Tag Archives: relationships

Dating in Your 30s Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

singles group members ready to go white water rafting

You’re not alone if you feel like dating in your 30s is more of a job than an adventure. If finding a significant other was hard before, dating apps and social media have made it even harder. Nowadays, the dating scene is either hunting for hookups online or making third-date marriage proposals – there is no in-between. Everyone seems to know exactly what they’re looking for, yet somehow, no one can seem to find it. Except for your friends, of course. Everyone else in your life seems to be falling in love and posting about it on social media. Because of this, the dating pool seems even smaller now, so finding exactly what you’re searching for is that much more difficult. All this negativity is not exactly inspiring, but trust us, it’s not as bad as you think. In fact, it doesn’t have to be bad at all. Here are some positives about dating in your 30s that you only realize after leveling up.

30 is the New 20

Remember when being single was a good thing? In your 20s, single life used to be about going out and enjoying your freedom. Nowadays, you probably don’t go out half as often and wish you could just settle down with the right person instead of going on pointless dates. One way or the other, it’s safe to say that at 30, your perspective on being single is no longer the same. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as exciting or even more so. At 30, you may have a bit more back pain – and everywhere else pain – but you still feel (mentally) like you’re way younger. It doesn’t help when you feel like you just lost two years of dating time to quarantine during a global pandemic… The bright side is, now that you have a bit more experience, money in the bank, and a new perspective on life – you can do whatever you want! Acting your age is for old people. You could just as easily travel to Disney World, as around the world, and you can finally afford to. The only issue might be finding company to go with.

Your Priorities Have Changed for the Better

Dating in your 30s is like investing your money – it has to be worth it. One of the things about hitting level 30 is that you’ve gained enough experience to know yourself and what you want out of a partnership. Not just that, you’re not as willing to compromise on it. That’s a good thing. You’re growing up. Yes, there are times you might wonder if your standards are too high, or if you’re missing out on something, but that’s just FOMO and too much social media. The fact is, once you know what you want, and more importantly – what you need – it’s just not as easy to settle for less. And again, this is a great thing for you. Remember, you’re not the only one growing up and turning 30. This newfound clarity is not unique to you, and the dating pool is not as small as you may think. There are tons of single people in your age group looking for exactly what you are. The question is – how do you find them?

The Secret to Dating in Your 30s

Being single and being lonely are not mutually exclusive. After 30, however, many of your friends may already be married and are less available as a result. Those who aren’t married might be pursuing their career in another part of the world entirely. Maybe you’re recently divorced and didn’t keep in touch with your old friends as much. Whatever the cause for your lack of companionship, that’s what you’re really looking for – companionship. Don’t get us wrong, we know you’d gladly take a good relationship if you found one, with emphasis on the word “good.” But you’re not necessarily searching for one either. What you want is that 30 going on 13 feeling. You want to get out, have a blast, and tick off your bucket list items while you’re at it. You want events to go to after work and people to go with. You want to go on adventures that lead you to someone special enough to share more adventures with. 

 

Well, if that’s what you’re looking for – it’s Events & Adventures. We are a singles club, not a dating service, where 30 exciting activities are planned every single month. There is no pressure to date any of the other members, but at least you know everyone there is single if you wanted to. If you’re interested in making new friends, having a whole lot of fun, and potentially finding the one – click the link and get started with us today!

The Adult Summer Camp That Never Ends

singles club members having fun by the pool at adult summer camp

Ah, summer camp. Do you still have fond memories of trading your parents for counselors and getting to have fun with kids your age, all summer long? We do too! While you might wish you could still go to one, you’re not a kid anymore, and frankly, you might stand out a bit. Adult summer camps actually do exist – but they’re limited to summertime and have other restrictions as well, and aren’t necessarily close to you. What about an adult summer camp that never ends? Yup, you read that correctly. We’re talking about non-stop, every single month, fun and exciting activities – only for adults! If that sounds like something you’re interested in, keep reading. It gets better!

Camp without a tent or a cabin.

