Attendees getting to know each other at a speed dating event.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Kristi Reich

Dating and meeting new people can be difficult, especially when it seems like there aren’t many places to comfortably approach someone who has caught your eye.

In a world where dating means so many different things to different people, where labels and definitions are all muddled together, it’s hard today to meet someone and fully connect.

Kristi Reich has reintroduced speed dating to the Okanagan in the hope of connecting people. Two people are paired together in person for five minutes at a time in hopes sparks fly without the use of isolating technology.

“People are too picky,” Reich said. “You like what you like. When you meet a guy or you meet a woman, within five minutes you know if you like them or not, or you know if there's potential there.

“You can make that quick decision, but it takes meeting in person to make that decision, and online, you often never meet up in person.”

Each pair has limited time to get to know each other at the speed dating events, so making a good first impression is vital to success. Reich usually has about seven to ten different pairings of men and women in the first hour of the session, and then again in the next hour.

Reich started speed dating events following the COVID pandemic when meeting new people in person was nearly impossible. She wanted something to bring people back together and feel a sense of community, especially after such a long period of disconnect.

Reich said a good mix of introverts and extraverts sign up and come to the events and she finds that usually, opposites attract.

“This is for people that are real good people that want a relationship. They're legit. They're willing to go there, show themselves and put themselves out there," she said.

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According to Reich, it is more difficult to get men to attend the event. She describes the Okanagan as a “man’s paradise” as she’ll often have 15 women sign up for one of her events and only three men. Though the men will have better chances during the speed dating rounds, things need to be fair.

Reich will often approach strangers on the street once she notices they do not have a wedding ring and invite them to her events. Though stubborn or bashful, those invited will show up and have a great time.

“I'm pretty impressed. Every event I’m looking around and everybody's vibing, and they're all laughing. Some people are holding hands and you're like, ‘You guys just met, calm down now.’ Some people are just like that, and the other person's like that, and they just connect immediately.”

In Kelowna, she holds speed dating events for the 24 to 45, 40 to 55 and 50 and up age groups. She also holds events in Vernon and Penticton, but with fewer age categories. While she hasn’t had anyone under the age 21 register for speed dating she is open to hosting an event for the younger people.

At the end of the day, Reich just wants her attendees to have a good time and meet new people in an environment that doesn’t rely on apps, swipes and likes, and instead depends on genuine conversation.

“People are always trying to find love and it's not that easy.”

If you're interested, Reich charges $40 to attend a speed dating event and you can get more information by joining her private Facebook page here.

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