For the inexperienced, speed dating is wherein a group of singles get together on a group date and each person has a chance to spend a few minutes with each prospective date. At the sound of a bell or other signal, everyone switches partners. At the end of the night, each participant indicates confidentially who they like or take an interest with. Two singles who match are given each other’s contact details.
The advantage of speed dating is the speed itself. You don’t need to find out who is available and who is single. There’s no small talk or preliminary chit chat required in order to extract one’s singles status.
There are certain disadvantages, of course. When a group of girls do speed dating, chances are two or three friends might set their sights on only one guy and when the guy obviously chooses only one girl, the friendship might get nasty.
Another disadvantage is that the time to get to know each other is way too short. You only both start to really get to know each other when you start dating. Major questions on issues like religion, past marriages (if divorced), likes and dislikes and other habits like smoking are never asked and may affect the relationship later on. Some singles who hit it off early in the speed dating event may find out later that they aren’t compatible, when it’s too little too late and someone gets hurt.
If you’re sensitive about rejection, then speed dating isn’t for you. Some people I know have been speed dating for months and never got selected. Not even once. Yet they keep on going back in the hopes of finally finding a connection. But, for the weak hearted, those not willing to put themselves up for possible and blunt rejection, online dating allows you to take a more controlled approach via online communication options such as chat rooms, IM or simple email communications with other members.
Free online dating as compared to speed dating: if you’re thick skinned and riding high on confidence, give speed dating ago for a fun and exciting way to meet people fast. Brush up on your conversation skills though!