This isn’t the kind of adult summer camp you pack a duffle bag or bring bug spray for, although it might be a good idea for some of the activities. At Camp Events & Adventures, you don’t need to take time off from school or work. And since it never ends, there’s no deadline to get in on the fun! Decide when you want to go, and give up the sleeping bag to sleep in the comfort of your own bed.

You choose the activities!

Not only can you stay at home until you’re ready for some fun, but the fun you leave the house for is totally up to you! Whether you’re looking for chill events or wild escapades, there’s something for everyone with up to 30 events and adventures every single month. This month there was a pizza-making class, a group beach day, a comedy night, and a Luau Tiki Party – just to name a few. And that’s just scratching the surface. There was also a lightsaber combat class…don’t you wish you were there? Choose what you like best and go for it, or go to all of our events. The choice is always yours.

Single adults only.

Even though we’re like an adult summer camp and not a dating service, isn’t it good to know that everyone you go to camp with is over 21 and single? That way, while skydiving, bar crawling, or taking a class – if you happen to fall for a member of your group – shoot your shot! At least you know they won’t flash you a wedding ring. Have all the fun of summer camp, including the romantic hook-ups, except this time, you get to be the counselors.

Camp in, or out of town!

We’ve already mentioned that you don’t need a tent or a cabin, but what about going out of town? Well, this camp spans 13 states with different events and adventures in each one! Adult summer camps can be isolated to the camp location, but not this one. Visit any of the participating locations as a member and discover a whole new list of exhilarating experiences to enjoy. Plus, international travel is a part of the package, with groups making trips multiple times a year.

How do I sign up?

We hope this is no surprise at this point, but Events & Adventures isn’t really an “adult summer camp” at all. But it certainly does feel like one. Our members go on trips around the world, or stay local and have a blast. They learn, try, and enjoy new things every month with single people just like them. There’s no pressure to hook up or find “the one”. The point is to have as much fun as possible with like-minded, single adults. It’s an unforgettable experience you’ll long to return to, month after month. Sounds like an adult summer camp to us! Click here to get started.

Live a Life You Love With Tampa Singles

tampa singles club members enjoying dinner

Tampa is a city that has something for everyone. You might be looking for some of the more thrilling adventures Tampa is known for, but there are tons of laid-back activities suited to just about every lifestyle and preference. The problem can be finding people to do them with. But don’t worry, we have solutions for that too! If you’re a local, we won’t waste your time listing things you already know about your hometown, but hopefully these general ideas inspire you to start getting more out of life with other Tampa singles. Plus – stay tuned – we have a special tip at the end!

How to Get the Most Out of Tampa

Did you know that Tampa is ranked as the top city in Florida for meeting singles? And among the top 20 cities in the U.S. overall?  If you’re looking for new friends with the potential to become more than just that, Tampa is exactly where you need to be! There are so many things to see and do in Tampa, and tons of single people to experience them with – if you can find the right ones, that is. We can’t possibly go over everything in Tampa Bay, but below are a few simple examples of what you can do solo, or with the companions you meet along the way.

Take a Class. Mahatma Gandhi said to “live as if you were to die tomorrow,” and to “learn as if you were to live forever.” This is great advice when it comes to meeting new people and living your best life. A class can help you fulfill a longtime goal, teach you something new, or give you the tools necessary to teach others. A yoga, fitness, or dancing class can also help you to lose weight and upkeep a healthy lifestyle. Plus, you’ll have a lot of fun in the process! Classes are also great ways to meet new people since most aren’t solo experiences and usually require you to pair up and work together. It’s also guaranteed that you have at least one thing in common with your classmates – the will to be there in the first place.

Go to a Show or Concert. Music is a universal unifier. At concerts and events like the Gasparilla Music Festival, or the Pride and Passion LGBTQ+ event, you’ll be surrounded by people who enjoy the music that you do. Of course, it can be a bit crowded and loud to make good conversation at concerts. However, like a class, it puts you in direct contact with those you already have something in common with. Aside from these events, you can always see a touring artist, or do something less “on your feet” with a visit to the historic Tampa Theater for example. There are many live events, performances, and shows to be seen in Tampa. And believe us, this is only scratching the surface of the entertainment options – so choose something and get started!

