A bingo-style speed dating event for adults aged 38 to 55 is taking place this Friday at Winks Eatery, offering participants a chance to meet potential partners face to face.
The event is organized by Samantha Ceko, owner of Happy Hour Speed Dating in London, and is designed for people looking to make real connections without relying on dating apps.
For many older adults, dating today looks very different than it once did.
London-based relationship coach and author Jen Slay says awareness often comes with age.
“As we get older, we start to understand the meaning of life and the importance of relationships,” Slay says. “People realize they’re not going to live forever, and they want to share their life with someone.”
Jen Slay a life coach, counselor, motivational speaker, and author.
Studies have found that dating apps can increase stress and emotional fatigue, particularly for people who are genuinely looking for a long term partner.
Slay says dating apps can make that harder.
“When people meet in person, they can’t hide behind a screen,” Slay added. “They have to be present and authentic, which makes connections feel more real.”
Research shows authenticity matters more than perfection. A 2023 study published in Communication Research found that nearly all couples who went on to marry after meeting online said their partner met or exceeded expectations when they met face to face.
That search for authenticity sometimes leads to second chances.
“Some participants meet the same person more than once, and the second time, they really connect,” said Ceko.
Credit: FreeP!C
Ceko also shared a story about one couple who met at one of her Speed Dating events and didn’t match.
They went their separate ways.
Months later, they crossed paths again at another event.
This time, the connection was different.
Today, they’re married.
Ceko says stories like that are more common than people might think, especially among older daters.
“People might take breaks, come back, and meet someone again,” she said. “It’s not always about finding ‘the one’ right away.”
At the end of the day, Slay says, the motivation is simple.
“People are trying to find love. They’re trying to find someone to care for.”
Photo taken by XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum- A tattoo reading “All we need is love” on a person’s arm.
If your looking for a chance to connect, the event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
