In an era where love at first sight has turned into love at first swipe, finding a partner can sound like a daunting chore. This can be particularly true to mature adults who still remember the time before instant and impersonal “super likes” replaced the exciting awkwardness of approaching an attractive stranger.

However, waiting for “the one” is a luxury many feel they can’t afford as they get older.

Seeing a need for romance for Whidbey’s seasoned folk, relationship coach Alina Frank is organizing a speed dating event for residents aged 50 to 75 at Ciao in Coupeville that is happening Jan. 31.

“I’ve got the philosophy that everyone has a potential life partner,” said Frank, who has been teaching a course named “Learning to Find Love” for 14 years.

According to Frank, speed dating events are rarely for mature and elderly adults, which is why many have expressed their excitement to her.

At the price of $25 per guest, 20 men will meet 20 women while enjoying beer, wine, coffee or a non-alcoholic beverage and snacking on some appetizers. Women will remain seated while the men rotate every 10 minutes at the ring of a bell.

Frank also said there will be a surprise element at the event, which she did not reveal.

It’s not about meeting someone and immediately falling in love with them. Instead, Frank said, guests should figure out if the person sitting across from them is interesting enough to meet again for a date and see where it goes from there.

This event is a chance to step out of one’s comfort zone, leading to new and exciting opportunities. Though some might not find their partner, they might find the confidence to try things they never thought they’d be comfortable doing, Frank said.

Her advice is to come with an open mind and to be genuine, rather than trying to impress the other person.

Frank intends to host more speed dating events, with the next one potentially being for mature lesbians. She invites interested people to apply or ask any questions by emailing her at alina.frank@gmail.com. If the spots have already filled up, she can put candidates on a waitlist or register them for a future event.