Speed Dating in Los Angeles

Speed Dating has become a popular activity amongst singles in Los Angeles. Speed dating started off in Los Angeles as a way for Jewish singles to meet in an activity based dating scenario. As it turns out, speed dating became increasingly popular and eventually snowballed as more and more people wanted in. Today, Speed Dating is one of the most popular dating events around the nation. For those of you who've never heard of speed dating or have very limited knowledge on it, I will be explaining the basics of speed dating, what it is and how it works.

What is Speed Dating:

The best way to describe speed dating is as a game of musical chairs. There are an equal amount of male and female participants of which, each member will have the opportunity to meet with singles of the opposite gender (or same gender depending on the event). Each member will be given a number badge and a piece of paper to begin. The badge is used as a way to keep track of the singles you will meet throughout the night. The paper pad you get will be used as a way to keep notes on the people you will meet throughout the night. For example, if you meet with member #4 and found some chemistry between times, you'll write it down for future reference. Each member will be given a certain amount of time, which can range between 3 - 10 minutes, to interract face to face with members individually. The time frame may not seem like enough time to get any significant breakthroughs, however, most people usually get a good feel of another person within the first couple of minutes of meeting. All in all, it's enough time to determine whether or not you met someone who would be worth the time in pursuing.
It may seem like a very nerve racking experience, but surprisingly enough, speed dating events offer a very relaxing enviornment and a coach who is there to put people at ease. The events are very fun and the questions that are exchanged are really geared towards discussing things outside of work or things that are considered too personal. Think of it as a very delightful conversation - no different than when you meet a someone for the first time.

What types of questions should be asked?

Before going to a speed dating event, you want to make sure to have a list of questions that are important to you (Are you religious? Are you vegetarian? Do you want a family). You can also ask more open ended questions to get a better idea of ones personality (what is your idea of a perfect first date? What is your idea of a perfect weekend getaway?) . You must keep in mind that speed dating is a two way street. Make sure that you're not over taking the conversation and make sure you pay attention. Conversation hogging usually leads to lower success rates. The goal in asking questions is to have a good time while you're there. At worst case scenario, you meet a handful of quality singles with the best case scenario being that you find someone that you really hit it off with.

What should I wear to a speed dating event?

You should dress nice but not over the top. Business casual is usually the best way to go. If you go to an event with a suit or a dress that could be seen on grammy night, you may intimidate the others. Likewise, if you under dress, you may find yourself standing out like a sore thumb. Dress in something that makes you feel good about yourself and makes you feel comfortable.

How much are speed dating events?

Speed dating is usually in the range of 30 - 50 dollars for the event. With that money, you also generally get a special menu with heavily discounted prices. It may sound like a heavy price tag, but when you put it in perspective, you'll be meeting anywhere from 5 - 10 singles in a two hour event that you're sure to have an awesome time in.

How can I find these events?

Go online and do a google search for speed dating events in your area. You're sure to find a handful.

Make your dating life easier with Online Dating:

The concerns with online dating is now a thing of the past. A few years ago, online dating was something that people felt ashamed to openly discuss and even felt ashamed to admit. It was a bit of taboo for the general population of singles. Well, over the last two years, online dating has become mainstream. Offering affordable services and a gigantic database of registered users, 45 million people cant deny that they're starting to change their views on these types of services. For those people who like to play it safe, online dating allows you to connect with may single users from various walks of life. It's a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, personalities and interests. It gives you the ability to create more opportunities by interracting with users in your area who seek a counterpart.

For many people, the sign up process is the most intimidating, because you're letting people see what you want and who you are. This may not sound very hard, but if you've done this before, we know all to well the fear of potential rejection. Keep in mind that yuou have to be in control of the theme of your dating profile. You can choose to be funny, flirty or professional, so long as you're honest and not scattered all over the place, you should be in great shape. Remember tthat honesty is very important. If you just so happen to start a relationship with someone, it should always be built on honesty. Besides, stretching the truth will get you people who are interested in the digital persona you created an not the real you. As you move forward dont fall into the temptation of making a novel out of your profile. Keep in mind that quality is better than quantity. Dont spill the beans all at once, it'll help create interest around your profile.

Be selective! Online dating gives you the opportunity to filter through people before you go on a date. Whether you're looking for something as simple as casual dating or interested in dating professionals, dont be afraid to ask the tough questions. It's much easier to do it online than in real life. When you find someone that you're interested in, be sure its someone that makes it through your filters. Use online dating to your advantage. If you do meet someone who makes it through your filters and you decide to meet in real life, be sure to play it safe. Meet in a public setting where there is sure to be a good amount of people around. It will help you feel more comfortable throughout the date.

Remember that Online dating is really just the first step of a long dating process. Be honest, be selective and be safe.

Does Online Dating Really Work?

According to over 100 thousand couples that are married and the millions of people who date throughout the year, they will say yes – online dating most definitely works. However, for a majority of people who are using an online dating site, you’d probably see them cringe if you ask them the same question.

Why does online dating work for a group of people and not the majority of them? Well, the answer is quite simple – most people aren’t being themselves when they create an online dating profile. Research suggests that approximately 90% of people who create profiles admit to lying about something on their profiles in an attempt to make themselves feel more desirable. This is one of the biggest contributors to why many online daters can’t seem to find success.

Many people may say “hey, I’ve never lied on my profile”, but when research suggests “people admit to lying”, much like body language, it’s not whats being said, it’s how it’s being said - it’s subliminally deceptive. For example, when someone spends time with their friends, they’re more inclined to let loose and not worry so much about what they’re saying and how they’re saying it, because it’s just casual conversation. When people create a profile however, they tend to use more sophisticated language that may seem as a better way of making a good first impression, but in reality, it may come off as a bit intimidating.

Another example is stretching the truth about age, height, weight, and profession. While most people may not think there’s not much harm in shedding off a few pounds or a few years and adding a few inches to you height, please remember that when you’re dating people, you’re looking for reasons to want to keep someone around, as well as, looking for reasons to cross them out. Fibbing about ones profession is the most commonly abused areas of online dating. People tend to lie about titles and salary. There’s nothing wrong with being single professionals, regardless of title and compensation, the fact that you have a career should be good enough. Honesty is huge! Just remember that if you happen to exchange messages with someone and it just so happens to lead to a date - the things that you said about yourself throughout the initial exchanges of conversation, will be held against you. If you show up a few pounds heavier, a few years older or a few inches shorter than you described, it may be no big deal, but understand that someone who does take notice may develop reasons not to trust you.

Being honest with yourself and others throughout your online dating cycle will make every single message that much more rewarding. After all, online dating is all about finding someone that you can be comfortable with, right?