During a typical speed dating event, each participant is given five minutes to chat to their date, with time allowed at the end to decide if you’d like to see them again. Contacts are later provided to mutual matches. “Five minutes was enough time to figure out if there was any attraction and you would like a second date,” says Jo. “Afterwards, there was time to chat more if you were interested in a particular person, or just socialise and have a laugh with the other girls.” Over two speed dating events, Jo had “Speed dating is a great way to meet new people. It does work for some; like anything in life you have to be in it to win it.” SAMANTHA JAYNE Dating coach several matches and even progressed to a couple of second dates she describes as “nothing serious”. “I’ve met some interest - ing people with unique personalities. It’s all harmless fun really.” Perth-based Alan Neville, 62, recently gave speed dating a try for the first time after it was recommended by a friend. Single for around 10 years, he wanted to try a “more social or traditional way of
meeting people, as opposed to online”. Alan admits to a few “mixed feel - ings” following the event. “I didn’t enjoy the formal setting of sitting down and writing extensive notes on the people I met. I would have preferred a more informal format.” Although he didn’t find a match he is keen to try again, and whole - heartedly recommends speed dating to other over 50s looking to meet people.
SPEED DATING The rapid-fire approach of speed dating surged onto the market in the late 1990s and thanks to widespread online fatigue, it’s making a comeback. “Speed dating is a great way to get you out of the house and meet new and interesting people,” says dating coach Samantha Jayne. “You can go with a friend or alone and it doesn’t matter. Just be sure to have a few questions up your sleeve in case you get lost for words. Focus on connection and getting to know people, as opposed to
TABLE TALK Since 2001, A Table for Six has been
finding ‘The One’. It does work for some; like anything in life you have to be in it to win it.” Sunshine Coast single Jo, 53 (surname withheld), gave speed dating a whirl, thinking it might be a laugh. “I started dating two years ago. I’d been single for a while, so it was time to get back out there. I’d never tried speed dating before and thought it
bringing small groups in selected age ranges (for example 50-60), around Australian restaurant tables to see if sparks fly. It’s as much about social connection as it is about finding true love. “Socialising is good for the soul and the mindset and has many positive health effects, including relieving stress,” says Jayne. “Dating after 50 is an
would be a fun experience,” she says. “The big advantage for me was the opportunity for lots of face-to-face meet - ings, without all the app messaging stuff. I found the format very time efficient – 10 dates, each lasting five minutes!” Jo attended her first speed dating event at a local pub. “It was a great atmosphere; the hosts were awesome and made me feel comfortable and relaxed.”
opportunity for a new beginning, to learn from your past mistakes and get it right. You’re also probably more discerning, and clearer about the relationship you want.” Melbourne-based Baljit (Belle) Sanmann, 63, started dating at the start of 2023, at the encouragement of her niece. “I learned about A Table for Six and reached out,” she says. “I’m hoping to meet like-minded, positive people, who
VIRTUAL DATING
F or daters keen to keep things online but who might be fed up with swiping, new ‘virtual dating’ apps have entered the market. They allow users to simulate a real-life date online – think virtual meetups, bar hangs, entertainment and concerts. Katch, a popular Irish socialising app, was created when the CEO
Paul Numan (left) found he couldn’t showcase his personality on swiping sites where matches were made primarily based on looks. “Our goal at Katch is to bring real single people together faster so they can socialise in a private relaxed environment,” says Paul. “Katch simulates the bar-style environment.
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DARE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023
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