Grab the First Round. Cities are known for their buzzing nightlife and Tampa is no exception. If you love a good bar crawl, head over to one of the many Tampa singles hotspots and pull up a stool near the counter. From the world-famous Tampa Riverwalk, to downtown bars and lounges, there are limitless escapades to be had. Some singles bars to keep in mind are the Mandarin Heights, The Patio, the Rox Rooftop, the Bad Monkey, and Hattrick’s. Wherever you choose to go, remember to drink responsibly and be aware of when your beer goggles are on. If you know, you know!

Take a Staycation. It’s easy to feel like a tourist in your own backyard if you don’t get out often enough to enjoy it. Tampa is a beautiful place filled with gorgeous sights and attractions, like the second largest Capitol building in the United States, or the intricately designed Hindu Temple of Florida. Get active, go outside, and do something adventurous! Visit Busch Gardens theme park, or stroll along the gorgeous nature preserves from Weedon Island to John Chestnut and more. Visit one of Tampa’s many unique museums, quirky parks like Dinosaur World, or Carol Baskin’s “Big Cat Rescue” from NETFLIX’s “Tiger King”. And we don’t even need to mention the beautiful Western Gulf Coast beaches with their powdered white sand and clear cyan sea. The only excuse for not making the most of Tampa is not having someone to do it with.

Special Tip – Join a Singles Club Like Events & Adventures

When you’re single, or new to town, or both – it can be incredibly daunting to do any of the activities on this list without a friend or two. People feel safer and more motivated in groups. A friend to take to class, go to a show, grab a drink, or enjoy a staycation with, is an irreplaceable asset that changes the entire experience and adds to the memory. For over 30 years, that’s exactly what Events & Adventures has been providing. We bring single people together from all over the country for big and small activities alike. This month alone, our expert coordinators have vetted over 20 new Tampa singles to join our club, organized over 30 activities for them to enjoy, and will be at each one to ensure that everyone has a blast! And if Tampa singles aren’t the only singles you’re interested in, every club is connected to the next for visitors and even international trips like our recent trip to Peru!

If you’re interested in meeting Tampa singles in an environment you all mutually enjoy, get started with Events & Adventures today! It doesn’t matter if you’re introverted (here’s how to deal with that), recently divorced, or just new to town – E&A is your ticket to maximizing your fun in Tampa.  

How Singles Travel While Making Friends and Memories

travel with the world with events and adventures singles groups

For those who consider themselves an introvert, dating can be a daunting notion. Even those who consider themselves even a little bit shy might wince at the idea of “getting out there.” Establishing connections with new people, in new places, and doing new things over and over until you find someone who “gets” you, can sound just about as joyful as a root canal (the struggle is real). However, dating for introverts doesn’t have to be painful. With a few strategies and the right approach, even the most introverted person can enjoy the dating scene.

How to Make Dating for Introverts Easier

Getting in the right mindset is often the best place to begin. Acknowledging that you will be out of your comfort zone gives you the ability to take the steps needed to make it easier for you. Expect all the usual first date bumps. Awkward silences and bad jokes have happened to all of us! It helps to know that the person on the other side of the conversation is probably feeling the same clumsy-first-date feelings that you are. First dates are don’t have to be uncomfortable – embrace the unknown and you’ll be able to move past it.

Do the prep work. Because it can be emotionally draining to be around new people and be “on” for an extended period of time, take the time before dates or social gatherings to fuel up on some solitude. It also makes sense to schedule some emotional resting time afterward to decompress and recharge. Feed your needs first (and often) and you’ll feel better – physically, mentally, and emotionally – about everything.

Skip the apps. Dating apps are not optimal for introverted people. Dating for introverts is hard enough without the allure of avoiding the entire process and swiping from the comforting solitude of your cozy couch. It’s easy to get sucked into the cycle of spending more time on the app and less time (or even NO time) on actual dates.

