"That Was The Best Singles Event I Have Ever Been" Royston, a singles event junkie

"Meaningful Dinners" is a unique Courage Gym way of giving back to the singles in Singapore and Malaysia by organizing fun, casual dinner dates for singles to meet and know each other.

Why we started Meaningful Dinners?

Singles find it hard to meet other singles in a pressure free environment. They can go for single events, but these events are not effective because you go there for the "event", be it wine appreciation, makan session or what not. When singles are gathered in these areas, they feel awkward, and tend to focus on the event. I heard of a story where a single friend went to a karaoke event, sang his songs, and then went back home.

Singles events are expensive!

Singles events can range from $40 - $70. After going for a few a month, it can start to hurt the pocket... I understand. The event organisers need to feed themselves. The take the trouble to build a database, organise events and implement games. That's great if it works and we can meet interesting people after, however, most of the time...

Same people go for different events

SDN folks, you should know what I am talking about. After going for a few singles events, you realise that it is always the same few people going to the different events. Singles events are a great way to start, but not necessarily the best way to find. Singles need to expand their network out of the "singles event attendee" crowd. And the best way is to first target the singles friends who are too shy/awkward to attend these large scale singles events.

What about speed dating?

Speed dating is dead. It gets you nothing beyond the first impression. All you do is repeat the same old question and answer routine 12 times, then hope for a bite. Some comments that I have personally heard about speed dating is

"leaves you brain dead"

"didnt manage to really know anyone at all"

"useless"

Non-singles a.k.a normal events

So what are singles to do? Some of them start going for normal events. For example, meetups, friends gatherings, clubbing and the sort. It is another minefield altogether.

Is the person single? How are you going to find out? How do you let everyone know you are single and looking, without looking desperate?

The Solution

Enter Meaningful Dinners...It is a gathering of singles for a dinner party to mingle, chit chat and get to know each other in a pressure free environment. Singles meet other singles by bringing their friends, and meeting other people's friends. Thats how humans have been making friends for millions of years.

How does it work?

• You bring a friend to Meaningful Dinners, and meet other people's friends.
• The only people exempted from bringing friends are those that are coming for the first time.
• You get to talk for at least 45 minutes with the people seated around you. That is much much much longer than any other event I know.
• There is maximum of 1 rotation for each event.
• There is a facilitator to smooth over awkward silences
• You are more sure that the person you are talking to is single, as the person is vouched by their friend.
• There are always different people going to these dinners as many singles have a sizable network of other single friends
• You don't spend precious time playing stupid games. We ask three questions, and you can create conversation using those three questions.
• There is no "event" to focus on, except the food on the table.
• You are being forced to talk to other people.
• If you are not good at talking, start learning how to make conversation. Its not rocket science You don't have to ask for numbers.
• All contacts will be circulated. However, please observe the 3 Strikes rule below.

Sounds cool, how much is it?

Its FREE!

There is no cost to coming, except for what you order from the restaurant. The "charges" for a meaningful dinner is that you have to bring one or more friends along, who you can vouch is also single. This friend can be of the same or opposite sex.

You don't charge organising fees! What's the catch?

Because there is little to no organising! We dont have a database of singles. YOU are the database because you bring your own friends. The organisers book a place, and make sure their immediate friends turn up, while their friends are responsible for their friends, and so on. We are implementing a system to track and confirm attendees soon. Courage Gym is a dating education company, and Meaningful dinners is a great way for us to reach out to more potential customers. So it truely is a win-win situation for all.

Sounds fun, can I come?

Yes definitely! Please come if you

• single
• looking for a long term meaningful relationship
• want to meet new people
• are fun loving, interesting and sexy!

Who should not come

Please do not invite people that

• you are interested in
• are very quiet and shy
• don't want to come.

If you have to beg your friends to come, then he is not welcome. There are lots of people out there looking for an avenue like this to make friends. Look for those people instead. Ensure that the people coming WANT to come, and are keen to make new friends.

What time does it start/end/eat/talk?

• 7 - 7.30pm              Meet, introduction, briefing
• 7.30 - 8.30pm       Order dinner, answer questions, small talk
• 8.30 - 9pm              Share our answers, maybe have a rotation
• 9 - late                     Meaningful conversations, feedback  Other nitty gritty details 

Split billing

A separate bill will be presented to everyone at the end. Mention your name to the waiter when you are ordering to facilitate this, and your individual bill will be delivered to you separately.  If you wish to order starters or snackers for the group, thank you :)

What to do before coming

Everyone is interesting. Think of something interesting about yourself before you come. Asking questions is great, but the secret sauce to Meaningful conversations is what you share.Some tips:

• People will respond to how deeply your share.
• Talk about your feelings, thoughts and opinions towards current affairs.
• Share your recent holidays and outings.
• Above all, keep it positive! No complaining!

3 strikes rule

• Handphone Numbers and emails will be circulated
• You are welcome to email, SMS anyone. But if you do not get any response within 3 attempts, then it's assumed that the other party is not interested.
• We respectfully ask you to stop contacting the other person.

Awkward Silences

We are all strangers here. Expect awkward silences. However, that does not mean that we are weird, it's just the fact that we are strangers meeting each other for the first time.

Testimonials

"Best event I have ever been to"

This was a comment by a self acknowledged "event junkie". His hobby was to attend events.

Cool, sign me up!

Email me at win@couragegym.com with your

• name
• age
• gender

and we will inform you of the next dinner. See you!