In a world where men and women often spend more time with their BlackBerrys and iPhones than they do with other each other, the longing for shared experiences and face-to-face interaction has become palpable. According to Mary Vallone, President of Highlife Adventures (www.highlifeadventures.com), an upscale social club for singles in Chicago and Indianapolis, this is especially true when it comes to dating. Men and women are stepping out from the anonymity of the online dating world and reclaiming their lives, Vallone says. Todays singles not only want to meet people who share their interests, but they also want to share real-life experiences with like-minded potential mates.
For many singles, this trend toward group activities based on common interests breaks new ground in the dating arena. In a sense, were going back to the future, says Vallone. Its as though the ice cream social of the early 20th century has been kicked up several notches.
Indeed, Highlife Adventures 3,000 Chicagoland members would be hard-pressed to find an ice cream social among the over 65 activities planned each month. Those who crave adventure can go parasailing, caving, or experience...