What’s an ideal dating environment for introverts? Imagine, if you will, a situation where you can choose what you like to do and know that everyone there will be single and looking to build meaningful connections. That’s where Events & Adventures has the edge over online dating. We realize meeting new people can be intimidating. We create low-pressure environments perfect for connecting and mingling with fresh faces. It takes the intensity out of those first one-on-one dates and puts the fun back in dating for introverts, wallflowers, and bashful folks alike.

Choosing your comfort level is easy with E&A. With up to 30 events each and every month, you can choose from a variety of outings. From intimate, low-key get-togethers to adrenaline-pumping adventures, members have the freedom of choosing what kind of experience they want to enjoy – and meet singles while they are doing it! Easygoing folks will love events like wine tasting, poker night, pottery classes, or events like “snowshoe & fondue” and “kayak the bay.” Once you’ve gotten your feet wet (with snow or water!), you can always check out other thrilling adventures like skydiving, karaoke night, line dancing, or even a polar bear swim! Sneak a peek at some of the events we feature for our members. The choices are endless and the decisions are yours. Go to one event or all of them – the best part? Everyone is single!

Make small talk useful. Every introvert hates the dreaded small talk. The necessary topical banter to welcome real connection doesn’t always have to be so draining. Make it easy on yourself by prepping ahead. Having a mental list of questions that generate easy conversation can lead to more meaningful communication. Using open-ended questions and phrases like “Tell me about…,” often leads to a freer-flowing exchange, and responding with “yes, and” encourages you to expand on your answers.

What brings out your chatty side? Engage in activities that offer easy subject matter, like a comedy show or theater, where you can easily talk about what you saw, or choose events that capitalize on your strengths and give you the confidence to strike up a conversation with someone new. Are you an art enthusiast? Choose the next art museum outing and chatter about your appreciation for post-modernism. Maybe you’re a beer aficionado. A brewhouse visit may be right up your alley. Wherever your interests lie, chances are Events & Adventures has plenty of options to create a relaxed and enjoyable way to meet new singles and take the sting out of dating for introverts.

Show your true self. Although it may seem easier to tattoo “introvert” on your forehead, don’t be afraid to share that you enjoy your quiet time. When the topic of your interests comes up, little hints that you thrive on easy and peaceful activities are helpful. If you reveal yourself fully from the get-go, you waste less of your time (and the other person’s) in the “getting to know you” phase.

Set boundaries for yourself. Don’t overcommit for FOMO (fear of missing out). You’ll get more out of committing to something you’re excited about than merely showing up because you think you’ll regret it later if you don’t. With up to 30 events every month, you have an opportunity every night to do something fun with Events & Adventures, so you can always skip what doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Did we mention we have tea night?

The dating-for-introverts bottom line: do what works best for you. Put yourself in situations where you can present your most honest self and enjoy doing so. Surround yourself in a dating environment where you can thrive and build real connections. Events & Adventures has been creating fun and engaging ways for singles to meet and have fun for over 30 years. Find out how even the shyest wallflowers can enjoy their best single lives. Jump in on the fun and get started today!

Dating for Introverts 101: Setting Yourself Up for Success

singles group members going paddle boarding

For those who consider themselves an introvert, dating can be a daunting notion. Even those who consider themselves even a little bit shy might wince at the idea of “getting out there.” Establishing connections with new people, in new places, and doing new things over and over until you find someone who “gets” you, can sound just about as joyful as a root canal (the struggle is real). However, dating for introverts doesn’t have to be painful. With a few strategies and the right approach, even the most introverted person can enjoy the dating scene.

How to Make Dating for Introverts Easier

Getting in the right mindset is often the best place to begin. Acknowledging that you will be out of your comfort zone gives you the ability to take the steps needed to make it easier for you. Expect all the usual first date bumps. Awkward silences and bad jokes have happened to all of us! It helps to know that the person on the other side of the conversation is probably feeling the same clumsy-first-date feelings that you are. First dates are don’t have to be uncomfortable – embrace the unknown and you’ll be able to move past it.

Do the prep work. Because it can be emotionally draining to be around new people and be “on” for an extended period of time, take the time before dates or social gatherings to fuel up on some solitude. It also makes sense to schedule some emotional resting time afterward to decompress and recharge. Feed your needs first (and often) and you’ll feel better – physically, mentally, and emotionally – about everything.

