The Key to Finding Romance?
Daters differ over whether the innovative icebreaker game played at lock and key parties truly can help singles find their perfect match.
PHOTO GALLERY: Alex Narayan of Lock and Key Events hands out game pieces to party-goers.Page 2 of 2 -- “In my opinion, it’s for shy people and people who have trouble meeting people in general,” says Alex Narayan, who has helped run Lock and Key Events in L.A. for about two years.
The tanned young man with a black goatee and sideburns scans the crowd inside Aqua Lounge while handing out locks and keys.
“Some are outgoing once they have an icebreaker,” he says. “This provides that. It turns finding someone to date into a game. Of course, the raffle tickets are very important.”
VIDEO
♥ Ignighter: Group dating. Friends form teams to go out with other sets of singles.
♥ Dating in the Dark: Organizers turn out the lights, testing those who claim looks don't matter.
Daters who find a lock and key match during the course of the party trade in their necklaces to Rabago and her staff for new ones, as well as raffle tickets. The more lock and key connections a dater makes, the greater are his or her chances to win the lottery prizes, which often include spa treatments and airline tickets.
“For some people, it’s a joke thing,” says Narayan. “Other people are really trying, in theory. It’s hard to find someone, honestly.”
“I get no dates from online dating,” says a heavyset dater named Jack. “You in person are different from a profile. Then, I come to these things and get like two girls to give me a try.”
Despite the tough economy, Jack doesn’t have a problem paying the at-least $20 cover charge at Lock and Key Events parties.
“When I go out to clubs, I end up with around an $80 tab buying girls drinks,” says Jack. “That’s two nights on a weekend, so this comparatively is not that expensive.”
Companies hosting more traditional types of singles parties also appear to be enjoying continued success, despite turbulent financial times. Adele Testani, president of HurryDate, told the TODAY show in March 2009 that attendance at her organization’s speed date events has spiked in recent months.
“Basically, people are adjusting their priorities, and finding dates and a mate are a higher priority in this economy,” says Mark Brooks, a consultant for Internet dating and social networking companies like Friendster.com and Plentyoffish.com.
“I don’t think it’s expensive when you have the potential to meet 50 guys, and if you don’t meet anybody, it’s a fun night out with the girls,” says Barbara, a tour guide who has landed three phone numbers in just the first hour at the Beverly Hills gathering.
Yet the overall crowd lacks appeal for Tay, who is making her debut at a Lock and Key Events party. An attractive woman who keeps in shape by hiking, Tay stands out as one of the younger party-goers at the event for singles who are at least 30.
“The men are weird,” Tay says, crossing her well-toned legs uncomfortably. “It’s all a little odd. You go up and stick your lock in someone’s face and say, ‘Unlock me.’ Would I do this again? Probably not.”
Yet other women, like Barbara and Helen, find lock and key parties to be a great fit for helping to improve their dating lives.
“I’m having a great time!” exclaims Helen as she smiles up at Alan.
YOUR COMMENTSWho does online dating work for?
MORE DISCUSSIONS >>