Speed Dating Experiences?

[friardchips]

Thank you for the reminder to leave all this in God’s hands I am Christ’s, and that can never be said or reinforced enough! Whether single or married, and please God for all eternity, I am Christ’s.

As a backdrop to my experiences here:

I’ve had a decree of nullity since March 2007. Except for three dates with a gentleman in early 2008, I have not dated until the middle of this year. I have been involved in my parish, my son’s school (parish school), Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, service projects, my school (the one at which I work)… I have been content with being single and remaining so throughout my life. I have devoted myself to raising my son and serving the children and families at my school, in Scouts, etc…

But it was through prayer – the rosary, adoration, mass – and frequent reception of the sacraments that I discerned it was time to demonstrate my openness to God’s plan for my life. So I signed up for online dating. It’s been a fun and joyful experience because I am NOT attached to an outcome. So I accept it as a gift to be in contact with my brothers in Christ, having opportunity to get to know them.

Regarding “diagnosing” men – it was only with the one whose behaviors were so far outside the norm that my teacher senses kicked in. But honestly, if a man at my parish asked me out tomorrow, dating would be the time we would be vetting each other. This is not “passing judgment.” It is discernment! Being a mother is my first vocation, and it is my duty to keep that vocation front and center as I discern God’s leading moving forward.

And finally, my dating experiences (first online, and now speed dating) have drawn me closer to the sacraments and to prayer. I have spent more time in adoration, spiritual reading, daily mass, etc., in the past six months than any time since I returned to the Church in 2006. And that’s saying something! In reflecting on that, I think God may be showing me that sacramental marriage may in fact be my vocation, as even just being open to the possibility has strengthened my faith and deepened my spiritual life

Hi. Thanks for this. I agree that when meeting up and when eventually people court this is vetting them as prospective partners and is not only natural it is wise, so I agree. With this additional post to your thread I’m stepping back from my intense position, only to ask: have you ever met anyone you like from your parish church or community? This might be a natural place to start!

It is inspiring to hear someone with so much practical and spiritual dedication to their faith.

 

[Xantippe]

God certainly does bring people together through “normal” means all the time. I think taking no action at all, however – now that I feel sacramental marriage may be my vocation – is actually trying to force God’s hand to do things according to MY plans instead of His. Being on Catholic Match and doing speed dating are ways of testing my “sense” of things

Well, time will tell

God bless y’all

Right!

Good luck!

 

[Gertabelle]

Have you ever met anyone you like from your parish church or community? This might be a natural place to start!

Unfortunately, I actually have not met one single man who is within even ten years of my age (and eligible for sacramental marriage) at my parish. It’s kind of surprising considering how many people I know at the parish – through music ministry, religious education, parent activities at the school… Not a big deal to me. I’m there to meet Christ, not men

My friends know I’m single and interested in dating, but they’ve told me they don’t know anyone either

So I’ve tried online dating, and now speed dating. We’ll see what God has planned.

 

[iwillrisenow]

As a self-professed introvert, I’d always thought that “speed” anything social would just be shooting myself in the foot…until one time years ago when I went to a “speed networking” event (for mentoring relationships) and was pleasantly surprised to connect with someone who had a similar low-key vibe and some common interests and concerns. It was the start of a great mentoring relationship

As for speed dating, I haven’t ventured into those waters and I’m not too certain that I would unless it were for a very specific target audience, like Christians of color (which, hmmm, there’s something I might poke around for and/or possibly start ). There is a recurring Catholic speed dating event in my area but they are very strict about the gender balance and the ladies’ spots always sell like hotcakes…and, hah, usually by the time I hear about it it’s all “Men only. Tell your brothers! Tell your male friends! Please, we need more men!”