Do you know that moment when you think about speed dating and your heart racing? You're not the only one.

Anxiety makes that problematic, but there's a silver lining. Speed dating lets you me et new folks in a fun way and it's possible to control your nerves with some simple tricks. Think deep breaths, good vibes, and a little prep. Picture the space, the buzz, and the opportunity to network.

Try it and see what happens.

In its most straightforward format, you sit down, talk to one person for a few minutes, and move on to the next. It's sort of that fast connection, that first impression.

It's like a dating buffet! You can "sample" a variety of personalities, and when you find one that intrigues you, you can set up an actual date later, which makes it such a winner.

Speed dating is perfect if you're busy and want to meet people without the hassle of endless texting.

Something is exciting about the unknown—who'll you meet tonight? You never know! And the great thing is that no matter who you are or what you're into, there's probably a speed dating night for you.

First, sign up for an event that suits your vibe. There are loads of different types of events. Some are online; many meet at local bars or events like crazy golf.

Once you're in, you receive a list of dates for the evening. Each 'date' is only a few minutes long — enough time to see if there's a spark.

First impressions count, so keep that in mind and dress appropriately!

You'll rotate from one mini-date to the next. After each one, write down your immediate thoughts about the person. Perhaps you connected over a shared love for holidays in the sun, or maybe their story about hiking in the Alps grabbed your inte rest.

Be careful to 'stay in the moment', focusing on the person in front of you.

Icebreakers help set up the conversation, so coming prepared with a few is a good idea.

At the night's end, you log into your account and say who you liked at the event. If they like you back, you can maybe message them to schedule a second meeting.

It's all about being open, present, and, perhaps, discovering that connection.

Some people don't take speed dating seriously, but it's a fantastic way to connect with people.

Sure, it will be busy (and quick!), so you won't have any deep or lengthy conversations. However, finding something real in the noise is still possible as you discover the chemistry between them in those short moments.

There's no shortage of stories about how long-term relationships develop, and many of them started with a quick chat over a drink at a speed dating night.

Pick an event that aligns with your interests. It makes you more likely to feel comfortable and relaxed doing so!

When you get into speed dating, you create this tremendous potential to meet a bunch of people simultaneously, so brace yourself for a flurry of new connections.

Imagine a room filled with singles from all walks of life, each with their own stories, quirks, and interests. This variety adds some spice to the mix. It also allows you to chat with people you may never meet otherwise.

These events are intended to be energetic and engaging, meaning you'll get to know people in a light and relaxed environment – socialising doesn't need to be tense or intimidating.

The great thing about speed dating is that you have this experience in common with everyone else around you who is in the same boat. They are all there for the same reason: wanting to connect.

So, share stories about your experiences and laugh at those awkward moments. You may even pick up a friend or two along the way.

Speed dating is the military base of social ease. Each quick date is a mini-chat where you practice striking up conversations, ask questions, and show interest.

The beauty of these short meetings is that they're low-stakes. If one chat doesn't go well, you're on to the next before you know it.

It's like a rapid-fire format that builds your learning and development so you get better at connecting. Consider every meeting a mini-victory. Maybe you get someone to laugh, or you discover a common interest.

These little victories are well worth stopping to celebrate and can, over time, build your confidence. It's stacking those good experiences so that you feel more comfortable the next time you find yourself in a social setting.

The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll be with new people.

That newfound confidence will carry over to other areas of your life.

Another great thing about speed dating is that it's super low-key. Since the setting is usually casual, you can let your guard down and be yourself.

You don't need to perform or impress anyone. Each encounter is brief and stand-alone, so relax and be yourself!

This setup naturally alleviates the performance anxiety that often accompanies dating. You know there's a time limit, which means there's no awkwardness if the conversation doesn't naturally flow.

The time limit also means you're free to revel in each chat without the pressure of long-term expectations. It's only a few minutes to get to know someone, which takes the edge off. When done right, event organisers provide a supportive experience and help you see the fun in the process.

Additionally, the communal vibe helps you feel more confident, turning the entire experience from a nerve-wracking ordeal to an enjoyable event.

As for speed dating, recognising the warning signs of anxiety early makes a world of difference.

Most of us have experienced that quick heartbeat or sweaty palms while socialising. These are physical clues that you're anxious. Emotionally, you may be experiencing 'the jitters' - a little worry about exactly how this is all going to unfold.

It's entirely normal, and awareness of these signs can allow you to get ahead of them.

You can write how you feel in a journal. That way, you can see trends and identify what makes you uncomfortable.

Is it the thought of being with someone new, or perhaps the dread of awkward pauses?

By tracking these triggers, you may begin to understand what triggers your anxiety and how to expect it.

Before you jump into the speed dating, take a few deep breaths.

