Who would have thought it, me the jaded cynic agreeing to something like the concept of speed dating? Then again people change and I was growing tired of the same ol’ stale conversations online and craved a new beginning. After all A. I had never tried speed dating and B. life is too short to not try new things so why the hell not?! The big day was approaching and I felt slightly nervous, how would I come across, would I appear as awkward as I felt? But I needn’t have worried, with my best friend Anna Maria (On The Edge Blog) in Tow, I knew that we could have a giggle after if everything fell apart. Originally meant to take place at Mahiki in Green Park, the venue changed last minute to Shaka Zulu, which was a little bit inconvenient as it was further to travel to. Not to mention there are some people I would rather not see in Camden, but luckily it was dark and we did not bump into anyone we knew. Dressed in our ‘finest garb’ I channeled my inner princess and took on a new persona – let’s call her Princess Jasmine- because I knew the real me- Ana- was cynical and upfront. I did not want to scare off the poor guys during the date with my upfront mannerisms and wanted to be a little more open minded than I had in the past. As I am 23 and Anna is 26 we were put into the 21-41 age group, which meant that we got to meet a lot of interesting characters to say the least. But more on that later …
Shaka Zulu was beautiful, in fact a better word to describe it would be mesmerizing and the South African decor gleamed with intensity. The atmosphere pulsated with trance like music and it felt like stepping into an alternate universe where boundaries cease to exist. We stepped into the ‘speed dating’ room with more bravado than we felt and looked around at the sea of people. In that instant all I could think was that is a lot of men and struggled to see any women in the crowd. They were lounging around sipping on cocktails and beer and I have to admit it felt a little unnerving to see all eyes on us. Turns out the women were already seated at tables and I breathed a sigh of relief, good more females that are in the same position as us. We were ushered to our tables and the speed dating began;in the words of Paddy Mcguinness , let the crown see the jewels.
I wont bore you with the details of every single ‘speed date’ that we both had but I will tell you this, it ranged from the good, the bad and the god damn ugly. There was the good, lets call him ‘G’ who entertained me with tales of living life in the fast lane. His motto was to reach out to new people and share experiences that are out of ordinary. What I gleaned from that sentiment was that G was a fan of trying things again and again until there is really no hope of continuing. After all he ‘confessed’ this was already his third ‘speed date’ and when I asked him what happened the first two times he said that his ‘friends messed things up for him’. I didn’t really probe any deeper because we only had 4 minutes per person but I liked his honesty and how eager he was to get to know me. It made a nice change from the usual guys that I seem to bump into who were after one thing and thought it would be ok to grope me. Well I am not a bunch of f**king grapes so bye Felicia, have a nice life.
For the most part the dates were nice, if a little awkward but in all honesty there was no real spark with any of the ‘speed dates’. I felt like I was talking to new friends, although a few were my type. I am not sure whether it is because the dates are only ‘4’ minutes long and that is not really enough time to make a decision or because I just didn’t find a guy I liked but it was a little disappointing that there was no connection. Still I had a lot of fun and speed dating was definitely out of my comfort zone, so it was nice to try something new even if it didn’t make magic happen on that particular night. What I will say is this, I never knew how exhausting ‘speed dating is’ , especially since the men seemed to get breaks and the women didn’t, not sure what that was about? It was quite exhausting talking to many men without a breather and I think a better way of curating the experience would have been to have a breather in the middle like it stated in the dating brief.
Nevertheless we met some interesting characters, there was one ‘R’ who made inappropriate comments which we reported to the organizers, there was ‘S’ who thought I was his home girl and got all up in my personal space and there was ‘J’ who seemed a sweet enough guy and if matched with him would have loved to get to know him more, even if there was not much of a spark. R was extremely creepy and despite the organizers stating that he was ‘harmless’ and there was ‘misinterpretation’ over the comments he had made, me and Anna both felt uncomfortable that he was still in the building. What was good though is that the organizers said he would be banned from future events but even so I believe he should have been escorted off the premises, even if his comments were not meant to come across the way they did. Lets put it this way, I am not going to say what he said but it did make reference to ‘rape’ and ‘prison’.
