Jan Fowler will emcee a senior dating conference for 300 people June 6 at the Rancho Cucamonga Senior Center in CA. Both widowed and divorced, she is a frequent speaker on senior dating and loves to share the story of how she herself met “just the right man” in a ballroom dancing class at a local senior center. Look for her new television show, “The Jan Fowler Show for Baby Boomers & Others”, to be nationally aired soon. You may order her new book, Hot Chocolate for Seniors, at hotchocolateforseniors.com or (909) 793-6419.
This month’s topic: “Speed Dating”
Today is a wonderful day to celebrate our lives and all that we have to be grateful for, including new opportunities to make social connections every single day! We never know where or when our true love may show up. Just think, Harriet met Russell when he stopped to pet her dog and Betty met Jack when she slowed down to ask directions from him while he was outdoors washing his new car. In both instances, each couple ended up being swept off their feet by the person of their dreams. I might add that both of these “ chance meetings” took place years ago and that these very same couples are still happily enjoying life together.
As I’ve said before, we don’t necessarily have to remarry later in life. The important thing is to find “just the right person” to go places with and to talk to. But these things take time and we musn’t give up. The fact that you’re reading this column, however, is a sign that you’re undoubtedly hoping to expand your social circle, so congratulations on taking a step in the right direction! Your true love could be just around the corner.
But if you’re still looking for a safe venue in which to meet a romantic partner, maybe it’s time to try something new. So how about checking your local area to see what’s available in speed dating, also referred to as no-waiting dating, pre-dating, one-minute, six-minute, or eight-minute dating?
Speed dating allows you the opportunity to meet live people face-to-face and provides a chance to pick and choose someone you’ve had a chance to actually see and talk to. What better way to know if a person appeals to you and if you feel enough chemistry to cast a vote to get to know them better? Here are two examples of how it works.
One type of event involves a balanced mix of men and women who are assigned to sit at tables for eight. First, each person is given one minute to talk about themselves, then a signal is given for everyone to rotate to a different table and meet seven new tablemates. This same process is repeated until everyone has cycled through all the tables. The best part, however, is that at the end of the evening, everyone fills out scoresheets to indicate who they’d like to know better, and if any two people have written down each other’s name, it’s considered a match and they can take it from there. Some people, of course, will undoubtedly end up with no matches, but then others will come away with more than one. An event like this is often followed by a dance or social mixer.
Another type of activity may involve ten or twelve single candidates who line up awaiting their turn to be individually interviewed by a person who’s seeking to find a match for themselves. Each candidate might spend five to eight minutes answering key questions about themselves, after which the interviewer decides whether or not they’d like to pursue any further connection with them.
Although speed dating events vary in style and format, most take place in a safe and friendly relaxed social atmosphere, often with music, refreshments, or entertaining social ice-breakers provided. Generally, an affordable fee is charged to cover expenses, but they are all priced differently. And inasmuch as speed dating opportunities are springing up more and more across the United States, sponsorship is usually local so you must go online or read your local newspaper to find out information about upcoming events.
So are you ready to explore something new and expand your social life? No one should be shut out of the social scene, regardless of their age! Speed dating is becoming increasingly popular and has attracted nationwide recognition as a safe and enjoyable way to bring singles together in a relaxed setting. So if something’s missing in your life, you may want to give this approach a try. We are never too old to try something new, provided it’s safe and sensible.
Whatever you decide, the best of luck to you. As I’ve said before, we all need friendship, purpose, and loving relationships. So never never never give up on the possibility of attracting someone new and wonderful in your life because each new day holds infinite possibilities. Believe it!
