As far as dating is concerned I have used quite a few techniques in order to snag that certain someone. Whether it is for a date, possible boyfriend potential or a one night stand, I have used quite a few tricks of the trade.
However... there is one thing I haven't tried, well... until last week.
ONLINE DATING
I mean, I always hated the little work conversations about "Match" and discussions about who was talking to whom on match. I just never had a taste for it. But, a few weeks ago I decided, in the name of research to give it a shot. It would be an experience and I pride myself on experiencing as much as possible in this life.
So, found a dating site that was featured on the Today Show. I set up an account, with no picture, just a profile and then a began searching away.
Quicker than I anticipated, I spot someone. Came across a guy, kinda cute, read his profile and he seemed fairly intelligent. I shoot him an email. Nothing crazy, I notice that he's in to music, likes punk as do I, so I tell him about a few clubs in town that have great music. In all honesty, it was kind of like catalog shopping and what woman doesn't like flipping through the pages of the latest JCrew, whether you're buying or not!?
Sent the guy a message, he messages back. We embark upon some decent conversation, but I was still feeling a little weird. I could tell the weirdness though, might eventually fade. After some banter I sent him a pic of myself and my email address, as I did not want to go on to the site any longer (which I will get to in a minute).
Everything seemed harmless and seemed to be going fairly well. But over the next few days something happened. I began receiving tons and tons of messages from people that were on the same dating site. I literally felt as though I was part of an online meat market. I felt like Cheri Oteri bouncing between Will Farrrell and Chris Katan. I realize that by reaching out to someone, I was part of this group as well and maybe that is what bothered me? There was such an influx of desperation and it was all too much too fast. I just wanted to quietly look around and keep to myself.
So, at that point I was completely wigged out and decided that I was done with the online thing. However, I was going to continue talking with the boy I had selected. Why not?
To give you the wrap up, let me just say that there is not going to be any future meetings with this guy. I emailed him, on his profile says he lived in the same town... not true... he lives more than an hour away. He tells me he is going to be coming to my area for 4 days and he wants to catch up. I agree to make a meeting. After I agree, he asked me if it would be ok if his friends came along, then, he asked me if I wanted to bring any of my friends along. Already getting annoyed/bored. I told him that my friends would not be joining us and if he would like to reschedule for another time and spend time with his own friends, then I would have no problem with that .
The day comes that we are supposed to hang out and I call him. He says he should be ready at about 9pm. I decide to take a little nap while I wait, but an hour turns in to two and then I am fast asleep. I then wake up at 245am, realize that the kid tried to call me around 11pm. I text message him, "sorry, i didn't get your message til just now." He calls me as soon as he gets the message and starts apologizing for not catching up, telling me that he does want to meet up, and asks me what i am doing the next day. In all honesty, I didn't care, but why not try for a second meeting?
I message him the next day, tell him I am available after work if he is still interested. Nothing... no reply.
Then, the following day, I get a message from him, he says, he's around and asks if I want to hang out. Even though I am a little weary, I say, "OK... I am available after 3pm." So... what happens... nothing! He never messages back? I mean, what the F? So... it's been a few days and that is the last I have heard from him.
So... what's the point? Do I Internet date? Do I not Internet date? Do I care? I mean, I could have received the above attention from ex-boyfriends that I still have hanging around.
My point, I probably won't attempt online dating in the future. I felt uncomfortable with the meat market aspect and that is something that in the real world I try to avoid. I prefer seeing some one's face, to assess their body language and to do so in public. I'm not saying that online dating is bad, but if you're the kind of person that is pretty secure with yourself without a boyfriend or you're outgoing, you are probably going to be disappointed.
Plus, I meet people easily and I don't want to take away from the girls out there that don't. I think the online dating thing is good for people that are not thrust in to social situations on a weekly basis or need to ease in to something rather than just attacking guys and slapping big wet sloppy kisses on them.
So... that's it me and online dating... totally broken up!
