Dating Sites

Let's talk about dating websites and the horrible things that happen there. I have been a member of several dating sites over the years (only the free ones) and I have had no luck with any of them. Not even a date. I know people who use(d) them regularly (and pay for them!) and go on dates and THEN have no luck. There are so many things wrong with them, and those who use them. I'm going to talk about my pet peeves.

First, you register and fill out your own forms. I don't know about everyone ELSE, but I try to be honest and forthright. I use my standard nickname to register, one that is clean and relates to who I am as a person: hjtrek. There's the standard "Female seeking Male" choices, "within 50 miles", etc. And then there's the sections you fill out in your own words. For me, these are the worst part. You're supposed to be selling yourself in these ads--a concept I find elusive. I'm not a whore; I'm not selling myself. I'm only supposed to generate enough interest to get some sort of online contact from a man. Again, I try to be honest, but I think I often come across as dull and clinical. It's much easier to pick a pretty picture of myself and move on.

Now, let's go over what's commonly seen on these sites. Fellas, your nickname on these sites can be crucial to your chances of getting any attention. For me, seeing the word "Horny" used in any way is an automatic "NO". I am not looking for a "hook-up"; I already said I'm not a whore, so announcing that state of your affairs has the opposite effect of what you were hoping for. I move on and don't look back.

Now, the self-written portions. So many horrible things can happen in those paragraphs. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling often do not exist--at least in any form that we'd recognize. Any form of text-speak outside of a standard "LOL" will cause me to run away. Quickly. I might even need to shower.

And pictures?? First off, if you don't HAVE a picture posted, I won't be spending much time looking at your profile. I'm not shallow, but I do have to have an attraction to you! I don't care how attractive I might think you are in any other environment--if you are not wearing a shirt, or if you are nude, your profile is automatically disgusting and profane and I will be far, far away. I don't even know you, and I probably don't even know your real name, but you think I wanna see that? Remember, there's gotta be something there to attract me. Let's stick with the Geeky t-shirt instead.

Remember, you are a stranger on these sites. I don't know you. I don't know your sense of humor, and I don't know if you're being ironic and satirical, or just stupid. I don't know if I'm coming across accurately on my own profile, either, but I will not be called profane or inappropriate...at least not until we get to know each other. Then, all bets are off! These standards only apply to strangers, by the way. My friends already know me and I know them and we can be half-naked and horny and use run-on sentences and.....wait, what was my point?