Here is all the juicy stuff, the good and the bad. We have been super honest here to help you make the right choice on our services and to decide if we are a good fit for you.

 

Our Philosophy
To get singles away from the fast paced, instant judgement dating culture of online 'swipe' dating and 5 minute speed dates. Research shows we need time to form connections. We are all recovering from hurt, having our walls up... we need time to open up and show our true selves, to show depth. Yes you need a certain amount of initial attraction with someone, but that doesn't have to be 'butterflies' - it needs only to be "I can chat with this person". 65% of successful, long term relationships start as friends first, not 'butterflies' first. So ditch your phone, stop swiping, and meet people in real life! 

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We aim to provide single Adelaide people over 40 with a range of events and activities to allow them to meet others, relax, and connect in slow time. We've been operating in Adelaide for over 20yrs and we're good at what we do!

 

Who are our members?

Our member are people like you! People who want to meet new friends, broaden their social circles, and hopefully meet that special someone. Many Social8 members join us after a long-term relationship has ended - which often results in losing friends and your social life. These people are confident in their work arena, confident with family and friends and yet lacking in social connections. Often, after breakups, people also take a hit in confidence - unable to socially meet new people through lack of practice. For many they haven't socialised as a single person for years or decades. Social8 dinners and events provide the perfect arena to regain social confidence, help you get your mojo back and feel good about yourself again.

 

What does it cost to become a member?

Bronze membership is free, which allows you to come to all events. We also have other paid membership options for discounted events, our dinners-for-6 and one-on-one introductions. Have a look at the membership page to see the different options and read the FAQ about Introduction Services.

 

How long is the membership for?

Memberships are either for 6 or 12 months. See the membership page for details. However, you can also place your membership on hold if required. Memberships can be put on hold for up to an additional 6 months. You are also able to apply to upgrade your membership at any time to a higher level.

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Are there other costs involved?

Yes. Each event has a ticket fee, which may include food and drinks. The event price and inclusions will be stated on the individual event booking page. Dinners-for-6 have an admin fee (which is waived for Gold members). Again, the fee will be stated with your dinner invitation. And you'll need to buy your own food and drinks at the restaurant.

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​Can I get someone's number I like at the dinners and events?

Yes and No - this is one of our only rules: No asking for phone numbers or dates at the dinner table or members only events. We love this rule as it lets you focus on having fun without the fear of being rejected, having to say no, watching someone you like ask another for a phone number or any other socially awkward situation that can occur. Instead, if you have met anyone you would like to catch up with again, send us an email after the event and we'll arrange a number swap (if you both agree). This simple rule allows our members to focus on good social opportunity without awkward moments.

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Everyone tells me I don't look my age. Can I meet people younger than me?

So often we meet people who don't look their age. We also meet people who don't act their typical age or those who have a much higher energy than typical for their age. Dinners and events are arranged based on age. However, age ranges are a guide only - if you are outside the range you are still able to attend. 

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How many events can I go to?

All of them?? We have events nearly every week! In the past we have had wine tasting, cooking evenings, golf, painting class, quiz nights, bingo, theatre, movie nights, cooking classes, photography class, movie nights, tennis, running, bush walking, valentines cocktail party, Halloween evening, life coach workshops, beer evenings and Christmas parties. We recommend you go to as many events as possible as the more you attend, the more likely you are to meet special friends, important business contacts and romantic partners.

 

Can a non-member attend an event?

We have regular events that are open to guests (non-members) to book themselves (if the website lets you book then go for it!). Members can also book single non-member friends into a members-only event (but never a dinner-for-6).

 

What is the proportion of men to women?

At our dinners, it is 3 ladies and 3 men, unless someone cancels and it becomes 2 to 3. (We'll try to get someone else last minute, but sometimes we can't).

At group events, women will book in early so we quite often get up to 2/3rds women - although over the past 6 months most events have been very close to 50/50 gender balance, something we aim to achieve. Some of our events such as theatre nights are not age or gender balanced, simply a nice night out with nice people!

Overall, we have more ladies than men in most age groups. To help us maintain gender balance, please spread the word to those men in need of extra encouragement. And men, you need to be where the ladies are. Come and join us!

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What is the age range of your members?

Social8 is open to everybody aged 40+yrs (our oldest member is 84!). We have more members in their 50s and 60s, than 40s and 70s, but we have strong membership across the whole range. 

 

What do I wear?

Usually smart casual is appropriate. We suggest you dress to impress, as first impressions count. Why not also make yourself feel good to help the success of the evening. Buy new clothes or get a modern haircut, have new make-up done or get a professional shave. Feeling good does translate into helping to have a great night out.

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Dinners-for-6 Questions

Why are the dinners for six and not for eight?

We know - you want to meet MORE people. But with 8 at a table, it tends to split into 2 groups of 4, and people don't all get a chance to chat. We've found 6 is the right number.

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Will I meet the same people at dinners?

