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What are the Benefits of Speed Dating?

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The obvious benefit of speed dating is clear - you don't have to spend an entire evening with someone you just met and know they won't be a match for a lasting relationship. However, there are other advantages that have created lasting power for this matchmaking process.

Speed dating allows an individual to meet several dating candidates in one evening, face-to-face. You don't have to rely on a picture from a website and a resume that could, or could not, be true. This efficient way of dating is especially convenient for busy professionals who don't have a lot of extra time to waste on a candidate that is a complete opposite of themselves. Also, speed dating is performed in a comfortable environment. You can attend the event with a friend or two that could provide support and comfort for just having someone there with you. Speed dating levels the playing field and takes off a lot of pressure. Since you are not allowed to switch contact information within the eights minutes of conversation, you are in total control of who receives, and doesn't receive, your personal information. Also, men who do not feel comfortable reaching out to women don't have to sweat how they are going to introduce themselves. They will be talking with each of the women like everyone else, no matter how extroverted they may be.

Because you only have eight minutes to interact, this cuts down on much of the small talk that typically takes place on a first date. The time limit serves as a source of positive pressure that forces you to get somewhat personal in order to find out if you are at all compatible. The time limit is also nice if you are stuck talking with someone you absolutely do not enjoy and no longer want to invest in. And the best part: you do not have to reject someone right to their face. Because you write down only the people you want to get to know better and the scores are "tallied" by the organizers, you don't have to let anyone down to their face. This is taken care of for you.

Although there are several advantages that make speed dating attractive to several single individuals, there are some drawbacks and risks involved. First impressions aren't always accurate, and you could be stuck dating someone who makes a great first impression but doesn't seem to have much else to offer once you are in a date-situation. The adverse is true as well. Just because someone doesn't make a great first impression in the short eight minutes, you could be missing out on something really great if you had just a few more minutes to make a connection. Also, if your personality isn't a strong, outgoing one, speed dating may be hard and uncomfortable for you.

You may be wondering if speed dating really works or if all of this propaganda is just a silly hoax. Actually, speed dating has proved to be fairly successful. It hasn't been around long enough to get exact percentages of success, but about half of the people involved in each speed dating event come away with contact information. The main question critics continue to ask is whether or not eight minutes is long enough to get to know someone.

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