Ottawa singles can now expand their circle of friends, meet people for casual dating or possibly a deeper relationship in fun-filled, activity based environment. The singles bar scene might not be for you and you may not be a fan of discotheques. ‘Speed dating’, has its drawbacks. North Western University cites the possibility that speed dating may not lead to romantic attraction owing to the limited time available and the potential lack of time in which to discover shared interests.

Speed dating leaves the dater with a very limited impression of the people they meet and leads to superficial judgements based primarily on physical appearance and perceived earning potential. Lasting relationships require a deeper connection and such connections may require a more relaxed environment and take longer than a few minutes to form.

Singles-Ottawa, an Ottawa based dating website, seeks to overcome this problem and foster interpersonal connections by creating fun activities that can be shared in groups. For instance, their food lovers group focusses on cookery and baking activities that bring singles together in a friendly environment where participants feel no pressure to create a specific impression. Since a shared interest forms the basis of interpersonal interactions, participants are less self-conscious and are thus more likely to reflect their true personalities. Even if you don’t meet the love of your life, you’ll be making contact with other foodies, having fun and making friends.

Singles-Ottawa believes that sharing common interests and activities allows us a better chance to get to know other singles than 5 minute ‘speed dates’ in which shyness and social awkwardness might lead to negative impressions that in no way represent our everyday personalities. By enjoying themselves in a non-stressful environment where the focus is on something other than potential mutual attraction, participants are more likely to appear relaxed and natural.

Putting the focus on food and cookery, puts members at their ease and allows plenty of opportunities for social interaction with potential friends and partners. Participants are able to relax and have fun with members of the opposite sex without the Speed Dating pressure. Finding cookery companions is a great first step towards making new friends that could later become dates or long-term partners. The foodie element acts as an ice breaker that allows participants to share laughter, conversation and great cooking tips.

Local activities such as this one highlight the benefits of singles organisations and dating sites that represent specific geographical areas. In this case, Ottawa is the city that benefits from the innovation. Singles-Ottawa organises a variety of different activities that allow singles an opportunity to meet in person.

Their food lovers group is a first for the singles scene in Ottawa and should result in friendships and partnerships that produce great food as well as having the potential to create personal attraction based on shared interests – a great way to create lasting friendships and potentially, more serious relationships. Perhaps, we’ll soon see foodie couples entering into marriage!