I went to a speed dating event and left with a soft spot for old-school romance

There’s something oddly thrilling about stepping into a room full of strangers who’ve all agreed—enthusiastically—to give love a chance. Over lunch. On a Saturday. In 2025. With no dating apps fuelling the interest. 

Now I have to begin by saying I have nothing against dating apps. They’re a great way to meet people, and I’ve personally had some fascinating interactions that have, in a way, shaped the way I approach dating and romance. But the idea of bringing back old-school romance—you know the kind that existed before swiping on a profile became the norm—felt tempting. So, naturally, I decided to give it a shot. I mean, how bad could it be?

The event in question was called Love & Lunch, hosted by creator Shrishti Garg. It was poised to be a low-pressure kind of speed dating event, sans the awkwardness you often see in movies. This one felt more like a guided hangout with just enough intention. The space was warm, safe, and full of thoughtful little details designed to spark conversations beyond the usual “what do you do?” loop we’re all so tired of. So here's my takeaway from my first speed dating event. 

A swipe-free zone (finally)

We’ve all had it with algorithm fatigue and “wyd” at 2 am, right? This felt like a palate cleanser. There were no screens, no ice-cold openers, just people, IRL, sitting across from each other, trying their best to make eye contact and say something beyond “So, what do you like to do for fun?”

“I wanted people to remember what it’s like to actually connect with someone, to believe in love again,” Garg said when asked about the idea behind the event. “I just feel like dating, love...it’s all become a little too virtual, too curated.”

And she’s right. Dating apps have given us convenience, yes, but also burnout. The constant swiping, the recycled small talk, the ghosting, it's all so exhausting. I think almost everyone can agree that we need to bring back meaningful in-person interactions that make dating an exciting experience. 

From awkward to adorable

Speed dating gets a bad rap thanks to all those pop culture scenes with ticking timers and forced chemistry, but when done right, it can actually be kind of great. Think of it as structured spontaneity: a low-stakes setting where you don’t have to overthink your next move or wonder who should make the first approach. You just show up, be yourself (or at least your semi-charming version), and see what happens.

The rom-com rebellion we didn’t know we needed

“I feel like after COVID, we’ve all kind of lost touch with what real-life romance feels like,” Garg adds. And she's right, most of us have forgotten what a first impression even feels like without a mutual follow, which has only fuelled the hookup culture fatigue. 

Speed dating might not deliver cinematic sparks or dramatic exits into the rain, but that’s kind of the charm. What you do get is something refreshingly real: a room full of strangers slowly becoming less strange. There’s laughter, a little nervous energy, and if you’re lucky, a moment or two where conversation flows so easily, you forget how awkward this whole thing seemed at first.

I didn’t leave with butterflies, sadly. But I left thinking about how rare it is to see people take a chance like this. There’s something oddly rewarding about showing up, staying present, and being open to connection. The goal isn’t always the spark because real-life chemistry doesn’t always come with fireworks. It can start with a shared laugh or a surprisingly honest answer to a simple question. And maybe that’s the takeaway. Sometimes, it’s enough to leave with a little more optimism than you came in with.

Lead image: Netflix 

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