Skip the apps. Dating apps are not optimal for introverted people. Dating for introverts is hard enough without the allure of avoiding the entire process and swiping from the comforting solitude of your cozy couch. It’s easy to get sucked into the cycle of spending more time on the app and less time (or even NO time) on actual dates.

What’s an ideal dating environment for introverts? Imagine, if you will, a situation where you can choose what you like to do and know that everyone there will be single and looking to build meaningful connections. That’s where Events & Adventures has the edge over online dating. We realize meeting new people can be intimidating. We create low-pressure environments perfect for connecting and mingling with fresh faces. It takes the intensity out of those first one-on-one dates and puts the fun back in dating for introverts, wallflowers, and bashful folks alike.

Choosing your comfort level is easy with E&A. With up to 30 events each and every month, you can choose from a variety of outings. From intimate, low-key get-togethers to adrenaline-pumping adventures, members have the freedom of choosing what kind of experience they want to enjoy – and meet singles while they are doing it! Easygoing folks will love events like wine tasting, poker night, pottery classes, or events like “snowshoe & fondue” and “kayak the bay.” Once you’ve gotten your feet wet (with snow or water!), you can always check out other thrilling adventures like skydiving, karaoke night, line dancing, or even a polar bear swim! Sneak a peek at some of the events we feature for our members. The choices are endless and the decisions are yours. Go to one event or all of them – the best part? Everyone is single!

Make small talk useful. Every introvert hates the dreaded small talk. The necessary topical banter to welcome real connection doesn’t always have to be so draining. Make it easy on yourself by prepping ahead. Having a mental list of questions that generate easy conversation can lead to more meaningful communication. Using open-ended questions and phrases like “Tell me about…,” often leads to a freer-flowing exchange, and responding with “yes, and” encourages you to expand on your answers.

What brings out your chatty side? Engage in activities that offer easy subject matter, like a comedy show or theater, where you can easily talk about what you saw, or choose events that capitalize on your strengths and give you the confidence to strike up a conversation with someone new. Are you an art enthusiast? Choose the next art museum outing and chatter about your appreciation for post-modernism. Maybe you’re a beer aficionado. A brewhouse visit may be right up your alley. Wherever your interests lie, chances are Events & Adventures has plenty of options to create a relaxed and enjoyable way to meet new singles and take the sting out of dating for introverts.

Show your true self. Although it may seem easier to tattoo “introvert” on your forehead, don’t be afraid to share that you enjoy your quiet time. When the topic of your interests comes up, little hints that you thrive on easy and peaceful activities are helpful. If you reveal yourself fully from the get-go, you waste less of your time (and the other person’s) in the “getting to know you” phase.

Set boundaries for yourself. Don’t overcommit for FOMO (fear of missing out). You’ll get more out of committing to something you’re excited about than merely showing up because you think you’ll regret it later if you don’t. With up to 30 events every month, you have an opportunity every night to do something fun with Events & Adventures, so you can always skip what doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Did we mention we have tea night?

The dating-for-introverts bottom line: do what works best for you. Put yourself in situations where you can present your most honest self and enjoy doing so. Surround yourself in a dating environment where you can thrive and build real connections. Events & Adventures has been creating fun and engaging ways for singles to meet and have fun for over 30 years. Find out how even the shyest wallflowers can enjoy their best single lives. Jump in on the fun and get started today!

Single & Dating During Covid – A Look Back on 2021

single woman on a trapeze

The age of Covid changed us – and when it came to dating, it changed everything. Solitude changed the way we think about relationships, the way we choose our partners, the kind of qualities we seek in our mates, and how we view ourselves.

Dating Before Covid vs. Dating During Covid

It almost seems like a dream when we look back on how things used to be. The dating scene, for many, involved casual dates, lots of socialization, and random hookups. In early March 2020, we hunkered down at home for weeks (if not months), and had some time to reflect.