The rest of the dates, despite being planted firmly in the friend zone were nice enough and it did make me laugh how everyone kept making references to my Princess dress. I looked overdressed (as usual) but I didn’t mind as for many of the speed dates it seemed to be a great conversation starter. The ‘speed dating’ was coming to a close and silly us (me and Anna) had not kept on top of our admin by checking off guys we wanted to see again, so we had a frantic struggle remembering who we would like to see in a romantic sense, even if there was no initial spark. I will say this, there were a few numbers exchanged-although not in a romantic sense- because of my job as they wanted me to help them with their social media presence so we will see whether any fruition comes from that. The speed dates drew to a close and because we had to report ‘R’ to the organizers, we were the last ones still downstairs. So it should come as no surprise that walking up the stairs pretty much everyone was already paired up and though there were glances we felt a little like gooseberries. Its not a nice feeling but we sure as hell was not going to make things more awkward and jump into other peoples conversations. Luckily people did come up to us and we did end up having good chats, but in a platonic sense only. Still the ranges of dialogues were interesting and a hot topic seemed to be ‘mindfulness’ and how our brains cope with change, which at a speed dating event only served to further reinforce a sense of irony.
We were getting tired and wanted to make our excuses and leave, but we couldn’t quite shake off a guy-who was quite literally older than my dad- hanging out with us. He was a lovely enough guy but we needed to eat and the only thing on the menu was game like ‘crocodile burger’ and that did not quite tickle my pickle. Still he was quite insistent that he would join us at a restaurant and we felt bad saying no. After going to say goodbye to the organizers who we didn’t end up finding we climbed back upstairs only to find him gone and breathed a sigh of relief. We might be upfront but we couldn’t be horrible to someone who was quite clearly a nice guy, Despite the lack of success in the speed dating apartment, I did spot a guy who caught both of our eyes ( we have the same type ok), one of the bartenders and I thought to myself, god damn if only he was on the date. I am not joking when I say he looked like his face had been carved by the gods. Still if I ever come back to Shaka Zulu again maybe next time I will say hello…
It was the journey home that turned out to be the most interesting part of the night. Two women got the train home with me and it turned out they had recognized me from the speed dating event. Suffice to say me and the bezzie had not been the only one to not find success and we bonded over our horror stories although like me they did not regret attending. We even bumped into a minor celebrity, who used to be in Eastenders and he was super interested in hearing how the process of speed dating worked, especially as he had just split from his wife of seven years, poor guy. Isn’t it strange the people you meet out of nowhere, how you have the ability to bond over such a universal topic like dating? Despite the ups and downs of the night, you might call me crazy but I am pretty much willing to give speed dating another shot. After all you should never judge a person you have met for four minutes so why should I turn my back on it? I might not have found the man of my dreams and will most likely still be single on valentines day but who knows, Dateinadash, maybe I will come through your doors yet again?
*Disclaimer
Me and Anna were given tickets free of charge but this does not affect my views and all sentiments are my own. Whilst it might seem like I was overly critical of the event, I did believe that it was well organized and merely pointed out factors they could work on such as breaks and the awkwardness during the after party. A more suitable venture would be organized ice breaker games which might have dispelled the awkwardness but nevertheless we still enjoyed ourselves.
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It sounds like you had a great evening…
I have never tried speed dating….I think if I was single I would give it a try.
Gorgeous dress x
I’ve always wanted to do speed dating just for fun as it seems like it could be a laugh and you just never know who might be presented to you.
Like that fact that u still spoke your mind as to whether u bought the ticket or not . what is wrong is wrong ,, good one there
I think it’s great that you tried something out of your comfort zone and even though you didn’t feel a spark with any of the speed dates, you still had a mostly enjoyable night. I think it’s always good to try new things and put yourself out there x
I’ve never tried speed dating (I have a boyfriend) but it sounds very tiring if you don’t even get a couple of minutes to breathe between dates! And I think I would have snuck away from that guy who wanted t come for food, because like you i couldn’t just be horrible and say no outright. Sounds like an experience!
