Singles Events

Why Go to Singles Events?

Once you're out of school, meeting people your own age and with similar interests can be tough. Your co-workers may all be significantly older or younger and your friends may already have paired up.

So, where do you meet people to date? Singles events are an opportunity to bring together people who might not have met otherwise. Plus, everyone who attends is single and available or, at least, that's the idea.

Types of Singles Events

There are many different kinds of singles events. Some of the most common are:

• Speed Dating
• Happy Hours
• Adventure Trips

Some events are sponsored by companies that make money by bringing singles together. Others are hosted by non-profit groups like churches or other social organizations. Occasionally an event is hosted by a group of friends who just want to expand their social circle.

About Speed Dating

Speed dating has become a very popular way to spend an evening. These singles events are usually arranged by for profit companies, and the "hosts" often make money according to how many people they bring in. Some religious groups also host them as a way to bring people of the same faith together. The announcement should specify the ages of the participants and whether there is a religious or ethnic affiliation.

During the evening, couples are paired up at random for six to eight minute chats. At the end of the night, each person gives the host a list of people they would like to see again. If two people are both interested, the host puts them in touch.

Many people who have attended speed dating events say they were pleasantly surprised. The brief "dates" don't seem too short, and the switch-offs prevent awkwardness if two people don't click. Finally, the confidential tally sheets save both men and women the embarrassment of asking for a date from someone who isn't interested.

Tips for Speed Dating

Speed dating veterans give the following advice:

• Keep it cheerful. No one likes a complainer.
• Avoid talk about work or the weather. This kind of small-talk invites uninteresting answers.
• Don't ask for a date. You'll find out soon enough if the person is interested.

Happy Hours

Many, many organizations hold singles happy hours, including some of the online dating services, churches and synagogues, some bars and restaurants, and a number of private organizations. All these singles events are essentially the same: a group of strangers gather in a room, sip cocktails, nibble on bar food, and check each other out.

Some people really enjoy these events: everyone's there to find a date and someone who's good at working a room can collect a lot of phone numbers. Other people avoid them: the music can be too loud for conversation and the events can feel like "meet markets."

Tips for Happy Hours

• Don't drink too much. You'll make a better first impression if you're sober.
• Start a conversation. We don't normally strike up conversations with strangers, but that's what these events are for!
• Move around. Wandering the room will help you meet more people.
• Smile. It makes you more attractive and more approachable.

Adventure Trips

Singles adventure trips can be one-day excursions or week-long vacations. These trips involve hiking, canoeing, rafting, or even bungee-jumping. They're meant to give singles a chance to meet while challenging themselves and having fun.

Adventure trips are relatively expensive and the groups are small. They're a good choice for people who love outdoor sports and wouldn't mind meeting someone while also playing in the outdoors. People who go just to find a date, but don't care about the activity, may be disappointed.

Tips for Singles Adventure Trips

• Don't go too far outside your comfort zone or beyond your athletic ability. Remember, you want to make a good impression.
• Dress appropriately. This isn't the time for high heels or tight jeans.
• Bring some cash. The group might decide to go for dinner or drinks after the planned activity.