Finding the right person in life can be like assembling the silver monkey in Legends of the Hidden Temple, a challenge of wits, luck, and passing knowledge of primate anatomy. Skip the confusing steps of pick-up artistry with today's icebreaking Groupon. For $12, you get one ticket to an upcoming Lock and Key dating event, a $25 value ($30 if you were to pay at the door without a reservation, though you'd risk being turned away). Your Groupon is good for any event held at an area nightclub or venue within the next six months. Check out the schedule for a complete list of upcoming dates, times, and venues, and to register and RSVP for your chosen event. The ticket includes free admission to the venue and a variety of extras. Depending on the event, perks might include free appetizers, a wine tasting, a complimentary drink, or cue cards with time-tested pick-up lines. Refer to your specific event page for full details.

When you arrive at the event, you'll receive your lock (for women) or key (for men) that could be your ticket to a romance or future career as a locksmith. Keys will attempt to find their matching locks and vice versa. Not all keys open all locks, encouraging participants to meet and mingle with fellow singles and test for compatibility as often as possible. You're free to talk to anyone, not just those whose hardware matches. For every successfully opened lock, both the key bearer and the lock wearer will receive a coveted token to be used as a raffle entry. Pick more locks to earn more tokens, enter into more raffles, win more great prizes, and pick more locks, successfully completing the circle of love. Prizes include cash, cruises, or a lifetime of happy partnership. When the official event comes to an unofficial close, the official unofficial after-party begins. Linger at the bar to extend a connection, or just skip the fluff and ask for his or her hand in marriage and partnership in subsequent communal goat farming.

Reviews

Though there are no reviews of a Triangle-area Lock and Key event, Goldstar attendees in San Diego enjoyed their evening, giving the party a solid three stars, and three Yelpers give the LA event 3.5 stars:

• My friends and I had a great time at the Lock and Key event. It was fun meeting so many singles. I thought everyone-both the men and the women-were all so friendly and happy and willing to play. – Carey!, Goldstar
• It was a fun way to break the ice and talk to new people...even some you may not have walked up to in another venue. The location was great, music was good, and appetizers yummy. – Goldstar Member
• Great event!! Fun people and a great way to meet lots of singles. Event location was interesting and fun. The music was rockin. The drinks were good and there was even a host from a company giving away free samples!! It was overall a really great time! – Jen S., Yelp