Sounds like an interesting evening! I’ve never been Speed Dating and I’m not sure it’s my kind of thing x
I have never been speed dating myself but know people who had, they also said the same as you that it was like talking to friends, I think it’s a great way to build up confidence. 🙂 plus a fun night out in beautiful surroundings x
I’ve been speed dating twice, once with dateinadash. I did them to push myself out of my comfort zone, talk to new people and build my confidence, but there were some questionable men here too x
I’ve never tried speed dating before, not sure I would fancy it either. I love the dress you are wearing x
It sounds like you had a good time, and even if you didn’t get a spark off any of the dates, it is still a nice way to chat and meet new people x
I think I was already locked down with my husband by the time “speed dating” became a thing for Brits. Not my cup of tea I don’t think!
H x
I’ve never tried speed dating, but it sounds a bit overwhelming and exhausting.
I take my hat off to you. I never tried speed dating (although I’m not sure it was quite as popular 17 years ago, the last time I was single). And if I found myself single again I don’t know that I’d have the courage to try it, I think I’d feel too old for it. But I really do admire people who do it. I can only begin to imagine some of the conversations and as you said the variety of characters you meet. And I’m quite pleased to hear you weren’t put off trying it again!
I’ve never been speed dating, I imagine it to be quite a daunting experience. But remember, you can never be overdressed!
I think I tried speed dating a long time ago…it certainly is an experience and great that you tried it!
Love your open-mindedness to go out there and try new things! Speed dating sounds like it can be fun, if you make the most of it. And hey, if anything, it makes for a good blog post topic, right?
I cant believe speed dating even still exists! haha – but your stories are so hilarious! Love your inner princess vibe for the night, too!
I love your outfit! Going speed dating would make me so nervous. However, I know a woman who’s currently dating so I’ll recommend it to her 🙂 Thanks x
I tried speed dating once and had the same ideas as you – it was fun and an interesting concept but didn’t really lead anywhere. Still, I took my best friend along, we had a few drinks and had a laugh socialising x
I have never tried speed dating. It definitely wasn’t a thing that would have been easily found when I was single. You looked beautiful!
Some of those guys sound interesting…and creepy…I hope R guy doesn’t get invited again! I would love to have watched a documentary of your speed dating- I love those programs!
Sounds like a fun night. I have always been interested in speed dating but i never got an opportunity to try it when I was single.
Sorry to hear speed dating was unsuccessful! But sounds like you at least had a good time!
I felt the same about online dating, but I’m glad I took the plunge because that’s how I met my husband! Kudos to you for trying speed dating!
I applaud you for giving speed dating a go. I have never done it but would be absolutely terrified!
Bless you look so beautiful in these photos! Speed dating is a strange thing – I’ve never braved it, I’m more of a Tinder kind of gal – I’ve been online dating since I was young (definitely way too young for some of those online dating websites!) Have a lovely Valentine’s Day – it’s about love not just for couples:) xx
I love the dress and I think if you want to be treated like a princess then you need to go in dressed liked one, I’m sorry your prince wasn’t in the room. I can’t believe someone would even bring up rape in that environment it would make me think he was looking for a victim I would of made a huge fuss until they removed him.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I never tried speed dating and I am not sure if I am open to it. But it’s good to know there’s this kind of service for those who want to try.
I was really into trying speed dating for fun, but then a week before the event I’ve met with my future husband…fun twist,
I have heard some things about speed dating before. It looks like fun on the movies. Sounds like a fun time. Beautiful dress, such a lovely colour 🙂
I loved speed dating (before I got married). It was a great way to meet potential boyfriends and I met a lot of good friends through it too. Drinks help!
I have never tried speed dating, nor am I really familiar with the term, but it does sound pretty interesting. I think it always nice for one to step out of their comfort zone once in awhile! 🙂
Sounds like a very interesting evening. Good for you for giving it a try. I always wanted to try that but I found my Mr.Right so that door is closed!
