Sasha Gray is taking a chance on love and daring to talk to strangers in person at one of numerous speed dating events around the country.
"Rather than sitting behind a screen or on a computer, or on the couch, [I am] actually getting out and connecting socially with people," she said.
"I think it's so important to meet people and see if you feel comfortable and if you want to go out with them again ... fingers crossed for a good night."
Historic backdrop
Ms Gray will be among about 20 people from across the NSW Mid North Coast searching for a perfect match at a speed dating event at historic Wingham House.
The stately property was built in 1889 for the first Lord Mayor of the Mid North Coast.
Owner Leah Parkes said the home would provide a romantic setting for the Valentine's Day event.
She said she was inspired to host the evening after watching her "beautiful single friends" become disillusioned with online dating.
"They've been meeting people using dating websites. However, there are difficulties with that because you've been talking for so long but when it comes to the meeting it's not quite what they expected," Ms Parkes said.
"I think that maybe people get a bit disheartened when it comes to online dating.
"I think face-to-face is the best way to meet someone and see if you like the person. It's about conversation, friendship."
Ms Parkes said a professional MC would run the event to help "break the ice" for potential couples, all aged from about 50 to 70.
"I wanted to have a gathering here that's a bit upmarket, a bit special ... it's a no-pressure, funny, fun event," she said.
"There will be about 10 different stations for people to rotate around and speak with other people who are like-minded and hoping to meet someone special."
Marlee residents John Hawkins said he wanted to take a chance on finding love in person after some online dates went wrong.
"I would probably rather meet face-to-face than online, I've had one or two not so pleasant experiences meeting people online," he said.
"I'm not really very confident asking any women on dates, so I thought this way it's there right in front of you, which makes it a little bit easier for someone like me."
Speed dating on the rise
Old-fashioned speed dating is experiencing something of a resurgence.
Ticketing platform Eventbrite said speed dating events had been experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years.
Eventbrite spokesperson Sebastian Boppert said the number of speed dating events on the platform in Australia trebled between 2019 and 2023.
"We noticed the biggest jump in figures comparing the last year before the [COVID-19] pandemic, 2019, with 2022 when things finally normalised again," Mr Boppert said.
"The number of speed dating events had doubled, and eight times as many people attended speed dating events across Australia.
"This trend continued in 2023, when the number of speed dating events across Australia grew by another 48 per cent.
"That year, more than 26,000 people in Australia were looking for romance at a speed dating event on Eventbrite."
So, will cupids arrow find a home at the Wingham speed dating evening? Ms Parkes certainly hopes so.
"That would be fabulous … Valentines' Day is a great excuse for love and to bring people together with the hope of romance," she said.
"You may not walk away with the love of your life, but you may walk away with someone you can have dinner with and meet new friends.
"Anything could happen on the night, we are hoping for great things."