You don't realise how effectively a few deep breaths can calm your nerves. When you are tense, close your eyes, breathe slowly, hold a bit, and exhale. Doing this a few times can help calm that fear.

Mindfulness is another powerful tool. It's all about remaining in the present and not allowing your mind to drift into "what ifs." Stay in the moment, listen to the person in front of you, and release your preconceived concerns.

Progressive muscle relaxation can work miracles, too. Start by tensing and then relaxing each muscle group, from your toes to your head. It releases physical tension and makes you more comfortable.

In addition to these techniques, consider practising effective communication strategies. Engaging in helpful conversation starters can ease the pressure of meeting strangers and make the experience more enjoyable. Remember, the goal is to create a positive impression and foster mutual interest.

Changing how you think about speed dating can help ease anxiety. Consider this a chance to meet new people. Take advantage of the opportunity and have some fun!

Positive affirmations will help you change your attitude from dread to anticipation. Let yourself say, "I'm here to have fun and learn", and notice how that shifts things for you.

Enjoy the moment and the conversations. Don't focus so much on finding "the one".

Speed dating is a lot about experience rather than results. This way of thinking helps make the entire experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

If you're going to a speed-dating event, spend time imagining some great interactions. Imagine having smooth conversations and making connections. This sort of positive visualisation can enhance your confidence.

Create a mental script of how you'd like the conversation to go. Consider the questions you would ask and how you would answer them.

This will help calm your nerves and make you feel more prepared for the event.

Baby steps are perfectly acceptable when it comes to social situations. Build your confidence by starting with smaller gatherings, such as meeting a friend for coffee. Once you are comfortable, you can start applying it to more advanced situations.

The "anxiety ladder" technique is helpful here.

List social situations from least to most anxiety-inducing, then tackle them one step at a time. Gradual exposure can help alleviate social anxiety symptoms and make you more comfortable over time.

Just by maintaining a positive outlook, you will make a world of difference. Embrace a growth mindset and perceive each speed dating event as an opportunity to learn and develop.

Concentrate on what you can control, such as listening hard and being present.

Be thankful for the chance to meet new people. Whether or not you get a match, enjoy the experience and the opportunity to hone your social skills. Remember, it's OK not to be OK, and that will help you feel more comfortable with your anxiety.

If you're preparing for speed dating, practising words is a good idea.

Practising those icebreaker questions helps you get talking. Like the typical question, "What do you do?" or "What do you like to do?

It's sort of like having a safety net. You could even role-play with a mate. Imagine you both taking turns being on a date. That builds your confidence when it comes to starting an actual conversation.

Also, have responses ready for typical questions. Just try cutting down the anxiety. Trust me, knowing what you're going to say helps a lot.

Remember that you only have a few minutes per date, so keep it light and fun.

Now, let's discuss what you want to stay away from. Avoid caffeine or other stimulants before the event. They may make you more on edge. Instead, choose herbal teas without caffeine or plain water. This keeps you relaxed.

It's about a clear mind so you can talk. You don't want to be jittery when you need to impress. After all, you're there to get to know the person behind the packaging, not just talk.

Sleep can be your best friend here.

A good night's rest before the event gives you mental clarity. Without it, fatigue swells your anxiety and screws with your performance.

A calming bedtime routine can work wonders. Consider reading a book or listening to some mellow music beforehand. It's about winding down so you're ready for the event.

This way, you are fresh and ready to be respectful and kind to everyone you meet.

You know that taking a trusted friend along can make a difference.

A supportive friend can help ease those nerves before you dive into the evening. Having a familiar face around is comforting. You can share your experiences with them down the road. It's more like a debrief, which makes it even more supportive. Your friend might even have some tips or observations you hadn't noticed.

Remember, you're there to have fun and connect, not make a quick and dirty first impression assessment.

• Handling the basics correctly smooths the experience out.

• Dress sharply to make a solid first impression.

• Don't miss out; that's an exclusive list.

• Come prepared with four or five questions to ask if the flow of conversation stops.

• Be ready to talk about yourself and your interests with some conversation starters in your pocket.

• Keep an open mind and look for the person, not just the appearance.

• Remember, it's about being honest and being polite.

Concentrate on the one right in front of you. This is the key to making a real connection.

Nothing screams "I'm intrigued" quite like giving someone your full attention.

One way to do this is through active listening.

Don't just wait for your turn to speak. It's easy to get carried away in your head, especially when you're nervous. Instead, listen to what they're talking about. You may even surprise yourself and find the chat more interesting!

Don't simply smile and nod. Ask follow-up questions. If they talk about their dog, ask what breed it is or how long they've had it. It clarifies that you're listening.

Sharing personal stories can also build that bridge between you two. Perhaps they mention a holiday, and you can share a travel story of your own.

