Contributed by: kellyseal on Saturday, December 01 2012 @ 08:07 pm
Last modified on
Are you the shy type? Do you feel more comfortable going on a blind date as long as you're also with a couple of other friends? If so, you're not alone.
San Francisco-based Tandem has created an online dating website that offers two-on-two blind dates instead of the traditional one-on-one. (That was so 2011 folks...) The reason? People are more comfortable dating in groups - it takes the pressure and awkwardness out of first dates. It also makes the setting more relaxed and makes people feel safer when they're dating. That's a big plus for ladies who don't feel comfortable handing their number out to strangers or meeting someone at a bar after only a few emails.
It works like this: you can sign up using your Facebook account, which pulls your main Facebook photo into your new Tandem profile. You will then be prompted to add "Wings" - meaning wingmen or wingwomen - friends with whom who you want to double-date. Your wing person can be any gender (and hopefully single), so don't let that stop you if you're best friend is the opposite sex.
You'll then be given a series of questions about height, weight, occupation, and general interests, so you can fill in the blanks about yourself and what the general information on Facebook doesn't cover. Then you can check out other members and friends, and if you want to schedule a "tandem" you can send an invite with location and time details. (Make sure your "Wing" agrees on the time first, otherwise the invitation won't go through.) An email is then sent to all four of you to coordinate - replies go to the group but your emails remain private.
This format is similar to Groupr, who also started a group dating service for those who prefer not to date alone.
Between online dating, dating apps, group dating sites, and the integration of social media with dating, there are multiple dating technologies available to help you meet more people than ever. Even if you're the shy type - you get nervous or have been hesitant to try online dating - there are alternatives for you, thanks to technology. If you have a phone or computer, you can be hooked up for a date. So, no more excuses. Now is a better time than any other to get out there and meet new people.
Tandem is currently available in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Madison, Chicago, New York City and Boston.