There’s a lot of pressure with first dates when you’re a midlife single, especially if it’s your first date in a long time. Lunch dates are great because (much like a coffee date) the end time is pretty much determined in advance. This makes it easy to exit without awkwardness or excuses.
Another benefit is cost. If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll hit it off with someone, lunch is lighter on the budget than dinner followed by drinks and dessert. What’s more, the tone of the date is lighter and less serious so you’re less apt to be nervous for lunch dates.
You can always arrange your own lunch dates, of course, or you can opt to go with a service. Arguably the most popular service is It’s Just Lunch, which has been in business over twenty years.
There are a couple of dating business models I really like. One is called “It’s Just Lunch.” The site sets up a dozen lunch-date meetings. You chat over a delicious lunch and then say goodbye. If you like each other, you proceed. If not, it’s just lunch. Another model I like is the one where people are seated at a round-table dinner. Every 10 minutes people switch chairs so they are seated next to a different person. In one evening you have the opportunity to meet 10 or 12 different possible candidates for dating. It’s time effective.
When it comes to dating, online or in person, luck is involved. I know wealthy single people who paid exorbitant matchmaking fees and got no results. On the other hand, I know folks who used free dating sites and found their match. I think the key is to follow your own intuition about the most comfortable model to use and stay in action mode. When it’s no longer comfortable–stop. Explore other avenues. Don’t remain stagnant–keep trying!
Nearly 1 in 4 couples meet online, so WGN Midway News featured It’s Just Lunch Chicago Matchmaker Emily Fry offering her tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of online dating. Chicago’s Very Own WGN
Friday, May 24, 2013
Emily Dishes Dating Advice on “Ask The Expert” on Fox 32 News
It’s Just Lunch matchmaker Emily Fry was featured on the “Ask The Expert” series and answered questions from viewers about trusting online prospects, new dating expectations, high standards and how important self-confidence is. Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Matchmaker Emily Fry: Having Fun The Single Way on Valentine’s Day
People seem to have a love-hate relationship with Valentine’s Day, especially with the lovey dovey mushy stuff. Matchmaker Emily Fry from It’s Just Lunch explains how singles can escape and have a great night out. Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News
Thursday, March 28, 2013
It’s Just Lunch Matchmaker Emily Fry Discusses New Dating App’s
It’s Just Lunch matchmaker Emily Fry explained how convenient mobile dating apps can be, and how people use them is changing. Check out how you can maximize the way you date. Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News
Friday, March 8, 2013
How to Date a Crazy-Busy Woman
Having dinner at home alone again? Blame her boss. Women are more likely than men to cancel dates because of work-related issues, according to a new survey by It’s Just Lunch, a personalized dating service for busy professionals.
In the survey, ladies admitted that they “always make time for dates” only 36 percent the time, compared to 50 percent of men. But that doesn’t mean that the foxy CPA is more psyched about tax brackets than cocktails with you. “Single women are more focused on their careers than their personal life,” says Irene LaCota, spokeswoman for It’s Just Lunch. “They have worked hard to obtain high-level positions and don’t want to lose this status.”
It’s Just Lunch asked more than 4,300 U.S. single men and women a series of questions regarding how they view dating issues related to work.
Forty-five percent of women said they like to talk about work to start a conversation on a date, compared with 30 percent of men.
Fifty-five percent of men said business discussion was interesting from time to time, but they preferred to discuss other things, while 11 percent of men and 7 percent of women said when work day was over, they preferred to forget about it and talk about anything else.
The survey also found: women preferred to date a business executive; men preferred a medical professional; more women preferred to not date someone who works in their office; women were less likely to date a client and the ideal first date was a drink after work.
More singles turn to matchmakers for personal touch
Personal matchmakers certainly aren’t the only way to find a mate. Dating websites remain popular, and there are national matchmaking services such as It’s Just Lunch.
But several factors could be contributing to personal matchmakers’ popularity, said Lisa Clampitt, who co-founded The Matchmaking Institute.
Higher divorce rates mean more people are single. Newly divorced people might feel like they need coaching after being out of the dating scene for several years. And some people tire of the bar scene and online dating and want more personal help, she said.
Fifty percent of U.S. men versus 36 percent of women say they would choose a date over work, a survey for the specialty dating service It’s Just Lunch said.
It’s Just Lunch asked more than 4,300 U.S. single men and women a series of questions regarding how they view dating issues related to work.
Forty-one percent of the women said work and dating held near equal importance in their lives and they made time for both.
