Introduction Dating - Speed Dating Or Matchmaking, Which is Better?

Speed dating and matchmaking...the ultimate face-off takes us through an investigation to sort through the pros and cons to ascertain which avenue is the best solution for your relationship needs. After reviewing all the facts, you will need to decide if you are a speed dating kind of person or one more drawn to matchmaking. Either way, trust your instincts to lead you.

Speed dating began in 1998 and really peaked in 2000. Let's take a closer look into the speed dating world. In this type of event, the participants are sent through a rotation of quick "dates", lasting only about 5 - 10 minutes in length; these "dates" are designed to allow the participants a chance to make a good first impression and to see if they have met someone who is date-worthy material. At the end of the 5 - 10 minute time period, the event coordinator signals the participants to proceed to another date. In the event that participants feel they are well suited to each other, their contact information will not be exchanged at that time, but will be forwarded on later. This practice helps to ease any tension both parties may have, especially, if one person is not interested in the other and would like to decline an invitation for further dating, and feels uncomfortable verbalizing this.

Pre-registration is expected for most speed dating get-togethers; payment and registration can usually be completed on the Internet. Due to the possible imbalance of male to female ratios, some events allow walk-ins to balance the ratio out. You may even need to sign up on a waiting list for some events if they have reached their limit on attendees. You may want to search out different speed dating events before you decide to attend a specific one, since some tend to be strictly held to an even male to female ratio, while others allow for a freer atmosphere and are not so stringent.

You may choose to attend a speed dating event if you like the fact that the fellow attendees are there specifically to meet someone and have a mindset to stay focused on looking for what they want in a relationship, more so than just if you meet someone while hanging out at the local bar. Speed dating events are very systematic in allowing you to meet a variety of people, while eliminating the daunting task of having to actually introduce yourself to a stranger in an otherwise unstructured environment. Speed dating is even something that a group of friends can attend together, so that they may feel more comfortable in being vulnerable in this dating environment. If you happen to be paired with a bore, don't worry, soon your time will be up and you can move onto the next prospect, without having to worry about rejecting this person as a prospective match, since the actual match up occurs after the event.

However, you may find that this speed dating opportunity hinders you from actually having a quality discussion with the prospective date. You don't have a lot of time for presenting yourself nor finding out a great deal of information about the other person. Also, since there are time constraints, the prospective date will be putting his or her best foot forward in trying to impress you and you may not be able to see through those veiled attempts of flattery or misrepresentation in such a short time period.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may find that choosing the services of a professional matchmaker is more suitable to your relationship needs. You receive tailored attention in regard to ascertaining your character type and what you are looking for in a prospective candidate for dating. The matchmaker meets face-to-face with a pool of prospects. You are offered professional advice and the matchmaker spends quality time in assessing you and your situation, far more accurately than any speed dating opportunity ever could. You are benefiting from professional experience in the field of dating and you would not be alone in your decision-making.

You improve your odds of victory by using the talents of such an expert. Additional financial costs will be necessary than for your average speed dating service; however, you'll be receiving the superior deal. This matchmaker is comparable to the services offered by a business headhunter searching for the next chief executive, but with the specific purpose of locating your ideal other half. In choosing a matchmaker, you stay underneath the protective umbrella of the skilled eye. You reduce the risk factor and capitalize on the benefits and in the long run will see the fruits of a skillfully laid out plan to find the one.