It sounds like fun to go with a friend, but none of my friends are single now! I’d love to go for a laugh. Guys seem to get creepier when they are looking to date and can come across as so desperate, so not surprised to here of ones like R and S. Go on you for reporting him, some women might ignore and just want to end it. He sounds horrible and must have been bad that both of you wished to report him! x
I’ve never tried speed dating myself but I do have friends that have and they think its pretty fun! They say they don’t feel any spark really until later dates but it was good to talk and the pace is what made it fun!
Sounds like you had an eventful night! It sounds old school to do speed dating but I think it’s so much better than club/bar encounters 🙂 that’s if I were still single of course!
sounds like you had a ball, as an old married woman I’ve never tried speed dating, but it sounds like so much fun
Get you! You look lovely. Obviously the princess was way out of their league 🙂
I never did speed dating when I was single, knowing my luck I would have ended up with an oddball lol xx
You look amazing, so their loss!! I have always wondered about speed dating, still not sure it is something I could have ever done!
I’m happy for you! It’s exhilirating trying out new things. I would love to give it a shot if I was still single. Would be very entertaining 😅
Your dress is gorgeous. I’m married so don’t need to date now but speed dating sounds like a funny night
I’ve never been speed dating. I don’t think it was a thing when I was in the dating scene 16 years ago? I could have never done that though. I am too big of an introvert. That just isn’t my thing. Wow, sounds like you chatted with some interesting characters.
Well if nothing you and Anna had a fun time and made some memories. I think if I were single I’d try speed dating. I’m very much in the belief that my first impressions are usually right about people. Shame you didn’t have any sparks though. Next time!
Lol! What a fun and crazy experience! I’ve never tried speed dating but I think I’d be open to it. At least for the silly stories if nothing else! 😉
Xo,
Megan at Lush to Blush
The only time I’ve seen speed dating is in the movies, lol! Can we talk about your dress, though? I LOVE it, so gorgeous.
You tell stories so well and make them so interesting. I never tried speed dating but this story was insightful and fun to read. I like how you went beyond that time frame and through the rest of the night as well.
I don’t think I will ever go to a speed dating but it’s a nice learning experience for the younger generation like you. I think it’s nice to go out there and meet people, it doesn’t really have to end romantically but it’s good to expose yourself to things like that too.
I have never been speed dating before but I have always been fascinated by the idea, I think it would be a good giggle and a pot luck chance of meeting someone, definitely a chance worth taking for many xxx
How fun. I always wondered how that went/felt. Sounds like a fun experience. I’m sure overall you meet nice people. Thanks for sharing
I would be horrible at this! It would likely take me the whole 4 minutes just to get through an awkward introduction. Sounds like you and your friend made the best of it 🙂
I think trying new things it wonderful, I think speed dating looks like fun. It would ave been fun to try when I was single.
Great job getting out there and trying new things. I personally have never tried speed dating but I can see how interesting it would be to meet different guys!
I never tried speed dating but i think its very interesting know other people outside your comfort zone. I admire your courage too on attending this kind of event and by the way you and your outfit looks gorgeous.
I never did anything like that when I was dating but I’m sure you do get to meet a lot of interesting characters!
Never tried speed dating, but I definitely would have reacted like you! I’m also a very direct person and people can’t always handle it ay first, haha!
Shelley xoxo
I don’t think you sounded critical of the event at all! It was very rounded and unbiased! Love that you didn’t take the event too seriously and just had fun with it – shame Mr R was so odd, that must have put a real downer on things!
No I have never been speed dating. Don’t think it would have been for me in single days.
Interesting evening indeed. I never tried speed dating but I’m not sure it would have been for me, too shy. You will find your match soon enough 🙂
I think going speed dating is such a brave thing to do! I’ve been meaning to try it myself but I’m pretty sure by the time I get over the awkward stage the bell would ring and it’ll be time to do it all over again ha
You don’t hear much about speed dating these days! I thought it was maybe a fad but it’s great to hear it’s still going on. I did it a few times and whilst I didn’t get a spark I did make some friends!
