Move over Lavalife, wearing badges is the new way to distinguish singles from the taken. 35-year-old Sydneysider Evan Diacopoulos was so over waiting for Cupid’s arrow to hit that he’s created a subtle badge that reads YIS. That stands for Yes I’m Single.
“The badge lets others know you are single and actively looking to meet other like minded singles,” he says.

“If you are attracted to someone reading a YIS badge, you can be reasonably confident that they are waiting for someone like you to pluck up the courage to say hi.”
It may seem over the top but Diacopoulos reminds us that people used to be embarrassed to do online dating and now it has become mainstream.

“This is just taking it to the next level,” he explains. “I’m trying to get away from the whole online dating concept which can be a bit contrived, and help people to meet the old fashioned way.”
Diacopoulos organised the first ever National Singles Day yesterday, September 17.

“Whether you have a badge or not, National Singles Day is a catalyst for singles to start expanding their social networks, forming their own interest groups, planning activities and meeting new people,” he adds.
So far over 200 people across Australia have signed up for a YIS badge.

The small, unobtrusive badge can be purchased from www.yis.com.au for $22.50.

Membership includes access to the YIS forums where you can chat to other singles and organise your own events and local activities, as well as entry into YIS events.

Diacopoulos has scheduled two informal drinks events for singles in Sydney on Thursday October 8, and in Melbourne on Saturday October 17. See the website for further details.