5 ways to meet your mate: Dating services

Dating services

 
A host of organized dating services are popping up in larger centres across the country, offering everything from speed dating to dinner parties.

The lure
Most services have easy online registration for events. Many offer socials, where an equal number of single men and women get together for an activity such as learning to salsa or going on a walking tour. One company, Social Scene (currently in Toronto with plans to expand across the country), offers "starters" where a group of approximately 10 men and 10 women meet in pairs over coffee for eight minutes each (read One night, nine dates to get more details). For something more intimate, the company offers "soirées" or dinner parties with eight other men and women with similar interests. Cost: varies depending on the group activity; at Social Scene starters are $49, soirées are $35 plus the cost of the meal.


The hook
"I got to meet some interesting people," says Nathalie, one Social Scene participant. "I think the great part about it was that people were expecting to be approached, so we were able to talk to almost everyone there without any pressure." Penny, who also attended a Social Scene event, enjoyed it, too. "I met a great guy at the party. We ended up going out for coffee that same night and plan to go out again." While cost can be a deterrent, it also means that only people who can afford it attend--usually professionals. Variety is another bonus--if you don't feel comfortable with one kind of event you can try another.


The snags
You're limited to the number of people that sign up for your event. One customer, Julie, said that she found the events she attended weren't diverse enough for her taste. If you get a night where no one peaks your interest, you're out of luck.