Sound like a very interesting night. And ‘R’ sounds like a right charmer, he must have women queuing up to see him. LOL
What a lovely and insightful read. Sounds pretty much like I would expect it to be, although the ‘R’ character is not something I would have wanted to experience. I wonder if I would ever have tried it myself (were I not married now), maybe as you did with a good friend.
Shaka Zulu is such a lovely venue and well done you for going and I am glad you had a good time, though R would have got a knee in the bits x
Tell me about it, I was very tempted, what a creep. I agree Shaka Zulu is insanely beautiful xxx
Sounds like you had a great evening, Ana. I was always terrified to go on speed dates when I was younger. So much small talk 🙂
Hats off to you for going Speed Dating! I don’t think I could be brave enough to do that haha.
If I was single I’d give speed dating a go. I hope you had done fun.
AMAZING! I tried Speed dating once, but I don’t like in London so it was not a very good atmosphere, and there weren’t many people there either! I am not happily married with a baby on the way – Thanks to Eharmony! Good luck! xxx
http://www.care4them.com
This is really interesting! I feel so old school since my husband and I met while working at summer camp many years ago. The way dating has evolved in this age of social media and other options is fun to read about! I am glad you had a fun time regardless of finding your “one.”
I’m sure it’s an interesting experience! It’s always a good idea to catch a chance to meet someone nice:) BTW: fabulous dress!
What a good post, I love reading this, Btw I’m married and he is not a kind of sweet I don’t feel any excitement on Valentines.
Your dress is awesome and I am sorry speed dating was a bit of a bust, it’s a shame there are some creeps out there spoiling it for everyone. Although you are much braver than I am because I have never been!
I’ve never been speed dating before but sounds like a fun night! 🙂
THat’s how I actually met my ex. Just be carful. Charmers are dangerous.
I have never been speed dating before and it sounds like an interesting experience. I know that I would have had a blast if I ever tried it.
I tried speed dating once and it totally was not for me. It was truly an experience though!
Ive never been speed dating but I’ve always been curious how it all plays out! Thanks for writing this! I feel like I was there!
Your reasons for speed dating I agree with. Would I do it myself? Probably not. Like you, I don’t think there would be enough time to make a connection. It would be great to meet new people, but not to start a relationship.
I thought that was just a thing they did on TV shows! You go girl, take the world by storm!
I haven’t but then I’m married so doubt my husband would be impressed if I went. Shaka Zulu is a great venue although it’s a shame they had changed the venue last minute. ‘R’ seemed like a dodgy character they should have removed him immediately!
What an experience. Thinking of getting to know someone in just a small amount of time is daunting. I love your whole outfit especially your necklace.
Speed dating would be so difficult. We have a similar setup in conferences I attend called speed networking. I don’t think it really accomplishes much because there’s not enough time.
Glad your new friend decided to leave you to it. It may have been awkward taking him to the restaurant. Shame none of them were great but it sounds like a good experience! x
Speed dating is something new to me but it seems quite interesting and i love your honesty as whether you bought those tickets or not but you speak the truth
Never been speed dating before – unless you consider TINDER speed “dating” because I sped through all those guys SO FAST – lol!
THAT BEING SAID – I managed to find my husband on TINDER so… IT WORKS! 🙂
Oh wow, go you for trying speed dating! I would never be so brave! R sounds absolutely vile!! I think that’s the kind of person that put me off trying anything like that when I was single, I’m sure it works out for lots of people though!
My mummy couldn’t imagine speed dating. It sounds like the worse thing ever. Sorry. Thankfully my mummy was already shacked up with daddy before this craze. She’s not outgoing enough for it x
I’ve never tried speed dating but it sounds like a fun night out and a great way to meet people.
You looked stunning! Love that dress and that color. Shaka Zulu, South African decor? Where exactly is that in? My kind of stuff:-)
I love your dress, I wouldn’t care about the princess comments! Pity about the creepy guy there though.
