About this Event
Welcome
Hosted by Kate Inez Harrington of Harrington Matchmaking.
For the nerdy, the quirky and the slightly socially awkward. A neurodivergent-friendly evening, ideal for adults with low support needs.
You’ve built a life you’re pretty happy with: your interests, your routines, maybe a career you enjoy. The dating or social part just hasn’t quite come together. Maybe small talk is harder than talking about your favorite subject, or it’s hard to tell when someone is interested, or you’d simply like to know a little about a person before you start a conversation.
Slightly Awkward Singles does that part ahead of time. We’ll help you identify people you might enjoy meeting before the event, then bring everyone together for an evening of conversation, games and new connections.
Matching
After you register, you’ll complete a detailed questionnaire about your personality, interests, temperament, dating preferences, preferred age range and relationship goals. The Harrington Matchmaking team reviews your answers alongside those of other attendees.
Important: the questionnaire will be sent to the email address you use to register on Eventbrite. Please register with an email you check regularly, and look in your spam folder if you don’t see it.
When you arrive, you’ll receive an envelope with your personalized match sheet:
- Dating possibilities: attendees we think you’ll feel aligned with.
- Friendship possibilities: attendees who share your interests and temperament.
- Conversation starters: shared interests and topics to help you begin.
These are suggestions, not confirmed matches. You’re welcome to talk with anyone.
Preparation
Before the event, we’ll email you coaching sheets with practical tips for approaching people, starting conversations, expressing interest and navigating the evening.
Experience
Expect a relaxed, happy-hour-style gathering with light refreshments, games, conversation cards and simple hands-on activities. There are no speed-dating rotations, no required introductions and no pressure to speak with everyone. Follow your match sheet, start a conversation with someone else, or join an activity with a small group.
Follow-up
After the event, you’ll receive a private form to note who you’d like to reconnect with, for dating or friendship. When interest is mutual, we’ll introduce you by email. You never have to ask anyone for their number.
Eligibility
- Adults ages 25–45.
- Neurodivergent-friendly, ideal for adults with low support needs. You don’t need a diagnosis to attend.
- You don’t need to be a member of Constellations, our membership community (joinconstellations.com).
- Dating opportunities are primarily geared toward heterosexual and bisexual adults. Friendship opportunities are open to everyone.
- This event is for adults who can take part in an informal social gathering independently, with optional guidance rather than ongoing individual support.
Tickets
Early Bird: $75. Regular: $95. Space is limited. Each person needs their own ticket, so we can send your questionnaire to you directly.
Your ticket includes refreshments, activities, a personalized match sheet, coaching resources and email introductions after the event when interest is mutual. Please complete your questionnaire by the deadline we email you after purchase so we can prepare your match sheet.
Match sheets are based on attendee responses and registration. We cannot guarantee compatible dating prospects or mutual interest.
Liability and photos
By registering, you agree to the acknowledgment and release presented at checkout, which covers participation, liability, refunds and photography. Please read it before purchasing.
A little awkward? You’re in good company.
FAQ
What makes this different from speed dating?
There are no rotations or timed conversations. You arrive with a personalized match sheet and spend the evening however suits you: following your suggestions, talking with someone new, or joining a game or activity.
How are the match sheets made?
Every attendee completes a detailed questionnaire after registering. The Harrington Matchmaking team reviews everyone’s answers and prepares individual sheets with suggested dating and friendship connections.
Where will the questionnaire come from?
We’ll email it to the address you used to register on Eventbrite.
Am I guaranteed a match?
No. Match sheets are based on attendee responses and on who registers. We can’t guarantee compatible dating prospects or mutual interest.
Do I have to talk to the people on my sheet?
No. They’re suggestions. You’re welcome to meet anyone. Our match sheet will give you insight into why we selected them as a possibility and what you have in common. We may even suggest what to ask them.
Will there be coaching at the event?
We email coaching sheets beforehand with practical tips for the evening. The event itself is an informal social gathering.
How do I see someone again?
After the event, you’ll fill out a private form. If the interest is mutual, we’ll introduce you both by email.
Do I need to be a Constellations member?
No. Constellations is our membership community for adults looking for connection. You can learn more at joinconstellations.com.
Where is it?
At the Harrington Matchmaking office in Bethesda, Maryland. Arrival details are sent to ticket holders.
Is this event only for straight adults?
Dating matches are mainly geared toward heterosexual and bisexual adults, but everyone is welcome. If dating matches aren’t the right fit for you, you’re welcome to join for friendship matching.
Who is hosting?
Kate Inez Harrington of Harrington Matchmaking.
I have a question. Who can I ask?
Email us at [email protected].
Please note: this event isn’t ideal for adults who need a support person to accompany them. We’ll host a North Star version of this event later this year, and that’s the one neurodivergent and intellectually or developmentally disabled adults with higher support needs, and their support persons, should sign up for.
Event venue & nearby stays
Harrington Matchmaking Office, Bethesda, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.