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Relationships used to start by locking eyes at the sock hop, now it’s all about swiping right or left.
This Valentine’s Day, Veronica Slade, the creator of Queen City Connect, is encouraging people to skip the swipe and try her speed dating events in Regina and Saskatoon.
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“(Dating) in person is really a different experience, because you can really feel if there’s chemistry there and if there’s a connection,” Slade said.
“I feel that on the apps, you just make a decision within a few seconds based on someone’s profile. It’s a quick swipe.”
Those who sign up for the event will get seven minutes with each date before moving on to the next, marking their dating card with a match, friend or pass option.
Queen City Connect hosts speed dating events in both Regina and Saskatoon. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
While nerves are common, Slade starts her events with an icebreaker to help people ease into the experience.
“People usually feel just proud of themselves (and) that they put themselves out there,” Slade said.
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To keep conversations flowing, Slade places engaging prompt cards on each table. Dates can describe what their love language or ideal night out looks like.
Slade said she tries to offer a variety of events to include different age groups, single parents or the LQBTQ+ community. It’s not just for dating either, Slade also hosts speed “friending” events.
She said her events provide an opportunity for individuals to meet with potential partners outside of their “usual type.”
Slade said success stories have come from her method, whether it be romantic or platonic.
“I’m always just super grateful that I’m able to provide that platform for people to connect,” she said.
Slade said it can be challenging to meet a partner organically for adults, and predicts that’s why her events have become popular.
“This is a fun way to meet people in person rather than swiping, and people do seem to enjoy it,” Slade said.
Slade has hosted hundreds of speed dating and “friending” events. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
Newcomers and seasoned returnees attended one of the speed dating events hosted at Amigos Cantina in Saskatoon, echoing Slade’s statements.
“I like meeting people one-on-one,” a woman said. “The dating apps are interesting. There’s lots of scammers and catfishes and creepy people.”
“Online dating is wild and ridiculous, and (speed dating) seems like a different flavour of that,” another man said. “I’d recommend (for) anyone to come out and do it.”
The next speed dating event in Saskatoon will be held at Amigos Cantina for people ages 24-36 on Feb. 15.
The next event in Regina is for couples looking to make other couple friends. It’ll be held on Feb. 23 for people ages 24-45 at The Flats.
For more information on the upcoming events, click here.
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