When I was single some friends of mine tried to get me to go to a heavy metal speed dating event at a festival but I panicked and wasn’t brave enough, go you for being brave enough to try it! I met my husband the old fashioned way…. drunk outside a pub
It doesn’t sound as bad as I thought it would be! There’s always gonna be some creepy, ‘meant as a joke, but clearly not’ comments, but atleast the organizers listened to you. You looked beautiful xxx
Wow good for you for putting yourself out there and giving this a try! Love the outfit you are wearing in the pics!
Love that you guys bonded over your dating tales. Us girls can always find a way to support each other!
I suppose speed dating and your journey home shows you how quickly you can bond with someone! I went to silent speed dating last year, you just looked into each others eyes for four minutes. It was beyond creepy
Silent speed dating? Woah I had no idea that was even a thing and you are right that does sound creepy! xx
I’ve never tried it, but I’ve had a lot of friends that have. Some of them hated it and others couldn’t wait for it to be over. It seemed like the more relaxed they were about it, the more they let go.
What a fun post! I’ve always been curious about speed dating .. although honestly I don’t think I’d be brave enough to try it. I couldn’t help but smile at all of the different men you talked to. ps: Super cute dress!
I have never tried anything like speed dating before, it sounds interesting. Shame about that one person making you feel uncomfortable. It sounds like your journey home was fun x
I have never gone speed dating but I’m always up for an adventure. It sounds like it’s quite a good time. I wonder how many people actually find “love” from them?
oh wow i am so glad this wasnt a thing when i was dating – not sure i could cope with the randoms lol
The dress is stunning! Seems like you had a fun evening. I have to give you props for speed dating I wouldn’t be brave enough to try it.
Well done for being brave enough to go! I love your dress, it’s beautiful x
Wow, speed dating! I’ve never tried it … don’t think I would ever do it, either. But you look adorable in that pretty blue dress.
It definitely sounds like an experience! I always think it’s worth stepping out of our comfort zone. Glad to hear the night wasn’t a nightmare and you had fun.
I’ve never been speed dating but I can imagine it is an interesting way to meet people and also quickly get rid of those you aren’t interested in
oh I would be so extremely awkward speed dating! I find it very hard to connect with anyone the first time we meet, and it would be especially hard to be on a timer!
I have never been speed dating! I think it’s something everyone should experience at least once haha!
I have definitely never tried speed dating – I have some pretty serious issues with anxiety and I’m not sure I could like feeling that surrounded by people. As an author, it’s hard enough to attend events sometimes, where I’m sure to encounter people that already like me from the get-go; speed dating would feel like so much pressure!
Ugh I felt a little exhausted just reading your article – 4 min with dozens of new people in a single night sounds tiresome and I would think I’d be repeating the same story all over again! Glad you enjoyed it though!
The Chic Pursuit
So interesting to hear what speed dating is like. I never been but I did meet my husband on a blind date! Your outfit is beautiful as usual!
I say go with J. Stay away from G! G sounds exciting and fun and like a heart breaker. J sounds stable and even though there is not much of a spark sometimes stable is better in the long run. ok sorry. My two cents…:)
You are so brave! Trying to find an internet date has been eye opening enough, I can’t imagine speed dating! Kaz x
Thanks for the account…I have to say though that it really riles me that people think it’s ok for someone to be ‘harmless’ etc when they are inappropriate. It needs nipping in the bud and they should have reprimanded him. Otherwise he will do it somewhere else to someone else. That really did infuriate me a I bet it did you. I’m sorry you didn’t meet your prince charming on that night but sometimes you have to meet friends, male, female or whatever so they introduce you to a new circle of friends and you might just meet ‘the one’ there. Good luck on your quest but I have to say I loved the princess Jasmine concept. x
I have done speed dating before with mixed results. The first one I ever tried I met a guy I dated for a year. I met a few other nice guys that I dated for a while and a couple of wack-a-doos as well. It is fun talking to so many different guys in one night, but definitely exhausting.
sound’s like you had a very good time.and your dress looks amazing 🙂
Wow, what a mixture of an experience!
