It seems like every few years a new trend hits the singles scene. Not too long ago, online dating was new to us. Before that there was a rush of Speed Dating. Matchmaking services remain popular, if a bit costly. And there's always the old standby - a single's bar!
The following trends are sweeping cities near you, and you may find them just a little bit more interesting than the more classic roads to romance! Why not give one of them a go?
Start playing games!
After waiting the requisite three days for them to call, you may be fed up with games, but there's a different strategy at play according to Social Circles, a New York based group for singles. Games (you know, the old fashioned kind, played in a group with a board, dice, or something similar) are the hottest trend in dating. Singles are gathering in bars, cafes and clubs across the country for rounds of Scrabble and Pictionary (not to mention a host of other ones).
"These events appeal to everyone because they're naturally interactive. You don't have to worry about making small talk," Lynn Reich, the head of Social Circles told one dating site. Even if you don't know how to play a certain game when the evening begins, "it's a great for team building while being social and fun." Even better, is that there are game events to suit every taste! New York's Urban Outings throws game nights for gay men. The Unity Church of Christianity in Houston hosts game nights for Christians. And in Los Angeles, My People Connection makes a bid for the brainy with strategy games like Settlers of Catan or Betrayal at House on the Hill.
From a meeting-people-perspective, the best part about game playing is that it keeps you occupied with an activity (removing conversational pressure), while simultaneously revealing personality traits.
Heat things up!
Some organizers are betting that a healthy serving of romance awaits those who enroll in singles-only cooking classes being offered nationwide. The idea stems from the belief that if you get single people together and teach them how to cook a really great meal (then let them enjoy the results together), you'll heat up their love lives, not just their main course.
No cooking skills are required for the classes where "students" learn how to prepare a gourmet meal (then get to eat it!). In fact, it can be a benefit to be a novice. "Having the activity of cooking to focus on made it easier to talk to people" Tamara Santos told MSN Dating. Apparently, Santos met her husband Rick at a singles cooking night hosted by Gourmet Gatherings, which throws these events in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Chicago and Santa Monica. Though they were working in different groups (Tamara on the main course, Rick on the pesto shrimp appetizer), Rick's group finished early and circulated to give samples. He made a special effort to be sure Tamara got a taste.
At the end of the night, participants received copies of the recipes as well as digital photos and email address of their fellow cooks. Tamara told MSN she got emails from three men, and went on dates with two of them - including the man who became her husband. "It turns out Rick loves to cook, and he has made me many gourmet meals ever since," she said. Multiple companies offer similar courses including nights centered on a theme like Tuscan cooking, Asian fusion or baking with chocolate... If you're a foodie or interested in finding one, look for a singles cooking night near you!
Spell it out...
If you hated spelling in the third grade there's great news for you. You've got two options: enjoy the spoils of adulthood in another dating arena (because you're never required to spell aurora borealis again), or avenge yourself! Smart singles in urban areas are taking part in singles spelling bees! Thanks to the popularity of books like Bee Season, Singles Spelling Bees were the brainchild of Zac Cushner, coordinator of an organization that specializes in offbeat mixers. "We're always trying to host fun events where what's going on is the focal point" he tells MSN. "If you meet someone, that's an additional bonus. That's definitely the new wave of dating and meeting."
Luckily though, the brain-teasing challenge and school day nostalgia are where the similarities to the events of our youth end. At Singles Spelling Bees there is an open bar for those who feel like a cocktail may soothe their nerves and the word categories include "uncomfortable things," "brand names" and "mythological creatures."
Who ever said dating wasn't fun!
Do you need to attract more love in your life? Let a psychic guide you in a reading today? Call
1.800.573.4830 or
click here now.