Let me just start by saying that I usually avoid the whole dating thing all together. It has always seemed so artificial and awkward to me. I suppose dating is a natural phenomenon that includes the small talk and uncomfortable situations. All the men/boys that I ever dated I’ve met though friends, which started off in a group settings. So by the time we actually did have a one-on-one, we knew each other well enough to eliminate all the things I hate about a first date. But now I am in a new city, with limited amount of single friends, and working from home. It’s not as easy as it used to be to meet new people.

So you must be wondering why, ME, out of all people would even go speed dating. Having to have a first date with 10+ guys in one night?  Pure insanity for someone like me. But after thinking about it, there are many good reasons:  a) I ONLY have to talk to each guy for 4 minutes…that is awesome because you don’t have to come up with an excuse why you have to suddenly leave; b) it is a unique experience, I am all about trying new things; c) I may actually meet some interesting people; d) great research material for this blog (what I wouldn’t do for all you lonely expats! )

The event that I attended is organized by Rande Motýl (Butterfly Date).  This particular one was for expats in the 23-45 age range.  Although I think some of the men were a little older than that…  It is also not only for expats, that only means that you must be able to speak English. I think at least half the women were Czech but no Czech men.  Hmmm, what does that say about the Czech men…or women? I don’t know, I have never dated a Czech.  Overall, the whole event was very professionally organized.

Bresto Cafe Bar

It was located at Bresto, a café/wine bar near Wenceslas Square. Everyone is assigned a nickname based on a superhero.  You mean they don’t have to know my real name? Double awesome! So there I was, as Buffy. I was given a folder with all the names of the men I would meet that night.  Inside were two sheets, one to circle the ones I would be interested in talking to some more and the other is for me to take notes so I can remember who is who.  Oh and most importantly you are given one free drink. But don’t you worry, you can buy more at the bar if needed!  There is a 15 minute break.

The women each sat at their own table while the men flew from table to table when the four minutes were up.  Surprisingly, conversation came easy for most of my dates.  Most topics included the basics like, where are you from, how did you end up in Prague, etc. but a few were a little more original.  Let me just say that small talk is exhausting!  I am not going to go into detail about each date because I am an awful note taker so most of the night is now a blur to me.

When it was all done, the organizer checks all the sheets to count all your matches.  So if you circled someone that picked you as well, she emails both of you your contact information and the rest is up to you.  It must really be a shot to your ego if you don’t even get one match.  Luckily, that was not my case.  I did get some matches.  Although I didn’t feel a romantic connection with anyone, I still had great conversation with a few of the guys and that is why I decided to circle their name.

I do believe that some people may actually find love this way.  Or at least determine, in four minutes, whether you could at least survive a full length date with that person.  So if you can handle the pressure of being assessed and scored, this is the right event for you.  It is also great for some interesting and unexpected FAST conversation. My prince charming happened to have skipped this event but maybe your prince/princess will be there waiting for you.