‘Slow dating’ is the latest trend according to dating expert

Could ‘slow dating’ hold the key to finding lasting love? Professional matchmaker claims singles should swap swiping on apps for SEVEN HOUR dates

• EXCLUSIVE: Nana Wereko-Brobby is the founder of Social Concierge
• The latest trend is to take a step back from dating apps and spend time offline
• It harks back to the traditional way of approaching people in person 
• Dating expert also suggests the ‘seven-hour date’ as a way of getting to know someone better offline – and why you should ALWAYS go on a second date

A professional matchmaker has claimed that ‘slow dating’ is the key to finding love.

Nana Wereko-Brobby, founder of elite members’ club Social Concierge, which operates in London and New York, is urging singletons to go back to basics and meet people face-to-face.

For those who have become overwhelmed with too many options or grown tired of swiping right, the latest trend advocates ditching apps and going offline, and Nana says there are certain techniques that are helpful to have in your arsenal when you’re looking for love the ‘old-fashioned’ way. 

Here, the dating expert tells FEMAIL why you should always say yes to a second date – even if there isn’t a spark – why you should plan a seven-hour date with someone you’re keen on – and how to know if someone’s available based solely on their body language.

Nana Wereko-Brobby explains that slow dating is the key to finding love offline instead of meeting more people through apps she says taking a few steps back and spending more time on fewer people is the secret to success (file photo)

SLOW DATING OFFLINE

You don’t have to ditch dating apps altogether, but Nana points out that technology can make it all too easy for people to replace their first dates and move on quickly.

‘People you are now dealing with are living in a culture where they will take advantage of you and assume that every date is replaceable,’ she explains.

‘The importance of slow dating is acknowledging an issue we all have and giving a solution – the solution is a traditional date.’

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ALWAYS GO ON A SECOND DATE 

The matchmaking expert reveals she always tells her clients that with app-based dating, singletons often don’t give their date a second chance after a disastrous meeting.

First dates are essentially easy to come by but she says people should always make a promise to see the person again.

Nana says: ‘This is what slow dating is about, to you it could be that even if something went really bad that you are going to commit to a second date and give them a chance.’

But those initial dates don’t have to be a scene out of a movie, Nana recommends 30 minutes over a coffee and then try a different environment to the first time you met them.

Attending events are a great way to meet people offline and Nana hopes to encourage a more valuable and meaningful connection over several dates, rather than a quick first date (file photo)

DATE FEWER PEOPLE

Nana explains that employing the tactic of always committing to a second date works better when you are meeting fewer people.

‘It goes back to the days pre-Tinder when you were not dating as many people. If I wasn’t sure how a date went I would always go on a second date – because it’s not as if they were coming through my apps the whole time.’ 

HOW DO I KNOW IF THEY ARE SINGLE?

Social Concierge singles mixers have a ready-made group of singles looking for the one – but if you’re out in the wild Nana says there are signs to look out for: 

• If there are groups of women, the single people will always scanning the room.
• With guys, they may only be half engaged with their friend the other half of their attention is on the room.
• Single people may exaggerate their actions, for example laughing too much. 
• Body language will be facing the room rather than their companions – opening themselves up to being approached.  

Nana’s golden rule for dating is to be happy in yourself before you look to meet someone, and by offering a dating coach as part of its premium package, Social Concierge can help people to do that, she said.

‘We want you to get ready before you even take the step. It’s a much more honest relationship with our clients. We’re not promising you will meet someone straight away, but joining a community and optimising opportunity.’

THE SEVEN HOUR DATE 

The concept of a seven hour date is mapping out an entire day if all goes well Nana explains.

Start with something simple, like meeting for coffee or a drink, then go for a walk, then a visit to a museum or exhibition, then on to dinner and perhaps a club.

‘By the end of the journey you will have spent seven hours together and seen your companion in sensible mode over a coffee, engaged at a gallery, and in party mode over drinks…

‘Even though it’s a big chunk of your time if you have pre-qualified them – say you met them at a party and you know there is something there – then you should give them a whole Saturday,’ Nana says. 

‘Don’t just give them a couple of hours of your time, if you think there is something there and it’s quite rare that you have free time, then make those plans.’ 

It helps tap into different sides of their personalities, says Nana, who explains you don’t have to tell your potential love interest you intend to extend the date well beyond an hour or two – but you will have a rough itinerary in mind should things go well. 

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