Speed Dating for the Single Soul

Can you really find your soulmate after an 8-minute chat? It's called speed dating, a popular form of dating where singletons congregate in hopes of making a love match. Ever wanted to try speed dating, but didn't know how? This quick form of finding a potential mate has skyrocketed in popularity over the years. It's a fast way to weed out those you would never be interested in and take a step further with those who strike your fancy. So where does one begin in the world of speed dating?

1. Find a reputable speed dating company. There are dozens of companies that claim to be the leaders in the speed dating arena, but beware, you end up paying cash out of pocket, but not getting much of a result. Dating blogs are rife with stories of speed dating situations gone wrong, so make sure you choose wisely. Go to companies like 8MinuteDating.com, Cupid.com/PreDating and HurryDate.com for the best service.

2. Smile. When you're meeting someone for the first time at a speed dating event, you want to make a good impression. This is not the time to complain about your ex, gripe about taxes or politics or tell your date about your astronomical student loan debt! All of those topics will put a frown on not only your potential mates, but on you as well. Approaching someone with a scowl isn't as effective as a firm handshake and a beaming smile. Put the jitters aside and let your inner beauty shine through! The other person will definitely notice!

3. Don't offer too much information about yourself. At most speed dating events, you've only got about 5-8 minutes to chat with the person you've met. You've got to use that time wisely. Before you attend that event, put together a short list of questions that you feel will help you figure out the most about a person. Asking your date about his/her marital status and what he/she likes to do are all good places to start a quick conversation. Stick to your list of questions during the speed dating event. If you hit it off with someone, you can always go out on a real date that doesn't have a time limit!