One of the many ways Dating IRL is different from online dating apps is the account profile setup. In order to ensure that each profile accurately represents a real person, we have a 2-step verification process. 1. Create an Account Online: Click on the grey circle + "Login" area in the top right corner of any page or the 3-bar button on the mobile version. If you already have an account you can login here too. Fill in these fields to create an account. Entering your birth year is especially helpful so that we can create appropriate age-based groups in your area. 2. Fill In Minimal Information: a. While in your account, upload a close up picture of your face without sunglasses to your member profile. b. Make sure just your FIRST NAME is in the "Display Name" field. c. Write 2 - 3 sentences in the "About" section describing yourself and what you're looking for. Suggestions would be to detail your ideal Saturday, what life goals you are focused on these days, or what activities you enjoy. 3. Badges: Dating IRL has several badges your account can be awarded. The most important one for your account setup is the "Verified" badge. This is offered to people Dating IRL Leadership can verify are real people and match their profile picture. The most common way to do this is by attending an event and taking a minute to connect with the event host. Once the host cross checks your account profile with you in real life, your account will be given the "verified" badge that others can see. Thank you for going through the process to ensure a safer, more authentic community!

A lot of women go to Meetup events to do pleasant, fun things with other single people for safety and social reasons not to get hit on by guys. When guys hit on a woman that doesn't want to be hit on, it comes off as creepy and intrusive. Unless the Meetup group clearly states actively seeking and approachable singles, you don't know who's really open to being approached with interest or not. There are plenty of "singles" Meetup groups that establish that they are not a "dating" group and romantic/sexual interests should not be pursued within the group. Dating IRL has a lot in common with Meetup. We both want to create community over shared interests, in-person connections, and genuine fun. We want to limit the amount of unsolicited text messages people receive and build connections with people not profiles. One thing we do offer is the understanding that everyone is single and welcoming of a conversation. Notice "conversation" not "pickup line." We are here to help each other grow to be our best selves and find lasting happiness, even if it means they aren't with us. BUT we're not going to become a dormant singles group (or worse "women's only" group) without sexy vibes, flirty looks, and heaps of possibility. It's encouraged and perfectly acceptable to join Dating IRL just for community, social practice, and potential friendships. If you're looking for more than 'just friends' then Dating IRL can support you there too! Our supported funnel framework will keep you moving towards finding your happily-ever-after all while living it up with a vibrant social life and friendship-building connections. That is something Meetup definitely doesn't do. 😊

Matchmaking services are very expensive for paying clients that depend on a restricted and heavily filtered funnel. They definitely help save you time and effort in finding potential matches ON PAPER but if the pool of quality candidates is low, so are your chances of actually meeting someone, not to mention it being with a quality match. Also, since using a matchmaker is so expensive, there's an incredible amount of pressure to "make it work" with someone you do get matched with. That pressure can have you moving the relationship along faster than you should, accepting or ignoring red flags, and compromising on some needs and wants in a relationship. Eek! Dating IRL wants to support you while you let your natural "matchmaking" abilities take some of the lead in finding you quality matches. Your 'gut instinct', quick release hormones, natural energies, social observation, and emotional attunement can all be incredibly powerful and accurate tools to filter through the endless potential matches. We also lower the pressure by emphasizing a trust-building, friendship-first community so it's a win-win to invest without the pressure to commit. You'll gain supportive friends and friendly faces even if you don't find your forever person right away.

Dating IRL is constantly being designed and tweaked to offer an alternative to the negative and counterproductive aspects about dating apps and the dating culture they have created. From dismissing quality matches because of bad photos to the supported 'ghosting' culture, most of what dating apps offer feels yucky and frustrating. At Dating IRL, we * only 'showcase' real people (not bots) by starting with in-person meetings. * avoid quick write-offs based on misinterpreted mediums such as pictures, bios, and the texting game. * build organic connections with natural energy and fun experiences. * take the pressure off and emphasize getting to know someone over a longer period of time to build deep trust before moving forward. No more "love 'em or leave 'em by date 3" culture! * create small group and 1-on-1 dates with like-minded people. * support the entire dating journey; from "just trying to learn about myself first" to "we're getting married!" we're here to help things align for your long-term happiness. * and so much more!

When you come to a Dating IRL Level 1 Mingle event, the structure typically flows like this: First 15 minutes: Arrive at the location and check in with Larissa.* You'll be asked to show her your ticket (digital or printed) if you registered online beforehand. If you're a walk-in, you'll be asked to share your full name and email. If there's an event fee, you can pay with cash or register online to pay with credit card. Once checked in, you can make your way to greet those that are already here. * If you have the Dating IRL app, you can click on the red "Check In" button to digitally check in and take advantage of the mindful opportunities presented ("Self-Check-In" and "Set Intentions") to really bring your best to the event. When you've completed that, we ask that you still check in with Larissa so that she can say hi and give you directions and your activity card. Needing some time to calm your nerves before the activity? We recommend stepping back outside or going to the restroom or bar and taking subtle deep breaths. We don't recommend drinking alcohol but know that sometimes it helps to take the edge off in such exciting times. Consider a ginger ale, soda, or lemonade, instead. In any case, please be aware of your alcohol intake and drink responsibly. Next 45 minutes: Larissa will gather everyone, explain how the activity goes, and facilitate the activity. Share & Switch is the name of an icebreaker activity that feels like a more natural version of speed dating. 3-Peat Meet & Greet is another icebreaker activity that uses paired symbols to create 3 one-on-one conversations for each participant. Think in-depth speed dating but longer and less conversations. You are always welcome to join our mingles at any point. Some activities can be easily jumped into while others might require you to wait until the activity is over to mingle with everyone. After an hour or so: Larissa will collect all activity cards, compliment cards, and other supplies. The icebreaker activity is officially over and the rest of the time is open for you to go talk to someone you didn't get to yet or continue the conversation you already started with someone! This is a perfect time to 'poke' any sparks you felt during the activity. (Figuratively, of course. Do not literally poke anyone, please! 😉) The End: Depending on her schedule, Larissa might leave well before the last person leaves. Larissa might stay to mingle, answer questions, or receive feedback but it is part of the experience to be "left to your own devices" in a social setting without facilitation or leadership and see how you do. This is a great time to practice social & conversation skills while demonstrating confidence & authenticity. Afterwards: You will receive an email asking for feedback. Your experience matters to us and your feedback is crucial for us to grow and change in positive & helpful ways. Please take the short amount of time to tell us how it went with honest, constructive feedback.

Studies show that when people invest their money into something, they take that experience more seriously, invest more emotionally, and try to make the most of it. From groceries to radically changing your life, you typically get what you pay for! By investing in the ticket price, you will make the effort to show up and put your best foot forward. You will maybe dress up a little more, have an optimistic attitude, actively participate in the activity, and make the effort to talk with and to listen to as many people as you can. By investing in our events or memberships, you are investing in experiences that help you grow and change and thus, you're investing in yourself. And it starts with purchasing an event ticket. There also has been countless hours and plenty of money spent in designing, planning, creating, printing, cutting, organizing, and executing each event. Your ticket cost also helps us offset some of that so that we can continue to offer these events and build a better way to date.