Dating has come a long way with the introduction of online dating and dating apps. While the idea behind online dating is well intentioned by introducing us to a wider range of people beyond mutual friends, it’s often time consuming to go through the vast number of profiles online with varied success rates.
If you’re looking for a more traditional route of meeting a potential partner, there’s something new on the market for you. Founder of The Dinner Party, Andrea Hill started the dating service last year hoping to introduce a new kind of dating experience. The dinner party usually hosts about 8-10 individuals that enjoy a meal together so you’re not pressured with a one on one experience right out the gate. People chosen for each dinner party is based on their interest, age and lifestyle. A dating wellness workshop is also offered to help guests get “date ready” and to support them through the process.
I decided to ask Andrea Hill some questions about The Dinner Party and dating in Vancouver. Here’s what she said:
1) Who is The Dinner Party for?
The Dinner Party is for those looking to connect with others in the hopes of finding a meaningful relationship, and love. Guests range in age from 30 to 60 years of age, who are open to meeting new people, and understand that to be successful in your love life, you need to make time for your self, and others. And why not do that over a lovely meal? Becoming a guest means that you are committed to investing in you, and involved in the process of finding ‘your person’. As with most things in life, you will get as much out of the dinners as you put in, and in this case, have a great time while doing it!
The Dinner Party is not for people under the age of 30. The dinners have just worked best for the 30+ crowd. It is also not for the perpetual dater or those not looking for love. To be successful, it is important to have everyone on the same page. All guests are screened before receiving an invite to a dinner. However, this does not guarantee any matches or dates. The Dinner Party is an opportunity to meet great individuals, without all the hard work of online dating.
2) Is Vancouver a difficult place to find love?
Although Vancouver has a bad rep for not being the friendliest of cities, I think if you are willing to engage with others and be open to the potential of finding love, you can be successful anywhere. If anything, Vancouver will make you work a little harder, and embolden you to initiate connection with others, which in turn just makes you more desirable. We may not seem approachable, but when you do approach a Vancouverite, we are typically friendly folk. We are Canadian after all!
3) What is the cost of joining The Dinner Party?
I wanted to make The Dinner Party an affordable investment, and it is an investment – in you, and your future. Investing your time, emotional energy, and resources is what is required to find anything worth having, and love is no different. It is that investment that shows a clear sign that guests are ready to make it a priority. How fantastic is that?!
1 year membership -$100 +tax. Your membership runs for one year from the day you enroll. You will be notified by email one week before your membership expires for you to renew, should you desire to do so. If you are lucky enough to find love before your one year membership expires, you will not be refunded the balance. The $100 is the price of admission, and worth every penny!
Cost per dinner- $150. Dinners are by invitation only, as each table is curated with its guests relationship desires in mind. Your ticket price includes a 3 course meal, gratuity and taxes. Beverages are not included in your ticket price, so you will be billed individually on the night of the event by the restaurant.
The really awesome part? You can count on attending dinners with great people, that have been selected with you in mind, a full table with equal number men and women, and having a dining experience that will knock your socks off. I will be doing my utmost to make this process fun, and will be there to support you along the way.
5) What do I think is the key factor in finding love?
The key factor to finding love is to be open to it, and that you have done your own work, so you have the emotional and heart-based space to share the real you with someone else. The best question to ask yourself is, 'Would I date me?'
If the answer is yes, then get your gorgeous self out there! Whether it be at The Dinner Party, online, or you decide to go old school, you have to create the opportunity for Mr. or Miss Wonderful to find you.
Amy Yew is a registered clinical counselor and relationship therapist. She is also the author of a fashion and lifestyle blog Style Du Jour. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com.
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