I love discovering treasure on Ebay. I have found the most amazing deals, and the best part is that when something doesn't work out there is always Ebay's buyer's protection. Its a guarantee I won't be cheated, that the product is authentic and ultimately, I will be happy with my purchase. I have also engaged in online dating, and believe me its nothing like Ebay. There is no buyer's protection, and therefore fraud is easily committed. Single? Divorced? Yeah, right, … they can be seriously married. Online a person can present themselves anyway they want, and there is no guarantee of authenticity. What is the definition of "real" online? Some men can be more fake than imitation Hermes and fray just as easily. That is not to say there is not treasure, I have met some extraordinary men…some who are still my friends today. I met one of my greatest loves online and but I have had the most infuriating experiences.
There is a level on anonymity online, whether its twitter, texting, or Facebook, that allows the most base nature of a person to reveal itself. I have seen behavior online, not just dating, that most people would never exhibit if they had to engage face to face. Its not better than hanging out in clubs as I did when I was younger and its not worst…its all a crap shoot. The only difference is that online dating can be addicting to some people (not to me). I guess the constant affirmation of winks, smiles and nods…not to mention messages is a constant stroke to the ego. I know men who cannot let it go and that creates a new level of difficulty in dating. It also can become a marketplace of willing, able, and in many cases younger women . . . a veritable smorgasbord of sexual opportunity. You have to be strong and self confident to deal with it. For me, its something I've tried in the past, and may try again in the future. Online dating enlarges my social circle and the number of eligible men. It doesn't stroke my ego, nor is it particularly deleterious . . . its just something to do. The option of navigating the minefield of online dating is just that, an option. . . perhaps an opportunity. An opportunity of discovering dating treasure, like the time I found a pristine pair of vintage porsche carrera 5621 sunglasses on Ebay.
David....
Only did the online dating thing once and is was a disaster. A friend of mine signed me up for Match.com once Thanksgiving night and I went on one 'meet and greet'. The date was all the way up in Denver. We met at a Starbucks. She seemed very nice. One big problem; we both were just separated. She was a full body waxer. After a brief conversation and lackluster attempts to force even more dialogue, we didn't really click and we went our separate ways. Pretty boring story at best. Probably not meant to be.
I have a few friends that are serial match.com daters. One of my best buds even has a few scheduled meet and greets at the same Starbucks on the same afternoon / night about an hour apart. This guy has it down to a science. I sometimes get tired just listening to his stories. But they are never dull. They show how some people actually lie about their profile in certain ways.
Discussing dating yesterday with a divorced female friend (which is totally different from an actual girlfriend) was very interesting. I stated that in order to meet someone nice, you have to play the numbers. You have to really get out there and expose yourself to the elements. She seems to think that Mr. Right will eventually drop in her lap. Better play the lottery first. Good luck with that. I've seen too many friends just looking for Mr. Right and not enjoying the ride of dating.
But, on the other hand, I have a friend who did eHarmony and had a deal breaker list out of this world. I knew she would never find a man with all of the attributes she had to have. Within 3 months, she found her man, all the attributes and they have been together for 3 years. Wow. the unicorn does exist...... Hummmm.....
Btw... what is the return policy? Free return shipping? Satisfaction guaranteed? Look out for that frayed knot..