Some men have no scruples at all, despicable!
just glad it hasn’t put you off completely and well done for doing it, Never done it myself !
How funny, such a great post. Even funnier that I’m actually going to the venue tomorrow lol! I wonder which bartender it was and keep you posted x
It’s always good to try things we aren’t exactly comfortable with. It’s the only way to push ourselves. And heck, who knows! You might just like whatever it was you tried
Wow, pretty funny story and how the night ended was unexpected. I have never done something like speed dating but it would be totally funny I think. Too bad I’m married haha 😉 😉 But I guess it’s not that bad not to be single on Valentines Day. xoxo Sabine
You are so brave Ana! I really don’t think I would dare go speed dating. I’m quite shy when I first meet people and I don’t think I’d make a great first impression for that reason.
Louise x
I never tried speed dating but i think its very interesting know other people outside your comfort zone. You are looking amazing in all the photographs.
Wow what an experience you two had at speed dating. I love that despite it being out of your comfort zone you went for it. I’ve met a few “R”s on random occasions and they’re never pleasant. But good for you guys that you reported him to the organizers. Who knows maybe I’ll try this at least once.
It’s definitely great to try new things, even though you were out of your comfort zone, you were able to have a new experience whilst – mostly – having an enjoyable night. Brilliant! I have never been speed dating. X
As a military wife who could barely handle her busy schedule I am truly glad I came across your post. It’s nice to hear speed dating works for you. I love your outfit by the way, really looks good on you!
Thanks hun, no unfortunately speed dating didn’t work for me, I didn’t have a connection with any of the guys but it was an interesting experience and I wouldn’t rule out trying it again x x
love the look.. u look stunning as always! The necklace and headband are gorgeous!
Speed dating reminds us of some business networking events we’ve attending. It’s tough to know if you want to possibly work with someone in such a short time. Making a determination about getting romantically involved must be even tougher. Good for you for going and trying out something new.
Sounds like an interesting evening, even with the ups and downs. I am glad you and your friend reported the guy that made you feel uncomfortable. It sounds like a great way to meet lots of people, even if there isn’t the romantic aspect.
You looked stunning in that dress Ana! Glad you had a fun night even if you couldn’t shake that one pesty guy!!
Certainly sounded like an interesting event. I must say the journey home also sounded interesting and how funny that you bumped into people from the event x
This was such a fun post! I feel like I was there. Never tried speed dating, but you just summed up everything I’ve heard about it.
I am married, but I wish speed dating was a thing when I was single as it looks like fun and good for when you are busy.
Wow! Sounds eventful… 21-41 is quite a large age range, were there a big mix of ages there? Shame sparks didn’t fly but at least you had a memorable night!
speed dating sounds so fun i would say, life is too short to say no to anything! u look like a dream!
Sounds like a very interesting event, I have never been speed dating before its never been a thing I have wanted to do
I think if I wasn’t married and in the dating scene, speed dating could be an option. We dont have a big enough time for that though so I would have to travel. Glad I dont have to worry about the dating scene now though.
I love all the crazy things you end up doing as a blogger. I always thought speed dating would be fun. Glad you gave it a go!
G sounds lovely, R not so much. good for you though as I don’t think I’d have the confidence to go speed dating. Jo x
that dude R sounded like a real winner, lol – well, I am glad you decided to try something out of your comfort zone, even if you did not make a connection – yet – go get that bartender, Ana! Anyways, as always, I loved your outfit, really pretty, and girly.
Blessings!
Claudia
http://withinthepagesofabook.com
Sounds like one of those nights you can always look back on and smile. I need to find me some single friends because I would love to give this a go but think I would be too nervous to turn up alone! I think sometimes you need a girlfriend to push you to do things you wouldn’t usually do!
This is such an interesting read, I’ve never really thought about going speed dating. I guess the thought is quite daunting to me. It sounds like you had a really interesting night! You looked gorgeous by the way, I love your dress! xo
I am not aware that there is this kind of dating. It was a neat way for you to meet a lot of people and make friends but it must have been exhausting to be able to carry on a conversation with people of different interests! I was worried reading about that creepy person!
