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Dating App Experiment

The Dating App Experiment

The Dating App Experiment

As a single staff member of one of the Events & Adventures clubhouses, I decided to do a bit of an experiment with myself. Like a lot of people, I’m a dating app user; as a person dating in the 21st century it often feels like there aren’t many other options. As a simultaneous member of Events & Adventures, I started to compare and contrast my experiences with my online relationships and the ones I was seeing develop at Events & Adventures.

I’ve been on the classic apps like Tinder and Bumble and have tried some of the more obscure apps like Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel. They each have different layouts and specialties that make them seem like lights at the end of a tunnel filled with fellow singles. In the end, each app seems to turn out to have a similar end: possible dates and little connection.

 

The Findings

Dating apps turned the very real and emotional experience of dating into a very numb and robotic game. I’ve found myself mindlessly swiping through people without even looking at them. The sensation of matching with someone seems to create more of an endorphin boost than an actual opportunity for a true connection.

I’ll never forget when I matched with a guy and mentioned meeting up for dinner with him pretty quickly, trying to bypass the small talk and make something out of a match that seemed promising. He agreed, we set a time and location. The next morning, he was gone. He deleted our match and seeing as that was the only form of contact I had with him, there was no way of getting in touch to see what happened.

The experience stung, but a part of me accepted it because we hadn’t even met. How could I hold this guy accountable when he was only a picture on a screen?

I’ve gone on my fair share of actual dates through these apps too. I’ve even been in short-term relationships with some of the men I’ve meet. The large majority of the time the connection I thought I had with these guys online didn’t come through in person. If we did actually have something in common, there seemed to be a pressure to put a definition on whatever we had right away, which ended up scaring one of us away. When you make dating the primary focus of any activity, there’s an expectation of trust and vulnerability almost instantly. How can you put that kind of pressure on someone you barely know?

Having heard friends express similar frustrations, I know I’m not alone in my dating app woes. I even hear us wondering aloud if there is something wrong with us because of our lack of success.

 

The Solution

Having experienced Events & Adventures for the last six months, I honestly believe it’s not us but the online dating system that’s to blame. Unlike the forced nature of online dating, Events & Adventures creates an organic environment for members to have fun being themselves.

Are you filled with random facts or a board game connoisseur? You can guarantee there’s a trivia or game night coming up with Events & Adventures. More of a sports fan? Every club has at least one viewing party or pickup game on the books. Are you a whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, or adrenaline junkie—or do you want to be? Events & Adventures has you covered there, too.

And the best part? Other people are doing all of these things with you. You’ll be able to build connections with people that have similar interests and have the opportunity to see these same people on a weekly, or even daily basis, without having to plan the get togethers yourself.

All of the romantic relationships I’ve seen develop between Events & Adventures members have come out of the weeks and months they have spent together at Events & Adventures events. When people have the chance to develop friendships, those friendships turn into trust, and that trust can very easily blossom into something more substantial like commitment and love.

Our members have the chance to cultivate relationships with each other without having to worry about defining their experiences, romantic or otherwise, because that’s not what Events & Adventures is about. Our goal is to help people live a life they love, and that definition is different for everyone.

As a self-proclaimed wallflower, I’ve really had the chance to soak up all of the wonderful benefits Events & Adventures provides its members. In a world so fueled by instant gratification, Events & Adventures slows things down and gives its members the change to enjoy their lives with friends, new and old. So why keep staring at a dating app filled with what-ifs and maybes and come have some promised fun with Events and Adventures? You never know where it might lead until you give it a try!

Peru with Single Social Group Events & Adventures

The Peru Trip with Events & Adventures Houston

Journey to Peru with Events & Adventures Houston

Events & Adventures Houston had the experience of a lifetime as they ventured to Peru for a 10 day excursion. So much was in store for the members on this Peru trip, including a visit to Machu Picchu, several nights in the amazing city of Cusco and even a three-day trek through Peru’s Andes Mountains. Members were able to escape the mundane and immerse themselves in the fascinating culture of Peru. Every detail of this journey was planned and ready to go, members simply had to get on the plane and brace themselves for an adventure they’d never forget.