Our time in isolation gave us a chance to re-evaluate our lives and do some serious soul searching. We had the time to take a good look at ourselves and decide what we wanted out of our careers, our friendships, our relationships, and our lives. Establishing connections with people became more important. Singles dating during Covid began to think about whether they really liked the other person or if they were just lonely and needed companionship. Playing the field became a health risk and many singles focused more on developing monogamous relationships, after being encouraged to stay inside and alone for weeks or months at a time.

The Evolution of Dating During Covid

As the lockdown continued, video dates became a thing. Getting to know people via video chat was a new way that people established connections and “screened” a potential date. Events & Adventures also saw the needs of cooped-up singles and created easy ways for people to meet during the height of the pandemic. Virtual events like game nights, happy hours, cooking classes, and even health and wellness sessions got people together and created social situations for singles seeking connection. Our virtual event calendar is still being filled with all kinds of fun events created for singles to meet, for those who are still interested in meeting new people in a virtual environment.

Dating App Fatigue

Swiping in your sweatpants became boring after a while and people were eager to get outside again when restrictions lifted. Socially distant dates were the next phase in the new dating-during-Covid regime. Outdoor dates became the norm and meeting up at parks for walks, picnics, and bike rides gave singles a back-to-basics approach to dating.  Meeting people off-line became more exciting and making connections organically felt good.

That’s where Events & Adventures shines. Once outdoor life was in full swing again, our members enjoyed events like hiking, kayaking, and paintball over the summer, while winter activities including ice skating, outdoor picnics, and bonfires are what our members are up to now.

The Great Dating Reset

As the summer of 2021 approached, singles on social media coined the phrase “hot vax summer.” The hashtag implied a resurgence of casual dating with the availability of vaccines offered to the public. However, quite the opposite occurred. Over the course of the past 18 months, priorities had changed. Singles valued close relationships and friendships over a casual fling. The anticipated ‘summer of love’ turned into a more serious intentional dating strategy.

The time that we spent with ourselves allowed us to look inward and we became interested in becoming better versions of ourselves. We evaluated what we really wanted out of life and what resulted was a desire for deeper connections and experiences with a prospective mate, and that’s what Events & Adventures members value most. Offering exciting and engaging experiences that build a real connection and provide an easy, no-pressure environment to meet new people, is the perfect way to make new friends or find new love. Our thrill-seeking members enjoy bucket list adventures like skydiving, trapeze flying, and rock climbing, while low-key folks can relish in theater nights, museums, and resort day trips. No matter what category you fall into, there are plenty of ways to cross items off your bucket list while filling your emotional bucket.

The Covid Conversation

After almost two years into this pandemic, most singles have made up their minds on what their comfort levels are when it comes to dating during Covid. It’s important to communicate your thoughts when you first begin chatting with someone new. Be clear on what you are comfortable with (and what you’re not) and make conscious decisions that are in line with your values.

Keep It Stress-Free

Above all, have fun! Do what is right for you and venture into activities that bring you joy as well as provide you with the peace of mind you need whilst navigating the dating landscape. Changing your mindset can make all the difference. When you approach the idea of your single life more as “meeting new people” than “dating,” it can make the experience less stressful. That’s what Events & Adventures is all about. We make things easy and provide fun experiences where it’s easy to relax and connect with someone new.

For over 30 years, Events & Adventures has provided singles with fun and exciting ways to live their best lives. Our members enjoy events every night of the month and meet new people doing things they love to do – or have always wanted to do! Find out how Events & Adventures puts a new twist on dating the old-fashioned way. Get started with us today!

AI and the Dating App

Artificial Intelligence Is Entering the Dating Scene

Over the last couple of years, Artificial Intelligence has started to appear in the dating app scene. With these new and “improved” apps, gone are the days of swiping. Now, data mining is the way of online dating future.

What are these Apps and What Do They Do?

The most prominent AI app stateside was created by Denver native, Kevin Teman. In an article published by 303 Magazine on April 4, Teman explains how his dating app hybrid works. His app, AIMM, is essentially Siri meets matchmaker. The app launched back in 2017 and has taken all of the techniques of dating apps, matchmakers, speed dating, and dating services to create a dating service hybrid.

