Let’s face it. Dating in this day and age can feel like an actual warzone. From creeps online to walking red flags, how is anybody supposed to navigate such treacherous waters? In this dazzling city, speed dating in KL has picked up traction, seeming to be the answer for lonely singles ready to mingle.
What actually counts as speed dating?
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Many young, single Instagram users in the area might have seen one or two ads for speed dating in KL. Digressing, speed dating can be defined by quick periods of short conversation in rotation with potential matches to test your budding chemistry and perhaps find someone you’d like to build an actual relationship with.
Participants swap partners after each round, and the goal at heart is to speak to as many people as possible. In the end, the organisers facilitate the exchange of contact or matchmaking for the budding couples.
Despite being a mega introvert who hates social interaction, I took it upon myself to attend two speed dating and singles events on the most romantic weekend of all, Valentine’s weekend. Namely: Lonely Hearts Singles’ Fest, by Take the Leap, and Don’t Be Solo, by Matchbox KL.
This may seem especially intimidating to introverts everywhere. But sometimes you need to get yourselves out there, and hell, you need that push. So here’s a comprehensive guide, fitted with all the tips and tricks you’ll need to survive speed dating in KL.
Lonely Hearts Singles’ Fest – Take the Leap
The Saturday on the 15th of February was filled with a lovey-dovey atmosphere that was practically saccharine-sweet. Only the afternoon after Valentine’s Day, this speed dating event was on a larger scale. To be super clear, this event by Take The Leap was no conventional speed dating event, with many elements distinguishing it as a rather unique experience. I will share more about these elements below.
The event started with cute and easy ice-breaking games, essentially forcing the hoard to interact with each other. I have to say, from a non-extrovert’s point of view, the format and rules made it easy to socialise and get myself out there without much second thought. It definitely felt like easing into what was to come. And there were even prizes to be won, further incentivising the crowd.
Eventually, the crowd had formed into neat little couples, eagerly chatting away.
Introvert’s tip: Don’t worry if you’re not feeling the vibes from someone immediately, the point isn’t to find your dream partner, it’s to speak to multiple people who hold that potential!
Food is the way to anyone’s heart
The best part of any event, the food. A light lunch with bites and snacks was served after the games, which allowed for a free and easy, chatty environment. Tables were filled with free-form seating, and couples and groups slowly began to form. The ticket for the event also came with 2 free drinks, which you can believe I took advantage of.
After that free and easy segment though, was when the real nitty gritty of speed dating really began. Sections of the seating areas were converted into 4 segments: traditional speed dating, typical dating, board games, and free seats. Whilst everyone was free to do what they wanted, we were strongly encouraged to take part in traditional speed dating, or at least interact with the opposite gender.
Traditional speed dating was definitely an experience, facilitated by the minute and a flurry of first impressions. Whilst it definitely felt rushed, I knew it was important to take my time and live in the moment, which seemed to be the right call.
Introvert’s tip: You’ll feel the need to sell yourself during these moments, especially when it may seem to be variations of the same convo again and again. Just be natural, and say what comes to mind! You’ll find that you’ll burn out your social battery much slower this way.
Concluded by a riveting blind dating show that only served to hype up the crowd even more, the event closed with participants scanning the codes on each other’s wristbands to grab their contact information.
Don’t Be Solo – Matchbox KL
This was a different beast, speed dating on Valentine’s night itself. Surely, the singles attending this event must be there for a reason, whether that reason may reflect good, bad, or just strange intentions.
But Don’t Be Solo handled itself in a different manner, instead of being located in a large space, this was a cosy, intimate event for less than 50. Held in a quiet, classy bar, this event was more marketed as a singles’ social rather than a traditional speed dating event, which was perfectly fine by me.
The night kicked off with ice breakers. Unlike Take the Leap’s approach of traditional speed dating, Matchbox KL used the ice-breaking game format. This was to ease in the speed dating core values into the crowd, where people still rotated and spoke to everyone. It was all just combined into one segment.
Introvert’s tip: People talk, obviously. They’ll remember who you are and what you’ve said, and may even discuss it with other people at the event. Your first impression matters!
Whilst food was served, it was only to order. The only complimentary things were the prepaid drink and platter included in the ticket.
You can only help those who want to be helped
In a looser format than the event described before this one, singles were encouraged to seek out their own conversations and form their own connections, unfacilitated by the staff. For a bit, I did skirt the edges of the room. I was afraid to put myself out into a group of voracious singles.
And yet, it’s important to be reminded of this: You’ve come all this way and paid all this money. Are you really going to spend the next few hours doing what you always do? At the very least, take it slow and meet a new friend!
Introvert’s tip: There are surely introverts just like you at such events. Find them in the corners you would usually hide in, and strike up a small, friendly conversation to start!
Still chronically online after all that?
I can’t lie, speed dating in KL did open my eyes to a whole new world of dating. Whilst it may be out of your comfort zone, it’s a great and safe opportunity to meet new people.
The people you’ll meet at these events come in all forms. Who do you think you’d be, and are you curious to meet new personalities?
Follow Matchbox KL and Take the Leap on Instagram.
You should also read: Honey, your ex ain’t thinking about you so check out these 6 speed dating events in KL
