On Wednesday night of this week I am attending my first speed dating session. I've read up about it online, and planned my outfit, but even those preparatory measures aren't calming my nerves.
It's one thing to meet one guy for a drink, and quite another to face twelve guys at once. When I'm heading to a one-on-one date, I never doubt that I'm capable of being totally charming. I always feel like even if I'm not their physical type, I'm pretty good at making someone smile or laugh. I force people to see beyond my packaging, and I think that's how I win them in the end. My worst fear with speed dating is that I'll be rated against 11 super-hot models and none of the guys will care about what I have to offer -- they'll be too busy looking down the line to see what flashy packaging is coming to their table next.
What's scarier still is that period before the event when everyone's milling around, sizing up the competition -- because that's exactly what it is, you know. A pecking order based solely on attraction will be establishing itself as people mingle and order drinks. It probably sounds like I'm being extreme, but I tend to think like an anthropologist when it comes to dating. (I did my undergraduate thesis in human mate selection, and it really isn't all that different from what you see on the Discovery Channel.) So even though I know how the game is played, I can't help but have the Speed Dating Jitters.
Have any of you readers been speed dating? Any advice?
Good luck Kiki! Should speed dating not be your cup of tea...have you considered dating younger?
ReplyDeleteWhy younger, Cece?
DeleteLil, i`m not saying that younger men are better than older men, however, trying new things and being open to different types of matches (even if it is unconventional) allows us to have a better understanding of what we want and don't want. I`ve had positive experiences with dating younger (not more than 4 years) and older (by more than a decade)....based on my experience - older men are generally more established with their life, however, they also can come with more emotional baggage. I`ve found younger guys to be more adventurous, look better, good health condition (women generally live longer so this is important), and have a fresh outlook on life. I`ve also started seeing someone two years younger (same generation) and so far having fun with it :)
DeleteCece that's great! (Must be new since Vegas ;)
DeleteI seem to get along the best with guys who are about 3-5 years older, but I'm open to anything. I've had bad luck with younger guys so far... they all turned out to be potheads. :P
Kiki, yes we are still in the embryonic stage of dating (new since Vegas)...initally I had a filter to rule out anyone younger than me...what changed my mind was a date with this 41 year old (he had more grey than my dad)....nice guy, but it made me feel old too.....so switched up the filter. Good luck with speed dating tomorrow!
Delete