I have been a single person for almost 6 years. I have been lucky enough to be involved in a running group that socializes on a regular basis. Most of my close friends are members of this club. This, then, has been until recently, my source of dating options.
Not that this was a bad thing, but these relationships ended, and I learned a lot about myself and my life by the couple of men I dated from this group. So, I decided this past fall that it was time to venture out into the "real" world, and see what types of men might still be available in my age group.
I have a friend at work who met her husband through online dating. I have another friend who was happily dating someone at the time. I logged on, and filled out a profile at wealthychats.com. After that, I did nothing for three months. During that time, I was constantly getting emails, winks, nudges, looks, whatever. The Web site, of course, was trying to lure me into officially joining. Finally, at the end of this March, I upgrade and spent my first $39.95 through online dating.
Of course, I did not realize at the time, that you could be matched up with someone for the silliest criteria. I don't know how many times, I was told I matched with a man because we are both a middle child. What does that have to do, as my beloved late Mother, Edith, would say, with the price of butter?
I was contacted by several men, some of whom I met, and some I did not. There seemed to be those out there who only want to send e-mails. This is fine for a short time. But, I am looking for someone who wants to be with me, not write to me! There also seem to be serial daters, who want to meet and date as many women as possible. One person called me, and then after 15 seconds of conversation, said that he needed to hang up and take an important incoming call. He called back two hours later, and could not remember my name!
There are also those who are out of the age-criteria range that you are allowed to select. I have had winks from the very old and the very young. I am not sure why. But I specifically want to be with someone who remembers Captain Kangaroo, the Andy Griffith Show, listening to baseball games on the radio, and 5 cent candy bars. I want to be with someone who likes the Beatles, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and the Eagles, not Britney Spears or Hannah Montana.
There have been a couple of men that I really enjoyed having a date with, but for one reason or another, broke things off. There have been a couple of fellows who were pleasant, but just did not "connect." There were a few who have asked to meet, then waited three weeks and asked again. It has just been the most puzzling experience. The worst was when I recognized someone from the time my kids were in school. I knew him when he was married, and I was friends with his now ex-wife. I was a little shaken.
I, then, made up my mind to take a break from this merry-go-round and lay low for awhile. I was tired, and had a big project at work going live that was going to involve overtime. So, I gave one last look and saw someone very interesting! I will give no details, except to say that I have met a very nice person.
As for recommending this type of dating experiences, go for it! At the very least, you will meet some new people, which can always make life a little more enjoyable and interesting.
