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Dating event takes 'setting up your friend' to a whole new level

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/09 .. setting-up-your-friend-to-a-whole-new-level.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 13:27 GMT by KARE 11
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“Setting Your Friend” Turns a Local Dating Night Into a Friend‑Powered Matchmaking Extravaganza

On a sunny Saturday evening, a handful of singles and their wingmen and wingwomen gathered at The Loft Lounge on Main Street for a night that promised more than a few drinks and a chance to meet someone new. The event, called “Setting Your Friend”, is part of a new wave of community‑based dating nights that combine the social safety net of friends with the thrill of speed dating. The idea is simple: friends bring their dates, set them up on the spot, and then let the crowd do the rest. The result? A surprisingly low‑pressure environment where people can meet like‑minded singles while still enjoying the support of a familiar face.

The event was organized by Jordan Lee, a local dating coach and host of the weekly “Love & Laughs” podcast. Lee said that the concept came out of a conversation with a group of friends who were tired of going to bars alone and wanted a more efficient way to meet potential partners. “We’re all looking for a connection, but the first step—meeting people—is always the hardest,” Lee explained. “If your friends can help introduce you, that’s going to make the whole process feel more natural.”

How It Works

Participants register for a ticket—$25 in total, which covers a welcome cocktail, a guided ice‑breaker, and a series of speed‑dating rounds. Each attendee arrives with at least one friend who knows them well enough to set them up on a “matchmaking board.” That board is a large, colorful table where each participant’s name and a short description are displayed. Friends can add a brief note—“I think Alex would love Maya because they both love hiking”—and then place a small marker next to the person they’re pairing them with. The board is reviewed at the beginning of the evening to give participants a sense of who is who and how friends are setting them up.

Once the introductions are made, the speed‑dating portion begins. Couples are paired for four short, timed conversations (usually 5‑minutes each). After each conversation, the couples return to the “buddy table” and decide whether they want to switch partners or keep the current one. After the final round, couples who hit a “match” can exchange numbers and set up a second date. The night concludes with a social mixer where people can mingle more casually, often with the help of a live DJ or a local band.

Why It Matters

In an age of online dating apps that often feel transactional, “Setting Your Friend” offers a more human touch. The event has already attracted people who feel exhausted by swiping and want a way to meet others in a relaxed setting. According to participant Megan Patel, a graphic designer who was a first‑time attendee, “I felt nervous at first because I’m not great at meeting people in large crowds. But having my friends there helped ease my anxiety. When they suggested I talk to Dan, I didn’t have to worry about what to say—I already had a connection.”

The event also aims to foster inclusivity. In line with the broader mission of promoting healthy, supportive relationships, the organizers have made a point to welcome people of all orientations, backgrounds, and ages. Lee said, “We’re not looking for a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We want to bring people together in a way that feels safe and fun.”

Who Can Attend?

While the event is open to singles, the organizers strongly encourage attendees to bring at least one friend who knows them well. “Friends are the secret ingredient,” Lee says. “If you don’t have someone to help set you up, you can still attend, but you’ll have to navigate the event on your own.” The Loft Lounge hosts the event on Saturday evenings, typically from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There is a capacity limit of 60 people to maintain an intimate atmosphere, and tickets are sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Additional Resources

The original article on KARE 11, which prompted this write‑up, contains more detail about the event’s background and quotes from participants. The article can be read here: [ KARE 11 Article – “Dating event takes setting your friend whole new level” ]. A quick glance at the event’s own website (link provided in the article) offers registration details, a FAQ section, and an upcoming calendar of future “friend‑powered” meet‑ups.

What to Expect the Next Time

If you’re curious about trying out this “friend‑set” format, the organizers are planning a second round in the fall, with a new theme—“Backyard BBQ” style—so you can mingle over burgers and live music. The price remains the same, and the venue is expected to shift to a more spacious, outdoor location to accommodate the growing demand. The Loft Lounge’s management is also working on a partnership with the local coffee shop Bean & Brew to offer a morning pre‑event “meet‑and‑greet” at 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For those who prefer to stay home, the event hosts a live‑stream of the speed‑dating rounds on their social media channels, allowing viewers to watch, cheer, and even suggest pairings in real‑time.

In Closing

“Setting Your Friend” may seem like a novelty, but for many, it’s a step toward meaningful connections in an era of endless digital noise. By weaving friends into the dating process, the event leverages trust and familiarity to create a low‑pressure environment where people can get to know one another without the anxiety that often accompanies modern romance. Whether you’re a seasoned dater or just looking for a fresh way to meet someone new, the next “Setting Your Friend” night could be the key to turning your next coffee date into a full‑blown relationship.