Valentine’s Day is upon us, and while lovebirds are fluttering about planning their perfect dates, there's finally a new trend emerging that caters to single folks. ALSO READ: Kigali’s top 6 weekend hotspots for ultimate fun Speed dating has become the new messiah, for those looking to take matters into their own hands when it comes to finding love. It appears that going out to meet people with the sole intention of finding a future lover is not a sign of despair. Who needs destiny when you can meet your soulmate at an organised event? The concept of speed dating originated back in 1998 by a man called Rabbi Yaacov Deyo as a way for Jewish singles in Los Angeles to connect. Since then, this fast love-finding technique has spread all over the world, and now it has found its way to Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital. ALSO READ: My performance in Rwanda changed my life – Tyla While it may have been around for a while, it's a relatively new trend in this city, with several exciting events lined up, including ones happening on Valentine’s Day itself. Check out our event listicle at The New Times to get yourself plugged into a Valentine's Day plot. So, how does this high-speed romance race work? Well, it's an event where single individuals gather in one place, maximizing their chances of finding the one. And then, people spend short bursts of time with multiple candidates, trying to discover if there's a spark worthy of further exploration. ALSO READ: Saddie: The story and passion behind her 'vibes' These events are often held at all sorts of fun and happening places, like restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces, and parks. Food and drinks are usually provided to help ease any nerves and encourage mingling. However, if you prefer to stay in your pajamas; online speed dating is also an option. To participate in a speed dating event, one may need to register in advance or purchase tickets. These measures help organizers maintain a balanced number of participants. During the event, participants move from one partner to another, engaging in conversations and getting to know each other. A bell or timer signals when it's time to switch partners. Between each round, there is a brief interval to mark scorecards and make notes. After the event, organizers notify participants if any mutual interests were indicated. They then provide contact information, leaving it up to the individuals to take the next steps. Speed dating offers a solution for those with limited time or a preference for face-to-face interactions. It presents an opportunity to meet potential partners quickly, without relying solely on the competition - dating apps. When you sign up for a speed dating event, remember to bring your A-game! Keep an open mind, prepare some fun conversation starters, and most importantly, be yourself! Cross your fingers and hope for the best because who knows, you might just find your perfect match. And even if you don't, you'll still have a great time meeting intriguing people and enjoying the whole single and mingling experience. It's a win-win! Of course, like any social gathering, speed dating has a few ground rules. First and foremost, punctuality is key. It's also important to adhere to the event's guidelines and instructions. It's advised to be fully present by switching off or putting your phone on airplane mode. Respect is a must. Even if someone doesn't catch your eye, be kind and considerate. Don't be that person pressuring others into matching with you. And Look your best, but make sure you're comfortable too. After all, you won't want to trip over your own feet while talking to potential love interests. Lastly, speak up if someone behaves inappropriately or says offensive things, and don't be afraid to ask unique and creative questions. Despite its popularity, speed dating isn't without its fair share of skeptics. Some argue that the short time allocated for each interaction can make things feel rushed, leaving little room for a genuine connection. Also, this approach may place excessive emphasis on first impressions, potentially overlooking other important qualities that are not immediately apparent. Well, there's only one way to find out – attend an event and write your own amusing review for us to read! Will you find love at the speed of light, or is this fast-paced romance just a whirlwind of hype? We're dying to know!