Members departed the states from Miami International Airport, heading straight for the Peruvian Andes. After the long flight, they arrived in Cusco, a beautiful city known for its archeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. The members were met by their Peruvian trip staff and tour guides, who brought them to their 4 star hotel. Everyone had a quick meet and greet while tasting Coca leaf tea, a traditional Peruvian drink that introduced them to the culture.

The next few days were spent exploring the city of Cusco and its incredible surroundings

Members enjoyed a tour of the main square, colonial churches and local markets. After everyone was adjusted to the high elevation of over 11,000 feet, they ventured outside city limits to visit the Inca Ruins. Many site-seeing opportunities presented themselves at Sacsayhuaman (temple of the Lightning), Qenqo (ceremonial place), Tambomachay (temple of the water and Coricancha (the temple of the sun).

After spending several days in Cusco and visiting the village of Pisac, it was time for the Lares Inca Trail trek through Peru’s Andes Mountains. This was a fun and exhilarating experience for the members as they got to scale mountaintops and catch a stunning view of some of the famous glacial mountain peaks up to 5,750 meters in height.

Towards the end of their Peru trip, members visited Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains. They arrived early in the morning so they could witness a breathtaking sunrise over the majestic stronghold. After a guided tour through the complex, some of the members took a hike up Montana Mountain for an amazing view back down to Machu Picchu ruins and the surrounding area.

Although this challenging hike was not for the faint of heart, the rewarding view was well worth the journey

The 10 day Peru trip ended where it began, in the city of Cusco. The members were given a farewell group dinner at a beautiful restaurant in the city. This was their last chance to sample Peruvian cuisine, experience more music and culture from the Andes and socialize with fellow members. In the end, this amazing adventure in Peru was an unforgettable experience that left the members in awe. The group formed lasting friendships and will always remember this special trip that they spent together. Only with Events & Adventures can you enjoy a spectacular international adventure that you don’t even have to plan yourself. You never know where we’re going next!

Super Bowl Party with Events & Adventures Houston

Super Bowl Party with Events & Adventures Houston

This Year’s Super Bowl Party Was One to Remember for Events & Adventures Houston Members

Whether it’s for the game itself or the commercials, the Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated events of the year. It’s a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate with food, drinks and good old competition. Events & Adventures Houston members got to experience a Super Bowl Party like never before, partying at a house in the Heights with other fun-loving Events & Adventures members.

To go along with the big game, the event had several awesome activities in store for the members, including a party garage, corn hole, giant Jenga, beer pong, free cocktails and, of course, a super feast. Saint Arnold Brewing Company provided guests with complimentary beer, keeping their thirsts quenched for the entire night. Additionally, Railean Distillery provided spirits for the evening. Guests could cheer on their team either inside or outside, with two screening options to view the game.

What’s a Super Bowl Party without prizes?

Members got involved by participating in a football squares game, giving them the chance to win $25 gift cards each quarter. To raise the stakes, there was also a 4th quarter jackpot opportunity where one lucky member could take home a cash prize. Congratulations to Steven for being the lucky winner! Towards the end of the night, members got to wind down by roasting s’mores over an open fire pit.

Overall, this well-planned Super Bowl Party gave members the golden opportunity to make friends while enjoying the sports event of the year. The Events & Adventures Houston members got to join in on the preparation for the event by helping to cook food, set up decorations and prepare an amazing night for everyone. Although this wasn’t required of them, what better way to make friends than by coming together to create such a fun festivity?

This was the perfect event for brand new members

This get-together was coming off the heels of the monthly New Member’s Game Night, which took place the day before. During the game night, new members had the chance to get to know each other while playing games and eating a delicious spread of food, including briskets, pork shoulders, chicken, ribs and fajitas. They even got to show off their skills with a chili cook-off!

The New Member’s Game Night flowed smoothly into the Super Bowl Party the next day, as members had the chance to meet each other and get excited for the next great event. The Super Bowl Party was a great kick-off to an upwards of 30 events per month that Events and Adventures members get to enjoy.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Events and Adventures Houston!

