Dating Times

A reader says after reading the TimeOut NY "be a better dater" issue he is totally amped and ready to try weird dating events. I say don't lose that momentum! Don't wait until I'm invited to one or wait longer yet for me to get one together. Try 8 at 8, which places you at dinner tables at restaurants with other single yuppies. And then report back, ok? Hmm, I'm not sure how expensive it is, though. They say, "Compared to expensive matchmaking services or video dating services that cost thousands of dollars, Eight at Eight is extremely affordable." Or how about The Lunch Club? It's not just for lunch anymore. It's not just for dating either. It seems to cost just slightly more than going out to eat (or do other activities) with people you already know. And you can do career networking there for no extra cost. Singles on the Go is a sort of tacky website that has some useful links to many more events of this nature. There are even two groups just for tall people!

I read that TimeOut article too, and was taken aback to see that the event I'd gone to was in no way unique, apparently other people are doing them. However in the article they said it was all (straight) women. The one I went to was very strict about women having to bring a man, so there was definitely not that problem.

I can't say that I recommend speed dating, though as a franchise opportunity it seems to be a winner. There are now at least 9 different services in New York. Speed dating is a trial by fire. It sounds good, doesn't it? You can see if you have that elusive "chemistry" with someone? Don't waste 3 hours on a blind date, just 3 minutes? I don't know if you can find chemistry in 3 minutes, actually. It just means having to answer "so what's your story?" fifteen times in a row. And the pool of singles? Well imagine going online and doing a search with the only parameters being "within 25 miles of NYC, age 25-35, looking to date." And then meet the first 15 who come up, no matter what. Is that worth $35 to you? And your self respect and self esteem besides? At least at the dinner party you can have a nice time talking with the group, hopefully, even if you make no love connection.