Frequently Asked
Questions
"Yenta is a Jewish matchmaker. Although I'm not of Jewish faith, I do share the connection of God, love, and friendship."
What kind of things happen at 7 Minute Dating?
"Just your basic debauchery..."
Really???
"Naw... Actually, it's very structured, very organized, and really mellow. In fact, it is so well structured that you have no time to be nervous!"
Do people really 'hook up' at these groups?
"Oh yes! I have 35 couples already married, including the first Speed Dating baby born on July 17, 2003, and God knows how many more couples making plans! I have several couples who go out weekly and many women have even met their best friends at a session!"
So do people come just to find love?
"I think people are genuinely needing to connect with others - whether that be a relationship, love, or even a relationship of friendship. Basically, it's just a great way overall for people to work on their communication skills, self confidence in relating with others, networking, and making new friends."
Do people want to come back and repeat a session?
Most definitely! I have probably a 90% repeat rate! I try to make sure you meet new people each time and many just want to repeat the experience because it is so much fun. Listen, you might not meet the LOVE of your life in the first night, however you will have many chances to meet many people. So definitely just keep your heart open to all options. Just sit back, drink some awesome coffee, and enjoy!"
So how do I know speed dating is for me?
"I would say if you are a person who doesn't take themselves too seriously and are open to new people and new experiences, then yes, speed dating is for you! None of us know what God might have planned for us and it is my belief that if we approach things with a loving heart, then many possibilities are just waiting for us. Too many times I see people hung up on a certain something they feel they want and not allowing what they truly NEED to materialize"
Are you a dating service?
"No, I'm not a dating service - I'm an encounter promoter"
What kind of people come to 7 Minute Dating?
"I have people of all professions: from blue collar to white collar to purple collar."
What exactly is 'purple collar'?
"If you don't know, I'm not telling you."
How long do these sessions normally last?
"Usually about 2 1/2 hours."
What do people usually wear to a Speed Dating session?
"I'd suggest clothes. But really, most people are dressing on the 'business casual' side. I'd have to say, though, that I adhere to the strict philosophy of being yourself and wearing whatever might represent you."
Are you concerned that someone might start another service in the Quad Cities similar to yours?
"Not really... With over 2000 participants, I track who knows who and I try to make sure that daters do not meet the same people twice. It would be incredibly awkward if you met a past dater to whom you've given your phone number and they did not reciprocate; however, I had one couple meet a second by accident and they have been together since 2002. My system is virtually rejection free. The Quad Cities is not an overly large metropolitan area and people would be meeting the same people twice. How awkward to then have to sit down and make conversation with someone you know is not interested in you. Many people have let me know how much fun they have and there has been five other services started in the Q.C. area, and all of them have failed."
How long have you been doing this?
"Since April of 2001."
Did you ever imagine that 7 Minute Dating would become so integral in your life?
"Never. But it has been such a blessing! I feel so fortunate to be doing something so positive for my community and something that I feel is all through GOD."
Do you screen any of your participants?
"No, I rely on destiny. Everyone who participates understands that nobody has been screened. But I have a great clientele thus far!"
You only ask for people's ages. How do you know they are being honest?
"If people are placed in a session with their age peers and they are 45 rather than 35 (the age they told me) then it is very obvious to all. No relationship can be founded on a lie."
How is contact information exchanged?
"You can definitely exchange numbers between yourselves but I also serve as the Master Delegator of Information. So, if you like 'Kathy' you can email me or call me and I will pass along your information to Kathy. However, if you call me and ask for Kathy's number I will tell you "No Way!" I never give out personal information unless instructed by you to do so."
What do you expect from your daters?
"I expect everyone to treat each other with love and respect. If I see someone being less than gracious to another they aren't invited back. We never know when someone is truly an angel undercover."
What is your overall goal in regards to 7 Minute Dating?
"Utopia. Truthfully, I am committed to providing a fun atmosphere where no one feels out of the fold and I want people to leave feeling like they have made 20 new friends and that there is HOPE in this world. I know that might sound a little flaky, but we all NEED one another and maybe if we all reached out a little bit more then things might not seem so overwhelming."