5 tips to get the most out of speed dating
So you’ve taken the leap and bought a ticket!! Hurrah, we’re so excited for you! Well done. Following are a few tips to help you get the most out of the experience. We hope you’ll be able to go in with peace, joy, confidence, and an open heart and mind, ready to be surprised.
1. Take the pressure off!
Do NOT go into every date trying to figure out if you want to marry this person. That kind of energy will have both you and them sweating! All you need to ask yourself is, ‘Am I interested in seeing this person again and having the opportunity to get to know them better?’ If it’s a yes or a maybe, select ‘Date’ of ‘Friend’ (or both) and don’t overthink it!
Say it with me; “Expressing I’d like to go on a date/connect further with someone is not a marraige proposal”.
2. Stay open-minded
Whether we realise it or not, a lot of us have a ‘type’, which can blind us to really good things right in front of us. Challenge yourself to see the gold in every person you meet. BE CURIOUS! Don’t let your assumptions or normal patterns in dating get in the way of possibility. Take this as an opportunity to connect with people you might not usually ‘go for’. Don’t go in with the expectation that there’ll be a big ‘spark’ with potential matches. There may not be initially - but if they’re not UNattractive to you - why not leave some room for the unexpected to unfold?? Surely that’s where all good stories start.
3. Don’t hog the conversation
Let each person you talk to feel valued, respected and seen. Taking up all the space in a conversation doesn’t speak value to the other person, and will likely not leave a good impression. Nerves can make us talk a little too much, so just remember to take a breath, slow it down and be curious about the perosn in front of you. (But also remember…no one likes feeling interrogated or like they’re being interviewed for a job, so keep it relaxed!)
4. Be yourself
Yes, it sounds cliché, but it’s actually super important. People connect with authenticity. You probably won’t connect with everyone you meet, and that’s okay! You are exactly someone’s cup of tea, so don’t water yourself down. Be your own delicious, fragrant cup of tea. If you’re quiet and introverted - don’t feel like you have to grow a new personality to compete with others…let people enjoy the gift you are. If you’re loud and extroverted, be your bright, sparkly self and don’t feel like you have to ‘tone it down’.
5. Have fun!
This will happen when you take the pressure off and come in with an open heart and mind. This is not the only opportunity you’ll ever have to meet someone! You’re not interviewing people for a job, you’re simply getting the chance to meet some incredible humans - take joy in that! Enjoy a night out with a bunch of other single, Jesus-loving humans, and be encouraged that you’re not alone in your single boat.