Meramec singles “change lanes” down new dating highwayKelly Davis
– Copy Editor –
The majority of men and women spend a good portion of their adult lives dating. Many of these dates end in tragedy due to bad behavioral habits and the absence of attraction.
There is another way to date without having to tolerate this foolishness. Speed dating is the quickest way to meet, greet and survey a variety of dates in less than a few hours.
On March 4, students at STLCC-Meramec were given the opportunity to discover the thrill of speed dating. The event was held in the Student Center, which was transformed into a room of romance. Tables were frosted with pink tablecloths and heart confetti. Music played to set the mood. There were snacks, punch and chocolate roses that men and women could buy for someone special.
To participate, everyone had to pay four dollars prior to the event or five dollars at the door. The money went to the American Red Cross Foundation in order to help those who are battling measles. Hence, this event was for an admirable cause.
Before the event began, students of all ages, who were dressed casually in jeans or formally in fancy dresses and suit jackets, filled the room.
One by one, men and women were watching the door with anticipation, hoping the next person would be their perfect match.
Those who entered were told to give their contact information and take a number. The number was supposed to help make the process run more efficiently. With this number, men and women did not have to tell their names. Instead, they would remember the person simply by their number and other qualities. For instance, No. 9 was a male who loved to talk about sex and Mardi Gras. This concept, however, may not work for everyone.
The participants also received a checklist. The checklist had three columns: one for a person’s number, one to check “yes,” and one to check “no.“ If both contestants checked yes on their checklists, they would receive each other’s contact information by e-mail. If one checks “yes” and the other checks “no,” no information would be obtained. As follows, if both check “no,” no one gets any information.
At 7 p.m., everyone settled into their seats as they listened to the hosts express their appreciation for attending and explain the rules. Women were told to sit on the side of the table closest to the windows, and men were supposed to sit on the opposite side.
For four minutes, men and women would tell a little about themselves with hope for a possible connection. Once the timer went off, the men would stand, say their goodbyes, and move on to the next table.
Unfortunately, there were twice as many men as there were women so most of the men had to wait by the snack table until they were able to participate again.
Nevertheless, the event as a whole was an exceptional experience.
A few people ran into old friends and past hookups. Some even discovered new friendships. Afterward, many men and women connected and chatted.
They seemed to be very happy for they were smiling and chatting with everyone. However, not everyone found his/her perfect match. These people were easy to spot because they looked dismantled and rushed out of the room in a hurry.
For those who had a splendid time, it is probably because they had a positive attitude and an open mind. They were willing to listen, ask questions, and share their interests. These aspects are very important when speed dating.
The others, who refused to ask questions, were either uncomfortable or scared of the situation.
They were probably not prepared for speed dating. Without a doubt, it’s pretty obvious they are overwhelmed when they told the opposite sex that this experience was a huge mistake because they were easily intimated and they didn’t intend on taking anyone on a date since they are jobless, cheap and would rather sleep and play video games.
Certainly, speed dating is not for everyone, but it is something everyone should try at least once in his or her lifetime.
Men and women can benefit from it because it can teach them the concept of communicating and raise their self-esteems.
It is also a fascinating way to find a soul mate and discover that everyone is exceptional in his or her own way.
