Have you been thinking about attending a speed dating event but are really nervous about how it will go?

I'd say "Go for it!", as this way of dating is a great way to meet potential dates in person with no pressure, as opposed to online dating which can be a bit daunting at first.

According to Wikipedia "Speed dating is a formalized matchmaking process of dating system whose purpose is to encourage people to meet a large number of new people. Its origins are credited to a Rabbi originally as a way to help Jewish singles meet and marry."

The first speed dating event took place at Peet's Café in Beverly Hills in late 1998.

So what are the advantages of speed dating?

It's great for busy professionals who just don't have time to search for a new date. Many of them hardly have any time to socialize, so attending one of these events means they'll be introduced to a whole range of new people in just a couple of hours.

If you go with a friend it can be a fun and safe way to meet new people who may be in the same position as you. Many introverts find this method of dating a real godsend as there's no pressure to keep a conversation going for more than a few minutes with each candidate.

If you're interested in attending a speed dating event you'll need to pre-register as the organizer has to be sure they have the right number of men and women.

The cost of attending varies depending on where you live. Often these events have between ten and twenty face-to-face four-minute dates with like-minded single people for a cost between $30-$40.

You're usually asked to arrive 15-20 minutes before the start, you'll be given a scorecard and asked to agree with their terms and conditions - you'll be told the questions you're not allowed to ask.

Then you'll be allocated a table with another person opposite you and you chat for a few minutes (usually less than five), a whistle will sound, marking the end of your allocated time with that person.

Next, you'll get around a minute to indicate on your scorecard whether you'd like to see them again. Usually the women remain seated and the men go around each table until everyone has had their mini-date.

Before you leave your score cards are collected and the organizers will let you know the results. Sometimes it's by email or through their websites within 24 hours.

So let's look at some of the pros and cons of speed dating

Pros

You aren't under any pressure to choose a partner (unless you're interested)

You don't have to be engaged in any long in-depth conversation

You're in a safe environment

It's fun and engaging

You could meet the love of your life

Cons

You don't have much time to get to know someone (if you're interested)

You're competing with all the other women for the good guys attention

You have to pay for the pleasure

Why not give it a go? After all you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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