Speed dating is making a major comeback in Denmark as singles grow tired of dating apps and endless swiping. The in-person format is now so popular in Copenhagen that many events have long waiting lists, with participants valuing the chance to experience real chemistry and avoid wasting time on incompatible matches.
From Swipes to Real-Life Sparks
Anne Katrine Ebbesen had reached her limit with dating apps. The endless swiping through potential partners on her phone had become exhausting. Like many others, she decided to drop the screen and attend one of the many speed dating events popping up around Copenhagen.
Right now, these events are so popular that getting a spot often means joining a long waiting list. At one of these gatherings, she met her future boyfriend, though she didn’t realize it at first.
Initially, she didn’t think he was her type. But as they sat across from each other with paper hearts and candles decorating the table, something sparked her interest. He began by complimenting her jewelry, something she happens to care deeply about. That comment resonated with her, and the rest fell into place.
Why Singles Are Abandoning Dating Apps
For Anne Katrine, speed dating offered a refreshing alternative to dating in Denmark. She appreciated meeting others who were also tired of dating apps and at a similar stage in life. Most importantly, it felt like less of a time waste.
She’s not alone in this shift. Anthropologist and dating culture researcher Malthe Rye Thomsen has documented how people are moving away from online dating. According to his research, many feel exhausted by how dating apps function. The constant back-and-forth messaging, the risk of being ghosted, and the possibility of wasting time on someone you don’t click with in person have left users frustrated.
As a result, more singles are seeking authentic connections that can only happen face to face.
Speed Dating Gets a Modern Makeover
Speed dating may have once conjured images of the 2000s, complete with long rows of rotating singles, name tags, and generic self-introductions. But that perception has changed dramatically.
Today’s speed dating events look and feel different. Event organizers have become skilled at creating appealing experiences, often hosting gatherings at trendy bars around the city. This shift has transformed speed dating from something awkward into something genuinely cool and socially acceptable.
The Importance of Chemistry
Love coach Mikkel Braginsky has noticed the trend toward finding love in real life rather than through screens. He believes it comes down to something that can only happen when eyes meet in person.
Dating is fundamentally about chemistry, and that’s impossible to assess through a screen, according to Braginsky. He offers practical advice for anyone wanting to try this increasingly popular dating format.
First, remember it’s not a job interview. Save the big questions about custody arrangements or whether someone is willing to move to the suburbs for later. Those conversations can wait until after you’ve established a genuine connection.
Tips for Speed Dating Success
Both experts and experienced speed daters emphasize keeping things light and focused on chemistry during initial meetings. The practical details of a potential relationship can be sorted out later, but coming in with rigid expectations about how a relationship should look can be counterproductive.
Braginsky suggests avoiding heavy topics during first encounters. Questions about previous divorces or family health issues should be saved for when you know each other better. Instead, focus on showing you’re willing to take initiative and creating a relaxed atmosphere where genuine connection can develop.
Interestingly, his advice includes following up on dates even when you’re only 50 percent sure. Sometimes chemistry builds over time, and a second date can reveal compatibility that wasn’t immediately obvious.
Taking the Leap
Anne Katrine has straightforward advice for anyone considering speed dating: just do it. Her own success story proves that taking a chance on this format can lead to genuine connections.
The resurgence of speed dating reflects a broader shift in how people approach finding partners. While dating apps offered convenience and a seemingly endless pool of options, many users found the experience hollow and time-consuming. The return to face-to-face interaction suggests that when it comes to matters of the heart, there’s still no substitute for real-world chemistry.
At its core, the speed dating revival demonstrates that technology hasn’t replaced the fundamental human need for authentic connection. Sometimes the most efficient way to find love is also the most traditional: meeting someone in person, making eye contact, and having an actual conversation.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Dating in Denmark as an Expat
The Danish Dream: Best Dating Apps in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Speeddating trender igen: Anne Katrine fandt sin kæreste på syv minutter
