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Single in St. Louie

6/3/2004

Single in St. Louie
Regardless if you're a St. Louis native or a St. Louis transplant, if you're single and looking you may want to pay attention to this piece.

St. Louis, in my opinion, is one of the hardest cities in the country to meet people. And a lot of the reason is that there are only so many opportunities to do so. Our city isn't much for midweek nightlife and it really seems only couples frequent the best places -- museums, sports events, live theater or concerts.

That only leaves work and the bar-and-club scenes. We all know the correct answer to dating on the job: OK, say it with me…it's not all good.

In recent years, in other major cities like New York, Chicago, and L.A. there has been a surge of alternative matchmaking services. One of the most popular that is quickly gaining momentum here is speed dating. By speed dating I don't mean it's over as quickly as it began (who would have thought she didn't like pro wrestling!).

No, in fact the speed dating I'm referring to can quite possibly be the best 15 dates you'll ever have in one night.

I spoke with Suzanne, an events coordinator with pre-dating.com, a matchmaking service that caters to single professionals between the ages of 20 and 60. Pre-dating narrows the field with special interest speed-dating events for various age, ethnicity, religious and interest preferences. Events are held in upscale venues typically in the Clayton area.

The events separate age groups in 9-year intervals so there won't be issues with generation gaps. The events are most popular with women between 20 and 30 years of age, but the events are always evenly split between men and women. The pre-dating starts with a mingling session with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Once the event coordinator explains the rules of the evening -- no exchanging contact information, using last names and all matches will be notified within 24 hours by email -- the dating begins.

Everyone is assigned a number and the women take seats at tables with their number, as do the men. Each date lasts for five minutes, which may not seem long if you're really clicking with someone, but try spending five minutes across the table from Miss Ballbreaker of the movie "Porky's." Or even worse, a tax lawyer who feels it necessary to explain all 1,326 new tax laws for next year. It really makes a big difference.

When the coordinator sounds the bell signaling the end of each date, you then have a minute to write notes if you're interested in that person for a friendship, more or nothing at all. The men then move on to the next table until they have had the chance to pre-date each woman.

According to Suzanne, what people like most about pre-dating is the safe stress-free environment the events create. There's no pressure or fear of rejection when approaching a stranger because it's set up almost like a game with a pretty strict regimen, and you know the person in front of you is there to meet someone.

Let's not forget the incredible odds: two-thirds of the participants get at least one match. In one night you're guaranteed to meet between 10 and 15 singles you know are looking for that special someone -- or at least a new friend.

Add drinks, music and a nice upscale atmosphere -- how could you lose? Pre-dating gets it's name because the five minutes you spend with each person should be viewed as a pre-date. Hopefully you use the e-mailed contact information for your matches to set up actual dates.

Suzanne explained pre-dating coordinates events for just about any specific interest as long as there are enough people who share the same criteria for potential matches. The next Pre-Dating event will be held in Clayton on Tuesday Sept. 23. To register or read more about the events, check the links at the top right of this page or contact Suzanne, the St. Louis Event Coordinator at 314-378-5857 or Suzanne@Pre-Dating.com.