A blogpost about online dating.* Here it is. The internet is awash with Carrie Bradshaw wannabes detailing the excruciating details of their dysfunctional love lives. So I thought I'd join in.
While I love my single life (not having to answer to anyone, no-one else's issues to deal with, the total freedom to see whoever you want, whenever you want), I'd been discussing online dating with friends recently and came to the conclusion that it's no longer the preserve of hideous virgins and dodgy perverts. Our generation works online, socialises online so why not a bit of digitally-induced romance? I know of people who met online and are blissfully happy, even married.
We've all heard the horror stories. My particular favourite is an ordinary-seeming guy, who halfway through the first drink asked my friend if she'd "like a good fisting?" Seriously. She politely declined. Aside from possible situations like this, I figured the experience could at least make for some funny stories, and perhaps lead to meeting some new friends, or the man of my dreams, Benedict Cumberbatch... what do you mean, he's not online dating? But how else am I going to find him?
So, filled with curiosity and trepidation, I registered with a site and found myself stumped at the first hurdle of putting my profile together. It's hard to a) differentiate yourself from everyone else on there without sounding too 'quirky', b) big yourself up without coming off as a twat, and c) be funny without being flippant. A quick browse of other profiles reassured me that other people aren't very good at building their own brand either. I made a decision not to engage with anyone who self-describes using the words 'crazy', 'unusual', 'laid-back' or 'normal.' (Read: annoying, on some sort of sex pest register, boring and weird.)
It's clear that there are some oddballs on there. I've been emailed people's bizarre life stories, and had interest from a guy who has used some very weird song lyrics as his 'about me' section. However, am also having some interesting chats with people who on paper (or should I say screen) look interesting and normal. A date yesterday was perfectly alright but I instantly knew on meeting him that despite the eloquent and clever emails, there was no spark whatsoever and he just wasn't going to be funny enough for me. So I dazzled him with my wit, obviously, then after a quick lunch and drink, made my excuses and left. I'm certain he's not at home nursing a broken heart today.
A few of us have joined the same site and it's going to be interesting seeing what happens and who we meet. A giggle if nothing else, and hopefully some good material to write about on here before I inevitably meet that male model millionaire with a PhD. (Or, Benedict. Obviously.)
* I should just clarify that I detest the word 'date'. It's just so fucking American. But there's no real alternative in English, is there? 'Online seeing-someone' or 'online flinging' just sound a bit weird and/or like you're cruising the net.
