The rules of the game night are simple: two single men and two single women are nominated by their friends and they try their best to set them up with the right person by having them answer a series of questions.
The event was made possible by Romeo Plus CEO Jensen Vang, who says their mission is to make it easier for people to enjoy activity-driven dating experiences.
Vang says experiences like the one at Hummus Republic are exactly what people are looking for in a world full of dating apps.
“67 million users are not just looking about swiping left and right,” Vang said. “These dating services, do their part, but at the end of the day, the social connection is the missing piece. That’s where we come in.”
According to Vang, by getting friends and family involved, not only are participants put at ease, but they also have someone on their side rooting for them.
“Family members are their best champions,” Vang said. “Being single is like a huge epidemic in the U.S. If we can help close some of that gap by having those interactions – that’s what we’re all about.”
The stage was set and participants Serena, Crystal, Guillermo, and Michael stood in front of friends, family, and total strangers and opened themselves up for a shot at love.
For Guillermo, the game night offered him a chance to flex his most impressive asset, his personality, in a way that bar hopping and using the apps could never.
“I can talk to people and I can make people laugh. So this gives me an opportunity to showcase those parts of my personality and that plays in my favor,” Guillermo said. “With the the dating apps and stuff like that, I feel a lot of that is like, ‘Oh this person looks attractive’, and they swipe.”
Guillermo says the activities and engagement felt much more natural, like going on a big group date with friends.
“This is more organic. I think we’re more meant to figure out somebody’s personality type around their friends and around of like just, joy,” Guillermo said. “I think it makes for a more positive environment.”
As audience members asked questions and participants answered, participants say the energy of the room became more inviting and fun and even allowed for real vulnerability.
When asked about their past relationships and the lessons they learned, Crystal cried. She answered an audience member’s question with, “Things change and you have to embrace it because people change and people grow.”
Crystal says the activities allowed her to feel comfortable being true to herself and opening up just as she would normally.
“I felt it was necessary,” Crystal said. “Not fake it. I’ve never done this before in a public place, but it wasn’t difficult at all. It was just me showing my emotions.”
Crystal says she’s glad she overcame her nerves to participate – resulting in a match with Guillermo. She says anyone in Fresno willing and able to should give it a try.
“Step out of your comfort zone. Do something you’re afraid of.”
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