Ice Bucket Challenge singles houston

We’d like to thank The Seattle E&A club for nominating us for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  We had over 15 people answer the call and we raised over $250 for ALS research.  While we are all busy getting ready for the big Labor Day Weekend Adventure it was great to see all the support for charity this week.  Our group here in Houston donates hundreds of hours of community service and donates thousands to great causes here in Houston and worldwide.  We’re very proud of our club and we’d like to especially thank all those who have come out and supported us this year.  We’re looking forward to our first ever volunteer event at Project C.U.R.E in September. 

All of our clubs took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and we raised over $2000.00 for ALS! Check out our YouTube at  www.youtube.com/user/EventsAndAdventures to see all of our ice bucket videos.

Flips, Jumps and Dives into the Cool Water here in Houston!

Houston Singles Party Barge

 

Houston Singles Party Barge

What a week…Unless you’ve been stuck in the vegetable room at Costco you know it’s hot outside here in Houston. When it’s this hot out we here at Events and Adventures love to get wet!  After a week of amazing events that included skeet shooting & a huge softball/kickball cookout; the party barge Sunday was a welcome escape from the flames.  Flips, jumps and dives into the cool water were a fun escape from the upper deck where the wild ones were gathered.  We’ve got an August loaded with fun events topped off by the big Labor Day Adventure at the end of the month.  August is an awesome month to join Events & Adventures, with so many fun events to look forward to. 

Huge 4th of July Bash with our Houston Club!

Giant Slip n Slide at our 4th of July party!


If you missed our 4th of July
 bash in Houston this year you missed a good one!  In true American fashion we enjoyed hot dogs off the grill, Budweiser, Volleyball and a slip n’ slide in the backyard and tons of fun on the patio.  When adults get the entire day off of work you know it’s time to party!  We started at noon with volleyball and some water balloon fights and capped the day off watching the amazing fireworks show.  The day flew by too fast but we’ve got some amazing pictures to remember the good times thanks to Ray!  Members can check out the E&A calendar to see all the great ones they’re in! Can’t wait to do it again next year!

2014-07-09-event-29356-45dacf3f-bc6f-b3dc-666b-ca219077799a

 

You May Think You Know Someone…But Do You Really?

murder by chocolate

They might just be a murderer as we found out last Friday at Murder by Chocolate; Houston’s best murder mystery experience. It’s so fun to see people change into character and participate. It’s not just putting on a funny hat or a wig; watching your friends act and participate in the theatre production makes for a hilarious night. We always find out who’s hiding their real acting talent at these special events! If you missed this one don’t worry, this is a club favorite and we’ll be back!

Reid Event Manager Houston

Fighting Our Fear Of Heights….

High Ropes Challenge Course5

Rain, cold and bad weather was no match for our will to have fun!  Fighting our fear of heights, making new friends and getting the adrenaline pumping was our only goal last week as we took on the high ropes challenge at the Conroe YMCA.  We all got harnessed up and did our best not to fall off!  It was a little too muddy for the team wall so we’ll save that for next time! We may not be ready to join the circus but it sure was a heck of a time!

Reid Event Manager Houston

Being Thankful and Giving Back!

Sunday Funday

Thanksgiving is the time of year to give thanks but it doesn’t mean we can have fun!  We had a grand event at our clubhouse that saw over 30 singles stop by for good food, football and new friends.  Our turkey wrapped in bacon came out perfectly and we fryed up everything we could find in the deep fryer including Armadillo Eggs (stuffed jalapeño’s wrapped in sausage & ritz crumbs).  The football was good and we ended up with more food than we knew what to do with!  It was a fun day to celebrate after Sunday’s volleyball tournament/canned food drive that raised over 80lbs of food & $200 for the Houston Food Bank.

Reid Event Manager Houston

Wallyball…What is it?

 Most people don’t have a clue but we sure do.  It’s a wacky game of volleyball played indoors in a racquetball court.  Every month we reserve a court just for our members to go in and whack away!  Wallyball is really unique because unlike volleyball, where height and jumping ability is superior, knowing how to hit off the walls in wallyball is just as important!  It takes some getting used to but when you figure it out it is a lot of fun…not to mention a really fun way to burn some calories before our Thanksgiving feast!