Me and two of my two single friends went speed dating in January. We are a bit terrible - we got there, had a peek at the guys who were already there...and decided not to go through with it, we went and had some dinner instead! (smacks own wrist for being so shallow!!) Oh god, I sound like such a bitch!

I only ever did it once and it was as part of a gathering for people who are into polyamory - called polyday - so probably not typical.  anyway, it was fun.  we all sat in two long lines and the folk in the line opposite me moved along every three minutes, so i just sat there smiling and felt a bit like i was a host and they were visiting me...  i actually said very little, just smiled a lot and listened.  i think everyone was so nervous that they felt they had to fill the time, i would ask one question, such as "have you had a good day so far?" or "so what are you into/doing with your life/hoping for?" and my work would be done, they would chat away and then the bell would ring.
it was successful for me in the sense that afterwards i was approached by someone who is now one of my lovers, and that is how we met.

ok, I'm lost...what exactly is speed dating? Is it like swinging?