In 2024, many people are feeling fatigued with dating apps and turning to more traditional methods of finding a partner. Single and The City, an events-based company founded by Amber Soletti, is helping match people based on specific criteria, such as first responders or those who are fit and active. Soletti started the company in 2008 in New York City to meet singles she was interested in dating, and now hosts events in New York City, Austin, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The events are based on dating dealbreakers, such as physical preferences, common interests, or background, and have seen a 67% increase in attendance this year.
One popular event hosted by Single and The City is the “Rescue Me” singles party, where women have the opportunity to mingle with eligible first responders. Women receive icebreaker cards with first responder trivia questions to approach different men without feeling nervous. Other popular events include Ivy League dating, size matters, finance dating, Fleet Week, and Jewish speed dating. These events provide an alternative to dating apps and allow individuals to quickly assess chemistry with potential partners and decide if they want to go on a first date.
Relationships expert Alana Carvalho supports in-person events for dating, noting that online dating can leave singles feeling disconnected and disenfranchised. Carvalho encourages singles to keep an open mind and not put too much pressure on one night, as finding a connection takes time. Soletti also recommends staying hopeful and optimistic, as it only takes one event to meet the right person. She found her husband at a “size matters” speed dating event and now has a six-year-old daughter, Nola, who helps out at events.
Soletti and Carvalho both emphasize the importance of in-person meet-ups for singles, as they allow individuals to quickly assess chemistry and potential compatibility. Soletti shared her own success story and encourages others to keep attending events in the hopes of finding a meaningful connection. Carvalho echoes this sentiment, noting that persistence and optimism are key in the dating world. With the rise of dating app fatigue, events like those hosted by Single and The City provide singles with a refreshing and more personalized way to meet potential partners.
