Authentic Dating Edinburgh

“Thank you so much for creating a space in which such well-aligned people could come together. I can't think of the last time I met so many wonderful, open-minded people in one go like that. It was a real pleasure” - John

Tired of the the swiping?

Here’s your chance take a break from the apps and connect more openly and authentically with those both like-minded and different. Due to popular demand, it's returning to Edinburgh this May!

You’ll have several encounters throughout the night. Each will be carefully guided, inviting you to be yourself, to communicate openly, and and explore multiples layers and flavours of connection. Come spark a flame or two!

Authentic Dating welcomes all men, women & non-binary people aged 18+, both monogamous & non-monogamous.

Is this event for me?

If you are seeking....

✨ Deep & meaningful conversations without small talky chit-chat

✨ Exciting new connections, both romantic & platonic

✨ An opportunity to explore & challenge your assumptions

✨ A substance-free environment

✨ Playful & sincere communication

✨ Skills you can apply to your dating life beyond the event

✨ A space to simply be yourself

....then this event is for you!

What will actually happen? 🥰

You will be invited to explore four unique interactions, some of which are randomised and some of which you can choose. Each will involve a new set of instructions to help you communicate about topics that really matter to you.

Each interaction will last 10-15 minutes. At the end of each interaction, you will have the opportunity to share a contact detail on a piece of paper in a way that is both cute and discrete ~ please bring your own pen!

Consent is important: you always have the agency to choose how deep you go. You will never be forced to share information that you don't want to.

The space holder 💁‍♂️

Laurie King

I'm Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Wellington, NZ. My passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth. Since 2019, I have organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops in Oceania and Europe.

My training includes The Embody Lab, Authentic Revolution, Body Electric and Connection Institute. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite, and organisations such as ART International and Authentic Bay Area.

My workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. I look forward to holding space for you!

I also offer online Holistic Coaching sessions, inspired by Authentic Relating, Positive Intelligence and Somatic Experiencing techniques.

For more information, check out itoiauthenticrelating.com.

For my Instagram, check out @itoiauthentic.

i to i Authentic Dating has already been a big hit in Edinburgh, as well as Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Montreal, LA, Portland, Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne and Sydney.

Here’s what others have said:

"This has been the most positive experience I've had in meeting genuine souls with the intention of finding love/romance for over 6 years" - Luca

"Laurie led us through a series of games and exercises that allowed us to open up and create very real bonds with others and with our own selves. Many emotions were felt in the safest, most welcoming environment" - Jason

“What a wonderful workshop you ran last night. I walked away with a sense of renewed self worth and also questioned why I don’t articulate comfortably what I want. It’s the perfect antidote to app culture.” - Imogen

“Thank you so much for creating a space in which such well-aligned people could come together. I can't think of the last time I met so many wonderful, open-minded people in one go like that. It was a real pleasure” - John

"I love Laurie’s energy, wisdom, execution and light touch. I felt super safe to open up and connect while he was holding the space" - Tess

"Authentic Dating re-opened an old window for me in a new way. Heaps of fun too! And I did meet a very special person. Highly recommend for anyone curious and keen to connect with depth & joy" - Samantha

Practicalities:

Cost:

£22 for those on low income

£27 for those on medium income

£32 for those on high income

Limited spaces available through Eventbrite. Book early to secure your place!

Why are tickets sold by income? 💰

In order to make the event as accessible as possible, there are three ticket types available, depending on the level of income you feel you have. It is up to you to decide how much you would like to contribute to the event.

If you would really like to attend but do not have the funds for the lowest ticket option, please get in touch and we can figure something out!

Location: The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road Edinburgh EH16 5AB United Kingdom.

Time: 7.30pm sharp. No latecomers!

Dress code: Whatever you're comfortable in. The venue is shoes off.

Intoxicants: This is an alcohol and drug free event. There will however be plenty of tea available.

Refund policy: No refunds available, but if you cannot make it you can transfer your ticket to a friend or use as credit for a future i to i workshop.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom