Old-school dating makes a comeback

February 13, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Even as online dating loses its taboo, more singles are returning to a way to meet a mate the old-fashioned way, face to face. ABC7 Chicago checked around town to find a few hotspots.

Whether you're looking for a "match" or perfect "harmony", it's common these days to "meet-up" online. But more singles are saying they don't want "face-book" to replace face-time.

"I think it's closer to old-fashioned dating. You get to see the person," said Steven Burmeister of Wrigleyville. "&As opposed to just what they write."

"At these events, you can't really hide. You can't put a fake picture up from three years ago," said Albany Park's Mary Kozen.

Some people say it helps to have a wing-man -- or woman -- to break the ice. An event at Sheffield's is designed just for that. It's dubbed "Date my friend." Singles sign up to get set up.

Those looking for a deeper connection might find fun playing the relationship game "Authenticity." With the roll of a dice, singles can get to know each other through provocative questions like "What's your biggest fear?" "Do you believe in God," and "What's your credit score?"

It's pretty much all those questions you should ask before you decide to get married or continue to date," said Sheila Brown, the game's creator.

Dating coach Patti Feinstein, also known as 'America's Dating Coach,' says singles events can be helpful but are not necessary. She says what matters is the unattached interact wherever they are.

"You need to think interactive in a way that you don't need to make conversation because that's difficult, but you do need a natural interaction to occur so that dating can happen without the anxiety," Feinstein said.

That's why she recommends her clients join the casting auction at the Victory Gardens theatre. It's an annual fundraiser where amateurs donate to charity in exchange for a role in a play.

Fred Snow took Feinstein's advice last year. He landed a speaking role and true love.

"[I] found love in a play," he said.

One piece of advice to singles from Feinstein: Make a list of five activities you truly enjoy and then go out and do them.

By the way, the play, "Mame," featured at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre is running February 20 and 21. For more information on the play, visit www.victorygardens.org.

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