Every time I hear about online dating sites, I confess I have a certain connotation connected with it. Awkwardness. Contrived. Desperate. I think to myself, “Internet dating is for weirdos who can’t meet people the real way. Like in real life.”
But really, I am the last person to have any negative judgements about online dating. I’ve met a good number of boys through the internet (Facebook, Twitter, blogs) and my whole life in Atlanta is a direct consequence of reading Kelly and Jenn’s blogs. Not to mention I have lots of online friendships with people that I’ve never met the real way.
Realizing all this, I decided to get over myself and try a dating website. The pickings are slim in the Atlanta Objectivist scene and frankly I need to expand my social network. I’ve never done the typical dating thing where I meet a boy and get to know him by going out and doing things. Often I am already friends with the person and just dive right in to a relationship.
It’s a bit nerve-wracking. What if the photos look way better than the person in real life? What if things are totally weird? What do I say if it’s going bad? What if I’m really into him and he’s definitely not? I’m pretty sure I can use my adult super powers to navigate through these potential awkward situations, but it is a bit scary to try a big new thing.
On a more positive note, browsing through a dating site is a lot like shopping for an apartment online. Bouncing back and forth between match.com and apartmentratings.com the similarities were clear. What amenities do I want? What part of town? How’s the view? Can I do short term? What must I absolutely have and what is just nice to have?
Unfortunately there are no online reviews for boys, so all I have to go on is profile information and my best judgement. Which can be tough given that most profiles start out, “I’m pretty laid back” continue with “I do these things that 99% of the population also does” and end “I’m just looking for a girl to chill with.” But then again, aren’t apartment complex overviews just as nondescript?
So far I’ve had a few people catch my interest, but nobody has blown me away. But that’s what real life dates are for right? We’ll see how those go. In the meantime, this song is playing in my head every time I log on.
Lol, nice article. I have been having similar problems in Atlanta.
by the way when does the Atlanta Objectivism Society meet again? I am interested in getting involved.
We have monthly socials as well as lots of other optional value groups. You can view the calendar at atlantaobjectivists.com.
Online dating definitely comes with its highs and lows. Some of my best friends (and best relationships) have come from dating sites, so it’s definitely a great way to connect with people, but at the same time there are a lot of weird people out there!
I’ve just moved to a new city and am using a dating site to meet people (the first month here was hard, as I didn’t know anyone at all) and this has led to some very good and somewhat bizarre results!
I actually blog about it now, because I’ve had some pretty wacky dates before which I think would make people laugh, plus I like the idea of creating an online community where people can share their dating experiences: the good, the bad, and the damn right ugly!
http://mildredgoesfishing.wordpress.com