Occasionally you may, but we guarantee you will always meet at least two people of the opposite gender at each dinner you have not dined with before. And if you meet someone you would prefer to not dine with again (male or female), simply let us know and we take care of that at future dinners.

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How many dinners-for-6 will I go to?

We aim for one per month. However, it can vary based on your availability, age, gender, personality and the gender balance within your age range. If we can't offer you a dinner in a month, we will extend your membership. Also, we may sometimes invite you to additional dinners each month, if there are dinner vacancies you would be suited for.  

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​I'm extremely busy, what if I can’t attend a dinner you have planned for me?

Each month we email you a link to an on-line calendar where you submit the nights that best suit you and that you can commit to attending, for us to plan a dinner for you. This way we know you can say yes to the dinner invite and you are only given dinners on nights that suit you. We do ask that you submit your dates to us each month to ensure regular dinner invites and that as your availability changes, you update your calendar for us. If you agree to a dinner, then later cancel or do not attend, your admin fee will not be refunded. 

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​​What if I need to cancel or can't show up last minute?

This is strongly discouraged because of the difficulty of scheduling on short notice and the importance of gender and age balance for the dinners. If you must cancel, notify us immediately by phoning 0401 784 988. The integrity of our club depends upon the integrity of our members. Repeated no-shows or cancellations will result in cancellation of your membership.

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Can a non-member attend a dinner?

Yes and no. Attendance is by invitation only. Sometimes we can't fill the dinner with just current members, or we have a member cancel at the last minute. Rather than cancel the whole dinner, or have it be a dinner for only 5, we try our best to fill the spare seat with a suitable fantastic single. We will consider inviting a current member on another membership level, a past member who isn't financial but is still single, or a potential new member who we've met and they wish to 'come and try'. We may also choose to waive the dinner fee for them - at our discretion.

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General Questions

​How best can Social8 work for me?

Be realistic in your expectations. It is highly unlikely that you will meet that special person at your first or second introduction, dinner or event. It has happened but it is a very rare occurrence and one you should not pin your hopes on. Instead, we recommend you focus on being social: make a new circle of friends, take some responsibility for your enjoyment of the service, try to initiate conversations, ask out someone, and be friendly and approachable. The success of our service depends upon you taking an initiative, committing and instigating fun, and making your own destiny.

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Can I use Social8 to network for business?

Of course you can! Our events are a great way to network, so bring a stack of business cards. We do ask that you refrain from giving sales pitches during the members only dinners though. This is a dinner party, and while it's okay to discuss your line of work, please don't pressure your "captive" audience! Many mutually beneficial business partnerships have started at Social8 dinners.

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Are my details ever given out?

No, and yes...! Your details including full name, address, phone number and other details are personal and kept confidential. We never give them out to anyone without first getting your permission. We may share some of your profile information for introductions (anonymously). If a member wants to connect with you, we will ask for your permission before passing on your number/email to them.

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How many introductions will I get?

Again this is difficult to really know as a lot of this will depend on your criteria. On average, Platinum members receive introductions every 2 weeks. We are committed to helping you meet people, however we aim here for quality not quantity. We will discuss the likely frequency of introductions once we have met with you.

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Do you pro-rata refund my membership if I meet someone on my first dinner, introduction or event?

We don't. But we do jump up and down and get very excited for you and celebrate again how great this service is! We even get excited if you met someone special, not through us and we had nothing to do with it. What we can do is place your membership on hold. While we sincerely hope you have met 'the one' and you won’t need our services again, experience has taught us that sometimes it isn't the case. If this happens to you, you can feel comfortable knowing that your membership can be re-activated at any time - up to the time limit. (Memberships can be put on hold for up to 6 months.)

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What if I want to stay a member beyond the time limit?

Great! We would be excited to have you renew your membership. 

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Can I change my level of membership?

Yes, you are able to upgrade from Silver (events only) to Gold (dinner and events) or to Platinum (introductions) during your membership (as long as we have current vacancies in your age and gender). And after your membership ends, you can choose to renew at a different level. We try to be flexible here for you to enjoy your Social8 experience.

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What if I don't like the dinners or events and want a refund?

Thankfully this is a very rare occurrence, however if you are really unhappy we can place your membership on hold. We don't offer refunds - so think about this carefully before joining. Typically, we find people who don't enjoy our services are those who have a very narrow view of what they seek. We are a social club first, and a dating club second (except for the platinum level of membership) so we cannot guarantee you will date. Your focus should be on being social, meeting new people, working on your social skills and confidence, and networking. This will give you the greatest chance of finding (and keeping) your next "one".  

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Dating help

Want help socialising or dating successfully? Then check out Jane's coaching page to help you be the best you can be and to enjoy success soonest.

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Got a question we haven't covered here?

Please either email (form below) or contact us on 0401 784 988. We would love to hear from you and will do our best to provide an honest answer and to make you feel comfortable.

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