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Speed dating is like walking in on your parents and finding them in a compromising position - pretty awkward.
You're sitting across from a complete stranger and asking questions about his or her social life, major or whatever random topics you can think up on the spot. After a while, both parties are left sitting there, staring off into space trying to avoid eye contact and more uncomfortable silence.
Despite its awkward tendencies, more than 150 people showed up for speed dating Friday night in the Bell Memorial Union. The event, which has taken place for the past three semesters, was put on by A.S. Late Night Chico.
Ashley Goda, student coordinator of the program, was frantically setting up scorecards and chairs prior to the event. Some parts of speed dating had been changed since spring semester, she said.
"They put on a dance after the dating part was over last semester, but it was a total failure," Goda said. "No one wanted to dance."
This year A.S. opted for a DJ who spun records and told people when it was time to switch daters.
As 9 p.m. approached, the music was bumping and the lights were dimmed to get the daters "in the mood."
Freshman Yanin Martinez lingered outside the BMU, unsure of what to expect once she entered.
"I live off campus and it sounded like fun, and you can't really meet a lot of people when you live alone," she said.
Others, such as sophomore Loren Garrone, were speed-dating veterans and came back to get in on more of the action.
"I came out last semester, and it was magical. It made me smile on the inside and the outside," he said. "I want to smile like that again."
Though he didn't walk away with any new love interests, he did get to look at a lot of pretty women, Garrone said.
Once the eager yet nervous daters had settled in their seats - along with the heavy aroma of cologne and perfume - the awkwardness began.
"Uhs" and "ums" aside, the daters looked to be enjoying themselves. Many people didn't want to move when it was time to switch dates.
But there were those who gave up after one date and hurried for the door.
For the most part, people were there just to meet people and have a good laugh. One guy even joked that he was there "to find his soul mate."
Jason Negroni, a sophomore and second-time speed dater, took a more unusual approach when talking to the ladies.
Written on the back of a scorecard, Negroni held up a paper that read "There are only 10 people in the world who speak binary and those who don't." Most of the women looked pretty bewildered by the odd phrase. Negroni didn't even speak binary.
"I just know that the one and the zero put together means two," he said. "It gets their attention."
By the time the many dates had ended, some walked away with smiles and new phone numbers.
As for Garrone, his experience was just as pleasant as the first.
"It was awesome. Sparks were definitely flying, and I gave my phone number to a lot of girls," he said. "That way I don't have to worry about getting denied."
Martinez also had a successful night.
"I'm really glad I came," she said. "It was fun and I met a cute guy."
Jacqueline Carambat can be reached at jcarambat@theorion.com
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