Speed dating is a unique way to meet 10-20 people in a single night. You are set up with complete strangers, but the dates only last around 5 minutes. Speed dating can be uncomfortable, but it would take a month of bar hopping to have this many close encounters. After your mini-date, you and the other singles take notes and choose the people you are intrigued by. If both of you pick each other, then your contact info will be exchanged at the end of the night. There is no pressure. Companies usually give out this info over email the next day.

Questions To Ask Your Date:

The conversation on a speed date might start off a little uncomfortable. Having a few questions prepared, might help you both relax and avoid any awkward silences.

Here are a few questions you might consider:

- what kind of music do you like?

- what are your favorite movies?

- where do you like to go on vacation?

- what type of work do you do?

Things To Avoid:

1) Over indulging in alcohol can start your night off on the wrong foot. Some people feel that speed date situations can be slightly nerve wracking, so they may drink too much to relax. Being intoxicated, as opposed to “slightly buzzed” can cause you to make a poor impression.

2) Getting to Nervous – You need to realize that other person might feel awkward as well. You are all in the same boat and that is part of the fun of the night.

3) Latching onto One Person – Speed dating can help you meet 10-20 people in a short time. Take advantage of this and get to know everyone. By choosing an interest early, you are selling your self short. It is important to take advantage of the unique situation you are in.

4) Feeling Bad if You Don’t Connect – if you don’t make any matches the 1st time you go, don’t be discouraged. There will be a new crop of daters the next weekend, so don’t be afraid to try it again.

5) Going After a Girl That Didn’t Choose You – If you liked a girl that you met on your mini-date, but she didn’t choose you, she’s not interested. Trying to push a date on a girl is tacky. You can still flirt, but don’t force the issue, if your not her type. There are plenty single people available, try again next week.

6) Stick to The Rules – while speed dating, you are supposed to check the box next to the name of people that you have interest in. Ignoring these rules and asking for contact info, can make things severely awkward. All participants agree to certain rules, when they try speed dating.

7) Don’t Dwell On The Negatives – no one likes talking to people that focus on negative things. If you just lost your job, you might want to wait till the second date to talk about it. Try to me positive so you and the other person will have a good time.

Don’t Talk About Your Exes - There is nothing that can turn off a potential date, faster than talking about an ex. This can ruin any flow or momentum you have made during the night and can make things uncomfortable fast.

Things You Should Do:

1) Make an Honest Attempt Meet The Person Across From You – Even if you are not the interested, you should at least try to hold a conversation. Ignoring people that you don’t find attractive is rude and might ruin the chances with other people. Most women that go to these events, go with a group of friends. You might be acting rude to the friend of a girl that you are attracted to.

2) Take Good Notes – On a speed date, you will meet 10-20 people. It may be difficult to keep track of names and faces. By taking good notes, you avoid forgetting the name of the people you like the most.

3) Dress Well – This is a semi-formal situation, so you should make an attempt to look nice. If you are the only person that isn’t dressed nice, you will stick out in a bad way.