Those little exchanges create rapport. They take the experience from a checklist to a real relationship.

Get away from the standard questions. Rather than "What do you do?" or "Where are you from?" try something different. Ask questions such as "What book altered your perception?" or "Which skill would you love to master?

These questions don't just eat up the minutes; they encourage your date to reveal something interesting. Your friend here is curiosity. It's about wanting to know the person, not just the answers.

Speed dating is about chemistry, so let your questions reflect that. Avoid those generic paths and steer into unique topics.

Perhaps they have a quirky hobby or a surprising talent. Whatever it is, dig a little deeper to uncover those gems. When you're genuinely interested, you make each brief interaction memorable.

Let's get into what it means to be yourself. No one wants a façade; they want the real you. Authenticity isn't a buzzword — it's what's attractive. Tell them what you like, what you love, and what you're passionate about.

You may think, "What if they don't like it?" But the truth is, being true to yourself is the best way to attract like-minded folks. It's OK to let your guard down a little bit—people like honesty and someone at ease in their skin.

Being authentic allows you to weed out those not on your wavelength.

Go into every date with a blank slate. It's easy to come in with preconceived notions or a checklist; flexibility can lead to unexpected connections. You never know who's going to surprise you.

In speed dating, you enter into a diverse group, which is precisely what you need to expand your social grouping. Flexibility is king.

Discussions will not always be pretty, but this is part of the fun! Being adaptable means you're amenable to where the conversation goes.

Don't judge a book by its cover—give each date a fair shot. We can be pleasantly surprised if we explore the connections beyond those first impressions.

Speed dating is also a great low-stakes way to practise social skills. For those of us with social anxiety, this setup is a confidence booster.

Just keep an open mind and soak in this experience for what it is. It's a learning experience, a chance to become a better person, and who knows, you might meet someone special!

Once the event is over, relax for a minute. Then, write down your thoughts and feelings. Grab a notebook or open a notes app, and let your mind spill out. What did work well? What was a little clumsy?

Maybe you'd feel your nerves settle after a few rounds. Or, you may have finally turned to each other and said, "This whole ice-breaker thing has to get better.

Thinking back like this allows you to identify areas that need a little more polish. It's not simply a box-ticking exercise; it's about what you can glean from every interaction.

Self-reflection is a powerful growth tool. When we take this time, we gain insights that help propel us forward.

You're jumping into this thing where it feels much less scary than dating.

Pat yourself on the back for the hard work!

It's a chance to glimpse how you're improving, even in tiny increments.

After an event, talking to mates is useful. It gives you a chance to let out any remaining nerves. Your friends can give you some great feedback and support. Perhaps they have some killer advice on how to make your next date even better.

It's almost like a mini support group rooting for you. Hearing their stories makes you feel less alone in the whole dating game. Community is massive when you're dealing with dating issues.

You know, sharing your ups and downs to feel more connected. It helps to realise somebody else is treading the same waters. Laugh at those silly moments, too! It can be just the medicine you need.

So, get on the phone or meet for coffee, and let those conversations roll.

You put yourself out there, and that's worth celebrating. It's tempting to be outcome-focused, but the victory is in leaping.

Going out of your comfort zone is a huge deal whether or not you find a match.

Do something nice for yourself. Perhaps it's a favourite meal, a new book, or a day to yourself. Rewarding yourself for these efforts does wonders for your confidence.

Celebrating small victories is like giving yourself a high-five. It reiterates that you're making progress, regardless of whether you win. So why not take a moment and honour that courage, that growth? It's all part of the journey.

After the speed dating event, hopefully, there will be time to follow up. This part can be nerve-wracking, but it's the first step. A simple message to say you loved meeting them may lead to a future connection.

In today's world, where a day without a text can feel like an eternity, don't wait too long. A message within a day or two may be all the reassurance one needs to keep the ball rolling. You've got to strike when the iron's hot.

Our phones connect us, but they also bombard us with responses that make us overthink our texts. We worry more about whether we'll hear from it at all. So brace yourself and hit send on that message. Either way, it could be the start of something incredible.

At the very least, it provides an opportunity to practice openness and communication.

Speed dating tends to feel like a blur. Facing anxiety can be tricky, but it is possible to overcome.

To start, keep it small.

Breathe deeply. Remember, we're all in the same boat. You don't need to be perfect. Just be you. You can pick up skills. Enjoy the moment. Every chat is an opportunity to learn. You'll get more confident about it each time. So, go out on a limb. Jump right into the fun. Don't let that fear hold you back. These experiences can take you by surprise. You may even meet someone special, or you might just have a good laugh. Either way, it's a win.

Ready to give speed dating a try?

Get yourself out there. Embrace the unknown. You can do it.