Should We Bring Back Speed Dating?
Long before we exclusively used dating apps to meet potential romantic partners, people had to resort to all kinds of interesting ways to find a match. It was common to attend a speed dating event, talk to someone at the grocery store, or get set up by a mutual friend. Let's look at 20 unique ways people met before online dating.
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1. Through Mutual Friends
Meeting someone through a mutual friend was probably the most common way to meet someone. Mutual friends were the ultimate matchmakers, and the strategy was usually to naturally introduce two people who had a chance to be compatible. The first meeting typically happened during a social event. It was kind of sneaky, to be honest.
2. At School or University
Libraries, campus events, and classrooms provided environments and opportunities for people to meet and connect. You could meet someone through a group project, club, or study group. Shared routines created repeated interactions between people.
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3. At Work
Work was a natural place to meet people, especially those you had to collaborate with. The long hours, team projects, and casual conversations in the shared kitchen or break room gave employees the chance to learn about each other and develop a connection.
4. Religious Gatherings
Religious gatherings fostered community and shared values and brought people together. You could meet someone through a group activity or volunteer work, or a community meal.
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5. Through a Family Connection
Parents and family members often played the role of informal matchmaker to set up two people they thought were compatible. It wasn't unusual for a family member to constantly mention someone they knew who they thought might make a good fit for you.
6. Neighborhood Interactions
Living in the same neighborhood bred a familiarity that ignited many relationships. It was easy to meet someone while checking your mail, walking your dog, or at a block party. You could even meet your dream match while borrowing a cup of sugar.
7. At the Library or Bookstore
Libraries and bookstores are quiet places that make it easy to meet another avid reader. These places were natural conversation starters. You could ask someone for a book recommendation or inquire as to what they were reading. From there, you just needed to ask them if they wanted to have a cup of coffee.
8. Volunteer Work
Volunteering was a common way to meet someone who shared your values and cared about the same causes. It was easy to strike up a conversation while cleaning a park or building a home.
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9. Community Events
Before dating apps, you might have headed to a local fair, parade, concert, or cultural event to meet someone. These events were social, lively, and often packed with people who were all potential matches.
Josh Willink on Pexels10. Public Transportation
Buses, trains, and subways are locations that provide everyday opportunities to meet someone new. Commuters would see familiar faces, and the opportunities for small moments of connection were aplenty.
11. Clubs and Classes
Joining a club or taking a class was a great way to meet someone and score a date or two. If you were having an unlucky dating streak, then taking an art class, cooking workshop, or gardening club was a great way to start a hot streak.
12. Joining a Sports League
Some competitive fun was the perfect scenario to meet someone. You got the opportunity to win with someone else, see them every week, and work up a sweat together.
13. Coffee Shops
Coffee shops were the classic setting for a meet-cute. Regulars noticed each other, and a friendly nod could quickly become a conversation. You could simply meet someone while waiting for your order.
14. Speed Dating
Speed dating was the real-life version of a dating app. Over the course of an hour, you would meet multiple people for quick conversations to see if there's a spark. It was weird but fun, and mimicked the dating app experience before we even knew that that was a thing.
15. Professional Matchmakers
Matchmakers were the original people who swiped left or right on a match on your behalf. They interviewed clients, learned their values and personalities, and matched them up with someone compatible. It was very low-tech but produced a lot of successful relationships.
16. Traveling
Traveling was a natural way to meet new people. It could have been on a tour group, at the airport, or someone sitting across from you on a long train ride. Travelers are often curious and open to new opportunities, meaning many of them were looking to meet new people.
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17. At the Gym or Fitness Class
Gyms and fitness classes have always been social spaces where you can get to know a familiar face. Group fitness classes like yoga, cycling, or Zumba could lead to moments of encouragement that could turn into conversations. Since people often attended at the same time, they had the chance to build a rapport gradually.
18. Weddings
Weddings brought together people from different social groups, creating a fun mix of personalities. You could never tell who would connect, but just being in the same room and celebrating love was a proven tonic.
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19. Grocery Stores
Back in the day, it was common to meet someone while shopping for everyday items. Grocery stores invited casual interactions and a relaxed atmosphere that lent itself to forming a love connection.
20. Community Committees
Neighborhood associations and PTA groups let people connect while trying to improve their community. You could meet someone exciting by collaborating on events or projects and working side-by-side.