Again, you talk to this app like you talk to Siri, answering questions like, “Tell me an embarrassing story about your childhood” then the app will analyze your answers, sort them into different personality categories, and introduce you to people on its own accord. It takes roughly a week for the app to “get to know you” if you use it for five to ten minutes a day.

So essentially, you’re dating a robot for a week so you can find a person you might have a connection with.

According to Mashable’s article, “What Will Online Dating Look Like in 2030?,” across the pond in the UK, Loveflutter, is their AI dating app equivalent. This app matches people based on personality traits it decodes from each person’s tweets. The founders also plan to use AI to coach Loveflutter users on where to meet offline after analyzing their chats with matches.

In the future, these apps may dive even deeper into our phone data and start using information like if you pay your bills on time (or at all), what websites you visit (or shows you binge watch), your camera roll, and how much you exercise (thanks FitBit.)

Is This Too Good to Be True? (Most Definitely)

At first, this shiny new approach to modern dating looks pretty nice. Why wouldn’t we want help weeding out people we probably won’t have compatibility with? And we can do it from the comfort of our couches? Win-win.

However, when you take off the cupid-inspired rose colored glasses of technology-fueled romance, you’ll realize that the founders of these apps don’t have an end goal of people’s happiness; they want people to use their services, not leave them.

As Jean Meyer, the founder and CEO of European dating app Once said in Mashable’s article,

 “The dating industry has zero incentive to create this perfect matching algorithm […] The optimum for a dating service is to show you profiles of people that might be good enough, but not perfection. People who you go on dates with, and then after two, three dates you realize it won’t work out and you go back to the app.”

In the long run, these developments in technologically-fueled dating services will result in more disappointment and discouragement for their users than anything else. Why not spend your time investing in your life and happiness than using newer and nicer apps that are being programmed to sabotage the fulfilling experience of finding meaningful relationships?

Events & Adventures is the Best Alternative to AI

Events & Adventures uses the greatest strategy of all to introduce people. It creates daily opportunities for you to meet actual people (yes, humans) while doing fun and interesting activities. You develop friendships and lasting relationships by getting to know people that want to take a step back from their phones and enjoy their lives.

Do you want to know what’s even better about Events & Adventures? If you meet someone, we consider that a success story, not a loss. We’ve done our job if you find someone special. What makes a better story anyways, meeting your person while jumping out of a plane or while staring at your phone screen? It’s time to cut out the electronic middleman and live a life you love with Events & Adventures.

Dating App Experiment

The Dating App Experiment

The Dating App Experiment

As a single staff member of one of the Events & Adventures clubhouses, I decided to do a bit of an experiment with myself. Like a lot of people, I’m a dating app user; as a person dating in the 21st century it often feels like there aren’t many other options. As a simultaneous member of Events & Adventures, I started to compare and contrast my experiences with my online relationships and the ones I was seeing develop at Events & Adventures.

I’ve been on the classic apps like Tinder and Bumble and have tried some of the more obscure apps like Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel. They each have different layouts and specialties that make them seem like lights at the end of a tunnel filled with fellow singles. In the end, each app seems to turn out to have a similar end: possible dates and little connection.

 

The Findings

Dating apps turned the very real and emotional experience of dating into a very numb and robotic game. I’ve found myself mindlessly swiping through people without even looking at them. The sensation of matching with someone seems to create more of an endorphin boost than an actual opportunity for a true connection.

I’ll never forget when I matched with a guy and mentioned meeting up for dinner with him pretty quickly, trying to bypass the small talk and make something out of a match that seemed promising. He agreed, we set a time and location. The next morning, he was gone. He deleted our match and seeing as that was the only form of contact I had with him, there was no way of getting in touch to see what happened.

The experience stung, but a part of me accepted it because we hadn’t even met. How could I hold this guy accountable when he was only a picture on a screen?

I’ve gone on my fair share of actual dates through these apps too. I’ve even been in short-term relationships with some of the men I’ve meet. The large majority of the time the connection I thought I had with these guys online didn’t come through in person. If we did actually have something in common, there seemed to be a pressure to put a definition on whatever we had right away, which ended up scaring one of us away. When you make dating the primary focus of any activity, there’s an expectation of trust and vulnerability almost instantly. How can you put that kind of pressure on someone you barely know?

