Being a new mom or a mom at any stage can be lonely without girlfriends. Our lives revolve around our little ones 24/7, and although we cherish mommyhood and all of the sweet moments it brings we NEED female friends to relate to, vent to, and to spend time with.
Trying to meet other moms can seem daunting. Starting up awkward conversations at the park or looking for play groups doesn’t always work for some, especially with busy schedules or in new cities. There is a new solution that moms are trying recently though – they are dating. Speed dating to be exact!
These mom speed dating events are starting to pop up all over the country. Robin Hieatt, a mom-of-two from Manor, Texas, says she started Moms Matched a few months ago after growing tired of awkward attempts at connecting with other moms at play dates and parks.
She tells Today.com, “I thought dating was over once you find your life partner, but that’s not the case. You go to these playgrounds and play dates looking for moms you can spend your time with-someone who’s going through the same hellish-but-wonderful time as you are-but there’s embarrassment and anxiety about reaching out and trying to connect with other moms,” said Hieatt.
Speed dating allows for moms to share key aspects of their lives quickly in a controlled environment. They are there for one reason, to get to know other moms, which takes the awkwardness of how to approach a new person away.
Moms will sit at tables with one another for about 5 minutes before moving on to the next mom. They are given guided questions to ask one another like “what’s the craziest thing you’ve done because of sleep deprivation”. The questions are meant to help the moms bond and relate to one another on a deeper level.
Almost every mom leaves with a match – which is a new friend they get to meet up with again!
What do you think of this new trend? Do you find it hard to meet other moms?
photo from Rhonda Lawson
