Member-only story
I Took My Teens to a Speed Dating Event
What would Carrie Bradshaw do?
From: hi@shuffle.dating
Subject: Shuffle Dating — what to expect tomorrow
Well, shoot.
Shuffle Dating is a lo-fi, high-speed dating service, a word-of-mouth* antidote to dating apps. You sign up, find a monthly event that aligns to your age group and preferences, pay $25, and just like that — you’re signed up for eight “dates.” When I got the email last month, I was delighted to see an age 40–55 event on a Saturday. Sure, I have my kids on Saturdays, and it was at a cafe on the other side of town, but pffft, details. I had time to sort things out.
Except I forgot about it.
And now it’s Friday evening. The event starts in about 18 hours.
My eldest daughter and I are lounging on my bed, watching Sex and the City, both of us mesmerized by how perfect Sarah Jessica Parker is. Netflix recently re-released the iconic series, and I’m surprised by how it resonates with her at just sixteen, 25+ years after the show originally aired.
“She reminds me of you,” says my child, reaching for another handful of popcorn.
I’m stunned. I’m sure I’ve received better compliments in my life, but in this moment, I can’t think of any.