"8 Minute Dating"
by Cyn
Everyone was in the same boat, literally. I was on a cruise with fifty people
experiencing 8 minute dating for the first time. I'd read about the singles'
service and curiosity got the better of me. According to www.8minutedating.com
you meet "8 first dates in one night." It's advertised as hip. For women,
there "is the chance to find your soul mate." And for men, "Make your mom
happy and meet a nice girl!"
The idea originated in the Jewish community. It has expanded to include single
professionals of all denominations 25-35, 30-40 and 40-50.
As a single person, my social life is a part time job. This seemed an interesting
way to meet people (at least eight of them) with minimal work. All that was
needed was an extroverted personality. I mentioned it to a few people
who all said the same thing.
"I know a friend who tried it and said it was a blast." Then the next statement
would be, "Let me know how it works out."
I was to be a guinea pig and I convinced two of my friends to join me. We
made a pact to all sign up together and two of us got in on a Sunday afternoon
on the Charles Riverboat. We tried not to call it 'The Love Boat.'
Sarah and I were a little nervous since we didn't know what to expect. (I
confess. We did not read the site completely.) At first, we picked out the
people who we thought would be on the cruise. The women seemed in the
age bracket of 25-35. The men seemed a little older. The event organizer
informed us they can not discriminate on age—no one provides an age statement
so a 70-year-old man could attend the 25-35 event. The organizer suggested,
"Be forward and ask them."
At sign up you receive a nametag with your first name and a number attached
to your name. You are also given a card. The card is used to make notes about
the dates. Were they respectful? Do you wish to date them? Be friends? Or
business acquaintances? There are also suggestions for questions,
"What are your hobbies?"
"How many siblings do you have?"
And Sarah's favorite question, "What is your favorite flower?"
As people boarded the boat they mingled in the bar area. The organizers try
to get an even amount of people-but there are last minute cancellations and
no shows. At this event there were more women then men. Most people came
alone.
The cruise was on and announcements were made.
"We need the men to sit down first on one side of the table and then the
women to take a seat opposite them. You'll have 8 minutes and then we'll
tell you how many spots to move. Do not ask for last name or phone numbers.
"
"Musical chairs," was the snickering comment
The women I talked to also decided not to give out their place of employment.
It was a challenge to be vague, but the men seemed to be considerate.
Gentleman Number 1:
Dark and handsome, we discussed Utah (strange state, we decided) and medical
supplies. He mentioned more than once in 8 minutes how he had an MBA from
a prestigious local college.
Gentleman Number 2
A doctor who enjoyed books on tape. I want to take the time to apologize
to my mother. I realize he is a doctor. There was no attraction and I enjoy
actually reading a book.
Gentleman Number 3
I was unable to hear the third date. This was the problem with the
location. It was difficult to have a conversation in an open boat. I have
no idea what I agreed to, since all I did was nod a lot.
Gentleman Number 4:
The date before the break was a jack of all trades. This means he did
not have a formal job description. We discussed dogs. I have never owned
a dog.
"We now have a 20 minute break. Mingle, and take your card with you. You
can always meet more than eight people," the announcer said enthusiastically.
Sarah and I headed to the bow of the boat with our drinks. There she
spoke to a man whom she put on her list as a possible 'friend.' He
was a musician who invited her to a gig. At the end of the break there was
a light rain and dark skies with the wind picking up. Gilligan's Island came
to mind. The chaperones, a man and a woman who seemed to have hit it
off, decided to change the event.
"Instead of sitting down, we are going to give everyone time to mingle. You
have eight minutes to talk to anyone you wish and then you have to move on
to someone else."
This change was not welcome. People gravitated toward the same sex or stuck
to talking with just one person. It was a little disappointing, but if you
were talking to someone and you wanted to move on you did have an excuse.
Sarah and I ended up in the back of the boat, talking to two men. They reeked
of desperation. I did not throw them a life preserver.
Once we returned to port we received our final instructions.
"You have 24 hours to go on line and put in your information. There has to
be an exact match. If you really like someone then check off all three boxes.
Only if there is an exact match, like you both choose friendship, only then
will your information be released."
My friend and I discussed our findings in the car on route to her home.
It was fun, although I would rather go when the event is at a restaurant.
Everyone is there for the same reason-to meet people. You meet a minimum
of eight people (more if you mingle properly during the breaks) you would
not have met under normal circumstances, and it's in a friendly environment.
As for me, I was right under the twenty-four hour deadline with my decision.
I sought friendship with two gentlemen (Number one and three, since I figured
he maybe interesting) and did have a match. Sarah had one match too. For
both of is it didn't lead to anything lasting. But for others 8-minute dating
may lead to something more.
