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Review content:
PRwebsr - Published December 2011 -
honestpassionateintense-justjoey.blogspot
Honest...Passionate...Intense...Just Joey
The Challenge: SpeedLA Dating (Part II)
The venue was a really classy, dimly lit (somewhat romantic) bar/restaurant. There were already a lot of people there, mingling, drinking, chilling...although J was kind enough to escort me in there, I felt so out of place. It was so hard to watch him walk out the door as I waited for my drink (from an extremely good looking bartender no less - somewhat disappointed HE wasn't part of the speed dating).
After I checked in, I was given a sort of 'scorecard' where I was to list the number of the date, his name, and rating scale. I sat down on one of the padded couch/benches and waited for the event to start. A lot of people came with friends, some alone...a very pretty participant came over and asked if she could sit with me. We began a conversation and I found she too was there by herself for the first time.
A few minutes latter, a male participant came over and sat with us. He was a really interesting guy who I felt had a very genuine feel to him. He seemed more interested in my new acquaintance, but it was all good. Definitely intriguing.
We were then told to sit at our assigned tables as the event was about to start. I took a glance around the room to check out the field. There were a nice variety of men...younger, older, different cultures...I wasn't sure how I was going to get through it, but before the first 'date' sat across from me, Joey Fierce was firmly in place. lol
I was most surprised at the career field that was represented by the single men that night. I met a geneticist, stock broker, lawyer, script writer, industry professional, composer for t.v. series, dermatologist, porn industry executive, DJ, red carpet interviewer, cafe owner, entrepreneur, director, engineer....
It was somewhat exciting and liberating at the same time to be able to make a conversation with about 17 guys you wouldn't normally talk to outside of this type of structure. I didn't feel any pressure to 'meet someone' or 'sell myself.' I was just there forcing myself into social mode and getting to know the occasional fascinating man. Plus, you didn't feel committed to spend an entire evening with someone or spend tons of money for dinner and drinks. It was like 3 1/2 to 5 minutes per round. At times the minutes flew by and others as if the minutes were dragging. lol
A lot of the men there were attending for a second or third time and gushed about how this environment was a much more beneficial situation for them as they wouldn't normally be able to talk to this many women in a night out at some club or bar. Another participant mentioned that he loved it because he didn't have to be stuck on a date with someone before realizing they weren't compatible and that it was better to know immediately whether or not you liked someone based on seeing them in person and speaking with them.
At the end of the night there were only two men that I felt I wanted to get to know better, with three more as trailing runner-ups. I definitely intend on participating in at least ONE MORE speed dating event to see if I enjoy the same experience.
I liked being outside of my comfort zone. This challenge empowered me with the knowledge that I COULD walk up to anyone, introduce myself, strike up a conversation, and then just go about my business. I DO have the skills to initiate and maintain normal conversations and I shouldn't be afraid to put that into practice.
I am going to challenge myself every day to be more actively social. :o)
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