Speed Dating - Round 3

After several calls and emails from the organizers insisting I attend, I finally caved and agreed to participate.  It was only going to cost me my time and parking so why not?  A reason to get out and I looked forward to being entertained.  After two very interesting experiences, I had no expectations.  It would be great to network with other women.  Funny that the organizers were so desperate for women to participate.  No doubt we all felt the same way, especially after the last event. 

The day of the event arrived.  Thankfully I checked my email before heading out.  The venue was changed.  I didn't see this as a good thing.  Anyone who didn't check their email would be showing up at the wrong venue.  Six of us managed to receive the notification and arrived at the correct restaurant.  The organizers had posted a sign at the other one, but 30 minutes later and the rest of the participants had not arrived.  Someone went over to the other place to redirect people, but it wasn't looking good.  The new venue was nice, very modern with chic décor.  They led us upstairs to a small room with tables set up.  Shortly after a waitress appeared with drinks.  After just a few minutes, we were overheating.  The air conditioning didn't seem to be working and it was stifling hot.  We asked the waitress if they could turn up the A/C, but there was no change.  Several people complained so they opened all the windows.  The organizers arrived with a couple more participants and apologized for the delay.  They said we'd have to get started as they were not able to reach the other participants. 

There were three guys and five girls.  We were all a bit tired of waiting and it was way too hot in there.  By the time things go underway, we were over an hour behind schedule.  The waitress brought pitchers of water and tried to make us comfortable.  The event started.



Date #1 - The Artist
Another artist with a bold flowery shirt.  I let him do the talking.

Him: "How are you?  I'm _____ .
Me: "Nice to meet you."
Him: "Pretty hot in here isn't it? "
Me: "Yes it is."
Him: "What do you do for a living?"
Me: "I work for the federal government.  What do you do?"
Him: "I'm in the process of selling some of my art."
Me: "How much have you sold?"
Him: "Nothing yet, I'm just starting to spread the word."

Ok, I was done.  Thankfully the bell rang.  Next!



Date #2 - The World Traveller
He had long hair and an unkept look.  Once again I don't think he knew what business casual meant.

Him: "I'm _________ , what's your name?"
Me: "Nice to meet you, I'm ________ .
Him: "How was your day?"
Me: "Great and yours?"
Him: "Good, I just booked my trip to Norway.  I'm going to travel around for a few months."
Me: "So you're trying to start a relationship, but leaving to travel shortly?"
Him: "It was something to do, nice to get out and meet people.  Not looking for a relationship right now, just enjoying myself."
Me: "So you're taking vacation leave from work to travel?"
Him: "No, I work here and there just to save up so I can travel."

Next!!!!!



Date #3 - The Pretty Boy
It was very obvious he was a player.  He seemed young for this event.  Totally not my type. 

Him: "Hey, how's it going?"
Me: "Good thanks and you?"
Him: "Great, just hanging out."
Me: "So what brings you here?"
Him: "I kind of have a girlfriend, but I'm bored.  Looking for something new."
Me: "Kind of, are you still with her or did you break it off already?"
Him: "We're still together, I'm just looking for something better then I'll see."
Me: "I'm not for you, I wish you luck.  Maybe you should be honest with your girlfriend and end it if you're not happy. Take care, bye."

I left.  Oh well, no one can say I didn't try.  I got to chat with one lady I had met at the last event and had a couple of drinks, so all was not lost.  The new restaurant was nice, but they needed to get their air conditioning fixed.  These types of events were not for me.  My speed dating career was over.

Speed dating is very different.  The nice thing being you don't waste weeks or months emailing and talking on the phone only to meet the person and realize there's no chemistry.  You meet the person right away and after a few questions you know whether or not there's potential.  For some this will be a great way to meet people and possibly find the "one", unfortunately it didn't work for me. 

Keep an open mind and give it shot.  Don't go in with any expectations, just enjoy the experience and use it as a networking opportunity.  I stayed in touch with some of the women I met and we helped each other out with issues that came up at work.  Nice to have friends in different fields.



Good luck!
Dateless in Ottawa