Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Stirring things up with Match

You may have seen the match.com TV commercials for their 'Stir Events.'



The commercial gives you a good idea of how it works. You need a premium, paid subscription to Match.com. When they're organizing an event in your area, you'll receive an email invitation. You RSVP; you'll get a couple of reminders, and your name will be on a list at the event.

(Your invite and reminders warn you that if you RSVP yes, not showing up or canceling could affect your receipt of invites to future events. Basically - match is looking to fill these events, and no-shows don't fit the plan.)

So, I signed up. I wasn't overly interested; I'd already met Sparrow, and wanted to see where that might lead. But my curiosity got the best of me. 

According to the commercials, they organize all kinds of events - wine tastings, bowling, cooking classes, etc. My event (the first locally) was a happy hour. The venue was a small bar which, it turns out, was closed off to the public for the event. Not only that - match had the TVs at the bar turned off, to encourage us to talk to each other, rather than get distracted. 

(They did not have us turn in our phones.)

So how was it? Well, first of all, it really was just a happy hour. A local bar, nice atmosphere, filled with more women than men, most of whom were drinking. Some sitting at the bar, a few at tables, and some just standing around. Women congregated to once side, men to the other (like a high school dance); there were a few brave souls who ventured into the middle and mixed it up a bit. 

Happy hours are not really my thing. I don't drink, and I always feel out of my element in a bar or lounge. A sports bar, where I can watch a baseball game? Fine. Trivia? OK. But just standing around in a bar, trying to talk to strangers? Meh - not really my thing.

But - don't knock it til ya try it, right? 

I have to say - there is one major difference between the Match event and a regular happy hour: You walk in knowing that everyone in the room is single, and looking to meet new people. It's also obvious, after about 5 minutes, that every one of them - even the ridiculously good-looking - feel as awkward as you.

There's something a little empowering about knowing you're not alone.

I went on my own; it took about 3 minutes to locate a group of women who were friendly and, it turned out, a lot of fun. If you're really too scared to go it alone - your invite will probably allow you to bring a friend. Take them up on that offer. No single friends? Who cares! Bring a married friend. Hey, you just need the company, and this way, you're not really adding to the competition. 

If it comes down to going alone, or not going at all - go. Step outside your comfort zone; try something new. Hey - if you're trying to meet someone, and haven't yet, maybe it's time to try something different. Maybe an event like this is exactly what you need. 

If it doesn't work out - you'll at least have a good story.

4 comments:

  1. Great post!

    I saw that commercial online and wondered if it lived up to that standard in real life.

    Very Cool.

    Match.com should pay you for the promo! Or give you a free membership!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank God for your bravery!

    I was wondering if it would be worth it to pay for the Match.com membership to try the Stir events. I want to meet singles in my area but I don't really know the area or where I could meet people with similar interests. I thought that attending one of these would be a cool way to possibly meet someone or at least make some single female friends to maybe go out on the prowl with.

    Thanks! =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. As I watched the video I'm amazed how the match.com came up with this amazing idea but I'm just wondering if they will surely do the promises they've mention for the premium subscription of the members. Well, match.com is not offering a bad idea but in my case I don't know if I will gonna deal with it as of now. Maybe I will but just a little while perhaps.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi! I found your post by googling about these Stir Events. I am attending a Happy Hour Monday and it is from 6-9. Should I plan to get there for 6?

    honeyandnutmeg.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete