New blog address

Please visit my new blog "Notes from the Dating Trenches" at www.kellyseal.com.

Online Dating Peeves

I admit, I’m a fickle online dater.  When I sign up on a new site (usually for a 3-month special I saw in an ad), I'm excited.  But after a few of weeks and several less-then-average profiles, I stop logging in.  But then, a couple of months later I see another ad or another new site, and once again I'm hopeful and back for more.  

You see, online dating is an art.  Those of you who do it know what I'm talking about.  Certain profiles attract more attention than others, depending on what you are looking for.  

Now, I'm a pretty realistic person when it comes to dating.  I'm not one of those girls who carries a laundry list of requirements for my dates (although no job and bad teeth are my deal-breakers).  But when I'm searching online, it's like going through a catalog.  I have to pick and choose, because of the endless number of men to sort through.  Most of the time, dismissing a potential date comes down to one thing, like what he chooses for a user name, (i.e. "MagikWand").  Or the fact that he posts a shirtless photo to show off either A.) abs or B.) tats.  You may be proud of your body, but stop posting those pics.  Seriously.  Don't make my job harder.  Use some common sense.

So, all you guys and girls who are online dating, put some time and thought into your profile.  Pretty please? 

To Pay or Not to Pay?

Ok, I'll be brave and say it.  Some of you guys are totally cheap.  You know who you are.

I'm a fair and equal girl.  When I am asked out on a date, I do offer to pay for dinner, drinks, whatever.  I know that many members of my gender feel that the guy should pay, especially when he is the one extending the invitation, but I'm all about fair and balanced.  Not in a Fox News way, though.

But I am continually surprised by the guys who practically leap out of their chairs to grab my credit card.  I may offer to pay, but you, as gentlemen, should tell me no.  I know we are in tough economic times, but if you have no money, don't ask a girl out to dinner.  Take a picnic to a park, or invite her to go for a bike ride.  In other words, do something cheap.  Don't act as though you've gotten a get out of jail free card when she hands you some cash to cover the meal.

And for you girls who never pay, you've got some apologizing to do.  Guys feel burnt after paying a bunch of money for your dinners, flowers, and jewelry with nothing in return, only to be dumped when things get too serious.  Then they feel all girls owe them.  That's where my credit card comes in.

So girls, offer to pay for dinner sometimes, or treat your date to drinks or a home-cooked meal. And guys, treat a girl when you ask her out.  Money is a touchy subject for everyone.  Let's reciprocate.

   

Posting...

When I first started reading blogs, they seemed a little self-indulgent to me.  I mean, who cares what one person thinks?  Well, the more I read, the more I was entertained and inspired.  But I felt like a voyeur.  After all, some thoughts should remain private.  Before blogs existed, there were just journals.  We readers were missing out, unless we stole our neighbor's diary.

But now, I think I get it.  It's all about instant gratification.  We can post our thoughts for anyone to see, and get feedback immediately (well, if anyone is reading).  And considering the amount of pondering I do in my own head, I might as well toss it out into the blogosphere and see what sticks.