So, Speed Dating

Yeah I did it and will do it again.

LOL.

Last weekend I went speed-dating with a friend. The event was held at a local restaurant/lounge in the city and sponsored by an African American singles group. As with most events in D.C., the women outnumbered the men, I believe, 10 to 1. But it was a cool atmosphere and I met some really nice guys.

So, here's how it went down:
I was in the second round of the speed-dating. During my session, the women were seated and the guys rotated every 4-5 minutes to a different person. I think I met 9 men. We were suppose to rate the men on a scale of 1-10. If we rated anyone 6 or higher and they rated us 6 or higher, then we were a match and the organizers would connect us.

The first guy I met was nice enough. But he lacked, I don't know, energy - like someone made him come to this thing and he didn't really want to be there. He told me that I looked like a choreographer (Really? And I didn't even do any of my Jazzercise moves - lol). "Are you into the arts?" he asked me. "You look like you do spoken word or something like that." (It must be the locs - lol). He worked as a driver but his goal is to become an entrepreneur.

The second guy was straight up: Look I'm 6'3 and looking for someone at least 5'7 he told me. How tall are you, 5'4, 5'5? "Also, I need someone a little bit older. You look like you're only about 30." Now, I know he didn't mean to give me a compliment - but that was a huge compliment- LOL !! Since he knew that I wasn't a match for him, he went on to talk about his business pursuits. He too wanted to be an entrepreneur. "See, I'm looking for a partner. Are you tired of paying for high gas? I have this idea that would cut your gas expenses in half," he said. Wow, you need to hurry up with that, I told him. It'll be ready in two years he assured me.

The third guy was nice. He told me that he does speed dating often and had met about 8 or 9 people. He mentioned that he was from a small town and most of his friends were married with families. He wanted to meet someone and settle down. He also told me that he couldn't believe that there were women out there in their 40s still single.

Let's see, the fourth guy was a tall, chocolate brother. He also got right to the point: So why are you here? he asked. "Because I want to meet a nice guy to date," I answered. What are you looking for? What kind of guy are you looking for? I told him that I was looking for someone kind, caring and honest. But what's your type? he said. Do you like tall, short, fat, skinny, light, dark? I really don't have a preference. I've dated all kinds of guys every shade, height and weight (cause I have - lol). What are you looking for? I asked him. Someone nice to date, he said. Well, do you have a type? No, not really. I want someone kind, caring and honest. O-KKaaaay, I knew where this was going. What's your ideal date he asked? Then it was time to switch (whew !)

Another guy was extremely good-looking. He sat down, told me where he was from and that he was currently in school. For business? I asked. Yeah, how did you know? he said. Let me guess, you want to be an entrepreneur. Wow, are you psychic or something? he said, impressed with my skills. I just smiled.

One guy seemed a little upset, angry. He just couldn't meet anyone real. You feel me? I could relate - lol.

The next several guys were a blur. I didn't give anyone more than a 4 rating. I can think of one who I probably could have given a 6 or higher. However, most of the guys I met were younger than I would have liked - except for the guy who thought I was 30. I think the men I met were between the age of 25 and 35. I want someone just a few years older than that.

For future events I would suggest having the same number of men and women. Because there were so many women, the men had the option of participating in several sessions.

But overall I had a good time and would definitely do it again.
1) It's a good way to meet a lot of men in a short period of time.
2) You don't have to worry if someone will come up and talk to you.
3) After the speed-dating session, you can decide if you want to connect with someone after the event.

No pressure.

What do you guys think of speed-dating?
Would you do it?
Do you think 5 minutes is long enough to decide whether you like someone or not?
Do you know anyone who met someone speed-dating?

photo by Supercon Convention.