoes (men) the opportunity to play the percentages and pick everyone – and they'd almost be right. According to highly respected statistics – ok
Wikipedia's – the average man receives 34% interest, while the average woman receives 49%.
Pay no heed to the traditionalists who would have you believe that the only way for couples to get together is the old-fashioned way – drunk at a nightclub. At the risk of getting philosophical, speed dating is perfectly suited to these fast-paced, attention-challenged times in which we live. Of course, in the future, all match-ups will be organised by a super-computer (perhaps named Dexter). But in the meantime, speed dating is a fun, practical way for both romantics and rejects to look for love.
If you're single – or an adulterer (man) – waste no time in visiting these sites:
Blink Dating
Fast Match
Fast Impressions
Speed Dating Sydney
Sydney Speed Dating
