Your speed dating pep talk
So, you’re feeling reckless and thinking about coming along to a speed dating event. But you’re also wondering, ‘Would a poke in the eye with a burnt stick be a more comfortable option?’
We hear ya! Whether you’ve been swimming around in the dating pool for a while encountering nothing but those scary deep sea creatures with sharp teeth and lightbulbs hanging off their heads, or you haven’t had a date since the 90s, or ever…you’re gonna be okay! This is a GOOD CHOICE. Let us tell you why.
1) Don’t fear the awkward
Five minutes per date is really JUST enough time to both introduce yourselves. Hardly time for any awkwardness if you don’t quite ‘click’. (But hey…even if there is a bit of awkwardness…who cares?! We’re all a little awkward, it’s part of what makes us (and connects us as) human)!
2) They’re not really dates
Yes, you’ll meet up to 20 lovely humans in one night. But think of it less as ‘dates’ and more as opportunities to catch glimpses of some spectacular humans. Take the pressure off ‘finding the one’, and just appreciate each person you meet for who they are. Again - five minutes isn’t long enough to draw conclusions or feel pressure to know if anyone is ‘the one’. Take it as an opportunity to encourage everybody you talk to - because we could ALL do with more encouragement in our lives.
3) Haven’t dated much? This is the perfect place to practice
If you get super nervous on dates, or perhaps haven’t dated much/at all…know there is actually way less pressure in meeting several people at once than there is spending a few hours with one person on a date. No one can have high expectations of anyone…once the bell rings and the conversations start, you’ll see how fun and relaxed the atmosphere becomes.
Part of the heart behind these events is that they’d provide an opportunity for people to practice dating/chatting to guys/girls in a low-pressure, safe, friendly environment. We have received a lot of feedback from past attendees about how the event helped them to fear dating less, and break through into some new confidence. We LOVE this so much!!
4) single friend, We just love you, a lot
These events are designed more than anything to leave you feeling encouraged, valued and seen. We know being single in the church isn’t always the easiest experience, and that you might sometimes feel a little lost in the nuclear family-focused structure of things. We want you to know you’re not forgotten, you’re worth an event meant just for you, and there are many other amazing people in the boat with you.
5) It only takes 20 seconds of courage to change the course of your life
Yes, you’ll need to be a little bit brave to come along. But you know what they say…it only takes 20 seconds of courage to change the course of your life! So give yourself 20 more seconds to think about it, clear your calendar, andddd…GO, BOOK! Do now, panic later (not really, no need to panic!).
We are cheering you on as you take the leap outside that comfort zone, because all of the best things are outside it waiting for you. If you meet your forever love, amazing!! If you don’t…hey, you just did something courageous (woohoo for growth!). This could just be part of creating forward momentum in your dating life, and/or a chance to meet and build friendships with others in the same chapter of life as you. And that’s so worth it, we think.