Speed Dating Speed Dating Information
What is Speed Dating?
The concept of "round robin dating" or "Speed Dating" was founded by a Jewish Rabbi in the late1990's. The idea was to bring Jewish singles together to meet and maybe marry. The concept of "Speed Dating" has really grown and is widely used in the dating world today. The idea is for singles to meet as many singles as possible in their age group. The sessions (interviews) can run anywhere from 3 minutes to 8 minutes per person depending on the size of the group and the time elements involved. We choose to allow 3 minutes per interview for each participant.
What is the goal of Speed Dating?
As the goal may seem obvious, our goal is to use Speed Dating as an ice-breaker and a way to create friendships. We have seen many friendships formed through Speed Dating. We strongly believe that it is important to create friendships and let the Lord do the rest! We don't want this to be a "quick fix" or "hook-up opportunity". We have heard from many singles who are looking for a relationship to full-fill them or make them happy. Many singles have been through one or more tough relationships and it is our goal to encourage singles to grow spiritually, to be full-filled in Christ, create Godly friendships and let the Lord do the rest. The Speed Dating is a great vehicle to meet, create friendships and we have seen the Lord use the Speed Dating sessions to bring couples together. We recently had a couple who met at one of our Speed Dating sessions get engaged! Most of all, the goal of Speed Dating is to have fun! I think seeing our growing numbers, everyone is having fun!
How does Speed Dating Work?
We have the participants pre-register with their names, gender and age groups. The participants will then be seated at tables with the ladies on one side and the gentlemen facing them. Each participant will wear a name tag with their first name and a 4 digit number to help identify them from other participants with the same name. Each participant will be given a form in which they write their name, user name (name and 4 digit number), and email information. It is important to make sure the email is legible in the event there are matches. When the participants meet each other, they will write each others user names on their sheet. There is a place to take notes (some participants bring their own note paper to keep notes on). Once the 3 minute session is finished there is a place to check or circle yes if you feel there was a connection and you would like to get to know the other participant better. Each interview is a 3 minute session. Generally there will be a whistle or some means to let the participants know the 3 minutes is up. Once the 3 minutes are over the gentlemen get up and move to their left and start the next interview. The Speed Dating is completed when all participants in their age group have met. The forms are then handed in to facilitator. They will later be screened for matches. A match occurs when both parties (the lady and gentlemen) both check yes. The participants will be notified by email in 3 to 5 days with the email information of their match. Some participants leave with a number of matches. It is really a lot of fun! Generally there are other events following the Speed Dating to mix and mingle. Each participant has now met a number of singles made some new friends and is ready to mix and mingle!
What else do I need to know or bring?
One thing that we hear a lot is I wish I would have brought my own notes. There is a place to take notes on the form you receive, but those are taken up at the end of the session. If you want to bring your own note pad, feel free. There will be a sheet of questions that some of the participants like to look over just to have an idea of what to ask or talk about. Usually one question gets it rolling!
What are the age groups?
We have participants in about every age group, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, and some in their 70's.
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