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Dating in the Fast Lane
Speed-dating tip No. 1 for women: Think sexy underwear.
That is according to the dating website, Fastlife.ca.
Good to know, I think, as my colleague and I hash out plans to attend our first speed-dating soiree organized by the aforementioned company.
"Wear sexy underwear -- you'll feel like a femme fatale!" Fastlife advises.
"If you feel sexy you'll come across that way too."
Did I feel sexy? I wondered as the skimpy, lacy undergarment I had slipped on began creeping up my butt en route to the event. Irritated -- yes. Sexy? Not so much.
Nonetheless, it's all in a day's work for a relationship columnist.
We arrive and I fight the urge to bolt for the door.
We take a seat and I nervously chug back a glass of water (note: it's probably best to sip when trying to make a good first impression).
Still, when I glance back up, things are looking up -- and it comes in the way of a yummy-looking guy I've just locked eyes with. This speed-dating thing might not be so bad after all, I giggle to myself.
Admittedly, I'd arrived with preconceived notions about speed-dating men.
He'd be overworked in some financial-related career, as addicted to his Blackberry as I am to lip gloss, and the kind of guy to whom numbers are foreplay.
However, I am pleasantly surprised -- the men are as varied as a nicely stocked shelf of spices.
Let the dating begin ...
I luck out with guy No. 1 (AKA the attractive bloke I'd been eyeballing). The time passes quickly, and when the host bangs the 'time's up' gong, I feel a pang of disappointment.
For my next quickie date, I take a tip from Fastlife advising women to avoid coming off as gold-diggers by inquiring about a man's hobbies instead of his career.
A couple of guys show promise so I give them a checkmark on the supplied card. If they select me, this allows us to connect later on.
A few days later, a potential match e-mails to invite me to a party.
Overall, riding the speed dating train is surprisingly enjoyable -- even if you don't meet your match.
Just remember to ask questions and breathe ... oh, and a pair of little lacy things might not hurt either!
Be sure to read next Thursday's column for speed dating tips for guys and gals.
By TANYA ENBERG