I’ve never tried speed dating before, but then again I am married and that’s far from the thing that I should be trying out. I think it’s quite fun and a nice learning experience too.
Always fun trying something that you’re not used to and something new! Sounds like it was worth it and you look lovely in the pictures as always 🙂
I am so glad I am not on the dating scene these days, it all sounds far to complicated. I met my husband at work
No never been to a speed dating event. Whatever experience you get from it though its not boring for sure. I don’t know if it would be my thing though although as you say ……why not….life is too short…….
I have never tried speed dating but I have known the concept from the American movies. Shame there was the R, who ruined the moment for you, but I’m glad you got to meet interesting people otherwise. I would like to go to such an event, just for the fun of it. You never know what can come out of it, even if there are no sparks. You can end up with new friends. 🙂
Like you I am a total cynic but I have always been intrigued by speed dating. I love your indepth review of it, I might actually give it a go even if it’s just for the banter of saying I’ve been. Can’t believe they didn’t remove the offensive guy though, how is that a harmless comment. It’s disgusting and he should not have been allowed to stay, glad you had a go though and have an interesting tale to tell from that day
Sounds like an interesting event for people that need it. As someone who is married almost 20 years(and happily renewing her vows in May), it is not something that I could use. A few of my single friends would, though.
That R didn’t sound nice at all! But what an experience, I would love to do speed-friending thing.
I have never done speed dating either but looks nice experience!! I have to try
I had a blast at your speed dating event, it was fun and well-organized, and the caliber of Houston singles in attendance was truly impressive.
Good for you sounds like so much fun and you look so beautiful!
speed dating is soo much fun, but it sounds like you had a great time 😀
I’ve never been speed dating before but it sounds like you had an interesting evening! x
It’s great that you gave speed dating a shot just to see how you liked it! You never know if you don’t try something! I think you are very brave for doing so!
I love your princess dress and would totally want to over dress for an event like that. You are so brave going speed dating. I don’t think I’d be able to go!
I’ve never speed dated before but it sounds like fun! A person has only a few minutes to put on a first impression.
absolutely love the jacket! I think unique pieces like that are so fun! I would love to see how it looks with jeans and some pointy heels!
Be careful of guys in the fast lane! Ha! I have never tried speed dating. I met my Husband in the grocery store. Plain old boring story. This seems like fun though.
Wow! What an interesting experience. I am sure your dress made for great conversation . It is always good to look your personal best at no matter what the occassion, Glad you were with a friend. Seems like a good idea.
I have never tried speed dating and I’m no longer single, so I’m guessing that wont happen haha. I would suggest it to people though, its worth a try.
I’ve always wondered about speed dating. It sounds like tons of fun but could result in some pretty horrific experiences I’m sure. You look gorgeous in that powder blue!
Dating is hard so I meeting a bunch guys at once sounds like fun. Even if you don’t meet anyone you’d like to date at least you get to talk to a bunch of interesting people and come up with a lot of great stories.
I am so glad you wrote this post. I am just getting back into the dating scene and so far I think it’s weird, annoying, frustrating but I’m totally intrigued lol Maybe I’m not being as open minded as I should be. Your post gave me a little bit of a fresh point of view, after all we’re all just here trying to connect. Maybe I’ll wing it and give speed dating a try, be brave.
LOVE YOUR DRESS!!! I always wanted to try speed dating but just haven’t worked up the nerve to attend one.
Oh dear God what is wrong with a person that says those kids of things in the first 4 minutes of knowing someone? Yikes! Sounds like fun overall.
Speed dating sounds terrifying and utterly exhausting! Hat’s off to you, brave soul! I’m blissfully married to my high school sweetheart, and cannot even imagine ever dating again.
I have a few friends that think speed dating is super fun!!! There is a whole speed dating event thing where I lived in Orlando each month that people always go to!
Oh my gosh LOL this is something I’ve always wanted to try just for the experience. You’re awesome for sharing yours! Xo