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 For those of you looking for an alternative to the dating bar scene there are two options in Gibraltar – setups through friends, or the internet… until now.
One 2 One is introducing speed dating, a brand new initiative that makes meeting new people a fun and exciting experience to Gibraltar. One 2 One cater primarily for single people and host tailor-made events based on a proven formula that has taken hold all over the world. It was originally established by a Rabbi in the late 1990s and was a scheme for American Jewish singles to meet, in the hope that some would meet their match. It was intended as a way of keeping Jewish singles from marrying outside their faith, but it very quickly caught on and proved a huge hit in America and then flourished in both Jewish and secular communities everywhere.
Speed dating evenings give singletons the chance to meet around twenty new people of the opposite sex in just one night, vastly increasing a participant’s chances of meeting someone they’d like to meet again. And for those who want to make new friends of both sexes, these events are just the ticket too as there is plenty of time to socialize during the course of the night. Add to this the fact that everyone is there for the same reason and that the mini-dates give you enough time to get an initial impression of the person and the advantages of speed dating are obvious.
Because of the nature of speed dating, places must be pre-booked. This ensures that an equal number of men and women turn up on the night. The events are open to all those who are single and unattached, divorced or widowed.
One 2 One chooses its venues very carefully, always ensuring that the ambience and layout lends itself as the venue for its events, perfect for the requirements of speed dating. There will be complimentary champagne to welcome participants, and, once everyone has registered, there will be ice-breaker games to get people in the mood.
After a brief introduction, the speed dating will get underway, and all the ladies take their allocated seats. The men then join the ladies, and once each mini-date of approximately five minutes is over, the men move on to the next table. You may be wondering if this length of time is enough, but the truth of the matter is that it is plenty of time to figure out if you have any chemistry. When you’re in the room with someone with whom the sparks can fly, you’ll find 5 minutes is plenty! Although the thought of carrying on a conversation with someone new might seem daunting, it would be wise to remember that everyone there is in the same boat.
To help prepare for a speed dating evening there are a few Dos and Don’ts to bear in mind.
DO:
• Look presentable and tidy. Speed dating tends to attract the fashionable and well groomed. Also remember to dress to show off your assets, making sure you’re attracting the right kind of attention.
• Have a number of stock questions ready as this will help to put you at ease and boost your confidence.
• Use your flirting techniques if you’re interested. Eye contact, the occasional friendly touch and using the date’s name often are useful tips.
DON’T:
• Tell lies! It might seem like a good idea at the time but you’re sure to be caught out further down the line.
• Drink too much; you don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons.
• Talk overtly on controversial topics, people are there to have fun, not listen to a rant on some political issue.
 Please check out our Speed Dating Tips section which covers everything you need to know about the mechanics of an event. Also on the web-site is a section on how to get the most out of your evening, advising on everything from how to let your personality shine through, to what type of outfit you should wear.
Throughout the evening there are breaks at regular intervals that give participants the chance to mingle, chat and refresh their drinks. This is also a good opportunity to fill in the all-important Matchcards, and to make some notes about the dates themselves so that at a later date it is easy to remember who it was that made that great impression…
At the end of the night most people stay for a few drinks with the other participants they’ve just met. This is a great part of the evening and many friendships are formed on the back of it, so staying on for this is strongly recommended.
Within the next few days One 2 One will let participants know who they’ve been matched with, and the rest is up to them. Speed dating has proven to be quite successful, with approximately half of all participants coming away with a potential match. Where else can singletons get such an opportunity to meet so many potential friends and matches in a safe, risk-free environment, and check out that vital chemistry before taking things further?
So, go on, why not call One 2 One now and kick-start your love-life?
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