Dinner Club#9: It’s not you, it’s me
A lot of people reached out asking why Dinner Club is ending this month. Friends, investors and some of you want this to be an app that grows to replace every other dating app out there. It’s humbling to say the least.
I don’t know about you guys, my heart breaks more often than yours. It’s silly I know, but try telling that to my heart. Over the last 50 days, on an average, my heart has been broken at least once a day. It’s a bit much, don’t you think? I can’t bear the heartbreaks anymore. So you see, it’s not you. It’s me.
Besides, this was always meant to be a limited-time experiment, and that’s all it will be for now. If I ever make this into a regular thing (product, service, whatever), it would essentially be replacing you being on multiple apps, swiping endlessly, making small talk, coordinating a meet up and going to a cafe/ restaurant for an actual date.
The value roughly translates to Rs. 3,000-Rs.10,000/ date depending on how you value your time and your tastes. This is inspite of the outcome of a date, because…
No?
So, those of you who enjoyed this for free are truly privileged because you’ve experienced Dinner Club like no one else ever will in the future.
About this week
On the account of Ganesh Chaturthi, a popular Indian festival, I decided to organise 21 dates this week, but as luck may have it, some didn’t work out. The most memorable failed attempt has to be one where the girl refused to meet the boy after reading his bio. I will never understand her point of view, but I respect it nevertheless. This is part of my personal journey of learning to be more empathetic and less judgemental.
I have nothing to share about what people had to say about the dates just yet, but more about it next week. Kthxbai.
Humans of Dinner Club
Instead of sharing bios of people, I thought it would be interesting to share what people are looking for in their prospective dates. I will also mention the age and gender of the person who has shared this feedback for context. Now, if any of this catches your attention, do reach out by tomorrow (23rd August) so I can help orchestrate a connection (on mutual consent, of course).
24/F - Someone who is following their passion or even REALLY working towards it. I think i say this because I am going through this in my life right now. Someone on a similar journey would inspire me.
25/F - Anyone who is ambitious, can make conversation work, geography no bar but can make spending that 40 minutes worthwhile.
27/F - Looks really don't matter but it's nice if the other person dresses well. International experience, a love for books and ambition are all good things. Liberal political opinions, feminism and open-mindedness are plus points.
29/F - Someone who has a stable career. Preferably someone over 5'9'' and who's also looking for a serious relationship. I also prefer guys who are outdoorsy and love animals (good looks would definitely add on to some brownie points hehe)
30/F - I'd like to go on a date with someone who is looking to eventually get into a serious relationship, smart, optimistic, empathetic and young at heart.
25/M - I would love to meet someone who is witty, spontaneous, and has a good sense of humour. Someone who loves helping others, and growing as a person. Bonus if she can teach me how to bake Nutella-filled-cookies.
27/M - Ambitious, and, perhaps, a little unconventional at that. Conscientious and organised, bespectacled and all. An intellectual with multiple hobbies and interests, and who can challenge my thoughts and opinions and make me think better. And if she likes Kanye's music, that's a big plus!
28/M - Someone introverted, smart, funny, adventurous. According to 16 Personalities I'm at ESTJ-A (https://www.16personalities.com/profiles/80b56ec55489c)
29/M - I am looking for a serious relationship. Looking for a simple smart person who is understanding and caring.
30/M -Someone who has lots of mobility in their life - different reasons like moving cities, educations, jobs, vacations etc.
What’s up next week?
Next week is the last week of Dinner Club, and most dates for next week have already been scheduled. However, I may reach out to some of you over the next 3-4 days to schedule the last set of dates on Dinner Club.
Complementary services on Dinner Club will be closed from next week. Thank you very much for those of you who’ve shared your stories/ aspirations till date.
I know that I’ve made you guys fill tonnes of forms through this project, and I am truly grateful for your efforts and patience. If I may be allowed to ask you to fill one last form, I’d love to hear what you thought of this entire experiment. This will be immensely helpful in not only understanding you better, it will guide my next steps (at some point).
If you fill this form in the next 24 hours, Lord Ganesha will bless you with an invite to the very last event on Dinner Club which is a Speed Dating Event.
HAPPY GANESH CHATURTHI (No, I am not religious, I just think Ganesha is cute).