The Online Date Debate

I've debated for a long time about whether or not I wanted to divulge the fact that I have joined the world of online dating right here on my old blogarooski. I'd be lying if I said it was because I was afraid the potential dates would find it; it was more about my being embarassed that I had "stooped" so low as to online dating. I didn't want people to judge me - people who I haven't seen or spoken to in years, but have somehow stumbled onto my blog via word of mouth or just plain luck. Trust me, it happens.

Anyway, I have decided to go ahead and share with you my online dating experience because it's basically over, so I don't have much to worry about anymore. And really, what do I care if you judge me, strangers on the internet?!

I joined the online dating world a little under a year ago. I felt like I needed to meet new people. I have friends (shocking...) and very good ones at that, but it's kinda hard to meet people when I'm out and about on a Friday night because a) I've usually had enough cocktails to make me easily distracted, b) my friends were/are mostly dudes with a few girlfriends thrown in the mix and c) when I'm out with my friends, I want to hang out with them, not try to meet Mr. Right!

So, Match.com it was. I paid for 1 month, and made it my goal to go on 4 dates in as many weeks. Mission accomplished! I went on 4 great first dates, only one of which I was bummed about when he didn't call for a 2nd date. After my first month on Match, I figured what the heck, what's another month! That second month was not quite as productive, so I ended my subscription and figured online dating wasn't for me.

In August, I decided I was bored and wanted something to entertain myself, so I joined OkCupid. I had heard mixed things about it and figured I would give it a try. I activated and deactivated my account more than once and went out on a handful of dates, but I was entirely unimpressed with the OkCupid clientele. I also really felt like you get what you pay for, so to speak. Because OkCupid was free, many of the people I started conversations with never actually invited me out or suggested that we should even meet, even after a few weeks of emailing/texting. I realize this is different for everyone, but you know after a couple of emails if you are interested in going out with someone, and while I am not afraid to send the first message, I do kind of expect the guy to do the first invitation. Is that too old-fashioned of me?

After talking with some friends, I re-started my Match membership a month ago. Honestly though, this time is really no different than the others have been. It provides entertainment, I've gone out on some good first dates, and even a handful of second dates, but nothing particularly promising.

I guess that really sums up how I feel about online dating. It's fun, it's entertaining, and it gets you out of the house and meeting new people and in an effort to sound as shallow as possible, it's a guaranteed free dinner! Do I think I'm going to meet someone that I date long-term via Match.com? Chances are no. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to continue putting myself out there. I started online dating because I felt like I had to take my future into my own hands, and now I'm just kind of eh about it. Funny how that works, right?

I never thought I'd be one to join an online dating site. I'm outgoing, I have friends, and I have never had a problem meeting people, but like many other people I've talked to, it's really, really hard to meet people after college. So, that's where I stand. I still have another month left on my subscription but after that, I think I'm done with the online dating world. So, anyone have any single male friends? I assure you I'm not too crazy.