Speed Dating

Many have found love at a table in 1 minute.  Speed dating is the leading source of couples, especially during Valentines Day.  Instead of sitting at home sulking that you are single, a speed dating party is a great place to be.  The term ‘SpeedDating’, which is spelled as one word, was originated by a Jewish man named Rabbi Yaacov Deyo.  He decided to start the program so that Jewish singles could be introduced and then get married.  The organization that Rabbi Yaacov Deyo was a member of was, Aish HaTorah.  The organization trademarked the term ‘SpeedDating’.  Those who host a speed dating party have to make sure that it is spelled as two words.

Speed Dating events have not been around very long in the U.S.  In 1998, the first speed dating party was held at Pete’s Cafe in Beverly Hills.  After other companies received word about the popular dating program, they too started hosting speed dating parties around the US.  The most popular time for this form of dating is around Valentine’s Day.  Instead of someone spending a lonely night at home on V-Day, they can go and meet a large amount of singles in just one night.  By 2000, speed dating had become so well known that popular shows such as Sex and the City had several speed dating parties written into the plot.  Other locations, such as Canada and the UK, have also been the site for many speed dating parties.

The ‘date’ usually lasts for 5 minutes, depending on the host of the party.   After the time limit is up, the host will ring a bell to let everyone know to rotate on to the next person.  The woman is typically the one who stays in one place, while the men move from table to table.  After the speed date event is over, each person gives the host a list of the singles that they are interested in.  The host pretends to be cupid by setting the couples up.  This method keeps feelings from being hurt.  In the eyes of speed daters, first impressions are everything.  Many prefer the speed dating style as opposed to other dating methods.  There is a large number of singles available in a very short amount of time.

The amount of attendants varies from company to company.  Some hostesses prefer to have an equal amount of men and women.  This requires the people who are interested to either make a reservation, or pay for a seat ahead of time. Other companies are more lenient as far as who is present and have it available as an open party for anyone to attend.  Many studies have been conducted from speed dating.  A study in 2005, at the University of Pennsylvania, proved that a person will decide if they have a lasting connection with another person in just 3 seconds. While this does place some pressure on those who attend a speed dating event, the most important thing to remember is to be yourself.