Having heard friends express similar frustrations, I know I’m not alone in my dating app woes. I even hear us wondering aloud if there is something wrong with us because of our lack of success.

 

The Solution

Having experienced Events & Adventures for the last six months, I honestly believe it’s not us but the online dating system that’s to blame. Unlike the forced nature of online dating, Events & Adventures creates an organic environment for members to have fun being themselves.

Are you filled with random facts or a board game connoisseur? You can guarantee there’s a trivia or game night coming up with Events & Adventures. More of a sports fan? Every club has at least one viewing party or pickup game on the books. Are you a whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, or adrenaline junkie—or do you want to be? Events & Adventures has you covered there, too.

And the best part? Other people are doing all of these things with you. You’ll be able to build connections with people that have similar interests and have the opportunity to see these same people on a weekly, or even daily basis, without having to plan the get togethers yourself.

All of the romantic relationships I’ve seen develop between Events & Adventures members have come out of the weeks and months they have spent together at Events & Adventures events. When people have the chance to develop friendships, those friendships turn into trust, and that trust can very easily blossom into something more substantial like commitment and love.

Our members have the chance to cultivate relationships with each other without having to worry about defining their experiences, romantic or otherwise, because that’s not what Events & Adventures is about. Our goal is to help people live a life they love, and that definition is different for everyone.

As a self-proclaimed wallflower, I’ve really had the chance to soak up all of the wonderful benefits Events & Adventures provides its members. In a world so fueled by instant gratification, Events & Adventures slows things down and gives its members the change to enjoy their lives with friends, new and old. So why keep staring at a dating app filled with what-ifs and maybes and come have some promised fun with Events and Adventures? You never know where it might lead until you give it a try!

Camping with Events & Adventures

Find Adventure and Friendship with Events & Adventures

Camping is the cure for everything.

Go camping, get outdoors, set plans and make them happen. Spending your free time sleeping outside may not sound amazing on paper, but the fresh air and tranquility of our Texas State Parks is what you’ve been missing (and it’s even better in the company of new friends). Events & Adventures Houston has gone on 25 camping trips and no one has ever regret coming along. We’ve dealt with storms, unexpected cold, droughts, and floods. But the unexpected challenges are just a way for us to come together and share a real experience; so you aren’t just meeting new people, but also building relationships.

Camping with other adults is something most people don’t get to experience. The uniqueness of the experience is why we make it a point to go camping or do an overnight trip once a month for our members. Relaxing around a campfire brings out the best in us. It’s a place where we can take a deep breathe, relax and not worry about the city stress that keeps us down. It’s a place where meeting new people turns into more than just getting along with someone for the moment, but rather forming lasting relationships and really getting to know one another. When you’re camping—it’s just you, nature, and a bunch of great people, so you don’t have that stress of trying to be someone you’re not or looking a certain way. You just let yourself sink into the trees and the forest and experience freedom.

Huntsville State Park is one of our favorite spots to go camping. We go every February and this year the weather was perfect. We hiked the seven mile trail all the way around the lake. There were a lot of tired faces when we returned but the feeling of accomplishment outweighed our exhaustion. We paddle-boarded, canoed, rode horses, had campfires, celebrated birthdays, played games and took time to smell the roses.

Whatever you do this year we hope you visit as many of our wonderful State Parks as you can.  Do things that get you out of the house, and live a life you love.

Minneapolis Singles Tackling the High Ropes Course

Tackling the Ropes Course with Events & Adventures Minneapolis

Testing our wits is something we get to do almost every day, whether it’s being a new member of Events and Adventures and going to our first event or tackling a high ropes course, which is what we did this past weekend!  Climbing ropes, walking across a single rope as we balance and focus on the platform ahead, rope ladders and swings HIGH above the ground… and as we ziplined off our last platform, we were relieved that we had finished and proud of what we accomplished!  Plus, we could finally “look down” without freaking out a bit!  Always an adventure with this group of singles!