On my 20th birthday, I promised myself that I was going to try to step out of my comfort zone more. And yet, one of my biggest fears is doing things alone. Couple that with being an introvert, and it’s safe to say that stepping out of my comfort zone and into a dating party is not my idea of a great time. However, when the opportunity came up to attend Until 11.11, the viral numerology dating party in Singapore, I decided to follow through with my promise and seize the opportunity.
The Until 11.11 dating parties were going viral on TikTok and Instagram because of how it includes numerology in the matchmaking process, and for being so exclusive that previously only a few people could get in. This time, the event was open to the public, which made access easier.
Dating parties have been on the rise in Singapore this year as many Gen Z and millennials are seeking more in-person avenues to meet their next partner, rather than swiping on a screen. Most of the dating parties we see today use AI or personality quizzes to match up their attendees, but Until 11.11 sets itself apart by returning to the ancient art of numerology to help you find your match.
I spoke to the founder, Ching, 22, who told me that she started these parties because she wanted to create opportunities for people who had the potential to maintain long-term relationships to find one another.
Her interest in numerology started when her polytechnic lecturer, who also happened to be a retired numerology master, taught her how to calculate numerology for people. Once she learned the skill,she explained that numerology helped her leave a less-than-ideal relationship, and to better understand her romantic priorities. She wanted to offer numerology as a tool to help other people, so she started Until 11.11.
The party was held at an event space in Ang Mo Kio. Once I registered by getting my name tag and giving them my birthday and astrology sign, I was free to get a drink and mingle until the party formally started.
Ching and I talked for a bit about ourselves and what to expect during the parties—some icebreakers, opportunities to mingle around and get your numerology read.
Ching was a very amiable host. She could tell that I was more introverted, so she helped introduce me to some of the other attendees, who happened to be returning attendees. When I asked some of them why they wanted to return, they said they simply thought the event was fun. This made me less anxious. Instead, I looked forward to the activities in store for us.
The queue to get your numerology read was also open, so I decided to snag a queue number before more people arrived. Contrary to my impression of the dating party, getting your numerology read was an optional activity rather than something used to matchmake participants. Still, I was game to see what insights numerology could offer about my love life.
Numerology is the study of numbers done with the belief that they have special importance in people’s lives. At Until 11.11, your reading is calculated using your Chinese birthday. During your 5-minute reading, the expert will tell you what your dating prospects are like. With this knowledge, you can decide for yourself whether you will meet your person at a party like this.
I’m not fully Chinese, nor do I understand the language, so this was slightly confusing for me because I did not know how to read the Chinese calendar. Nevertheless, the expert helped me discern the right date. Personally, using my Chinese birthday didn’t affect the clarity of the reading and my learnings.
An hour into the party, more people started to arrive and things got livelier. The event organisers gave a quick introduction about the party and the activities they had lined up for us, starting with some icebreakers.
For the first icebreaker, we were given a list of horoscope signs and were tasked to find strangers whose horoscope signs matched the ones on the list. This reminded me of CCA general meetings where we would play human bingo to try to get to know as many people as possible. Next, we played “This or That”, where the organisers asked questions such as “Indoors or Outdoors” before levelling up to deeper questions such as “Would you be okay if your partner earned less than you?”.
After playing the games, we were separated into groups based on our horoscope’s element signs—air, water, earth or fire to play more icebreakers.
Once we completed those icebreakers, we gathered into smaller groups for the next activity. We were given a stack of cards with a relationship question on one side, and a political one on the other. We answered 3 rounds of questions before the organisers just shuffled us around.
Though most people seemed to be into the icebreakers, the majority of the attendees still preferred to mingle around on their own. For me, the icebreakers were reminiscent of orientation camp, which weirdly was nice to experience—a throwback, of sorts.
After this activity, we were free to do anything we wanted. Some people engaged in deeper conversations, some got their readings done, and some got more drinks. There was also a futsal table in the event space so I played a few very intense rounds of futsal with other attendees, and I surprisingly won a few rounds!
At 11:10, they started to make us gather so that we could collectively make a wish at 11:11. In numerology, 11:11 is seen as a significant time for an event to occur, most commonly known as an “angel number”.
Angel numbers are repetitive number sequences believed to be messages from the spiritual realm to confirm that you’re on the right path or to shed some light on a difficult situation. Whether you believe in this or not, you have to admit that it’s pretty satisfying to see a pattern of repetitive numbers.
Though I don’t subscribe to angel numbers, it was pretty magical for everyone to collectively make a wish at 11:11.
Before attending the party, I confess that I was a complete sceptic about numerology. Though I’m still not completely sold, I learnt a lot during the experience.
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For example, I realised that numerology was derived from the concept of astrology and that Ching considered it to be a science. While there are a lot of arguments about whether astrology and numerology are legitimate sciences, I have to admit that the reading that I got at the party made sense when considering the trajectory of my life so far.
The numerology master, Rick, has 15 years of experience so it’s safe to say that he knows what he’s doing. During my reading, he told me that I was very emotional and needed to slow down so I don’t push myself too hard, which I completely agreed with as someone who loves being busy. My dating prospects, however, were a punch to the gut. He told me that it would be quite difficult for me to find The One because I wasn’t very lucky in life and that my romantic prospects might not always have the best intentions.
It wasn’t all bad though, because he mentioned that I’m a very creative person and I’m definitely in the correct industry, which made me happy to hear. Overall, the reading was quite fascinating for me as I learnt a lot about myself and my life, even if I’m choosing to take some of the information with a pinch of salt.
If you’re looking to attend a similar event in the future, here are some things to consider. Firstly, manage your expectations. The chances of you meeting the love of your life at these parties are pretty low. While it is a great way to meet people organically, you are more likely to find friends rather than a significant other.
Secondly, if you’re afraid of going to an event like this alone, don’t be. You’ll be able to make some new friends and meet people who are willing to “adopt” you for the night so that you have a group to hang out with. The attendees are extremely friendly and outgoing, especially once the icebreakers start.
Lastly, if you don’t believe in astrology and numerology, the event could still be fun for you. Getting your numerology read is an optional activity so if that’s not something you’re into, you can just use it as a fun opportunity to meet new people and have meaningful conversations with them.
If I only had one piece of advice for people on the fence about attending the Until 11.11 numerology dating party in Singapore, I would say to just go for it. It’s a fun way to meet new people you’d otherwise not cross paths with, akin to orientation camps. Plus, you get a numerology reading as part of the package, so who knows? Maybe you could learn something new about yourself.
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