My wife is dating. Not sure how I feel about that. And before this becomes the screenplay for an A&E/History Channel/Oxygen made-for-tv movie, let me explain.
Dating at any time is hard. Finding someone who checks all your boxes is tough. Six numbers and the Powerball are easier. My sister-in-law is learning this again after almost two decades. Wracked with confidence issues and subjected to scammers and men only looking for one thing, she’s enlisted the help of my wife to keep her keel even and search positive as she traverses the pitfalls of online dating.
I can tell you, based on the photos they’ve shown me on one of the dating sites she’s subscribed to, that:
- Men post the absolute worst pictures of themselves.
- It appears that men think a photo of themselves holding a fish is an aphrodisiac.
- Men only want one thing and are willing to skip the 800 steps before that one thing to get it.
- They think a photo of them in a costume (elf, coconut bra, etc.) will get them dates, not just a permanent position on aisle 127 at Walmart.
- Men post the worst photos of themselves. Did I mention that?
- Men only want one thing. Did I mention that?
A hit to your self-confidence can make you believe the hurtful things others have told you about yourself. Worse, it can make you accept less than you deserve, potentially setting yourself up for future heartache when you finally realize you deserve better. Maintaining your self-worth while enduring the endless line of “not in your wildest dreams” losers on these sites is critical and borders on the impossible. You truly need an advocate, someone in your corner to counter your wavering self-esteem, and a sounding board to give you unbiased opinions on the horribly photographed individuals on your screen as you swipe from one “Man with Fish” photo to the next. Seriously, what’s with the fish? Here’s an idea! How about a photo with you in front of a bookshelf or you holding a picture of you and your sixth-grade spelling bee participation certificate?
Look. I get it. There are all types out there. I’m sure there are women looking for men who hold fish or men on a Harley, or men who can’t spell. Some women can’t spell, ride Harleys, and like fish. However, when my sister-in-law is looking for love, she’s looking for a companion with whom she can spend the rest of her life. She’s looking for someone to travel with, watch movies with, discuss books with, describe her day at work with, and grow old together. Someone who will love her as much as she loves them, someone who respects her. It’s not easy to find that person. Does anyone want a Powerball ticket?
And so, my wife is dating. She’s texting on her sister’s behalf on dating sites, keeping the conversation respectful and probing for that kernel of honesty, that proverbial needle in the haystack. She shares with me what they write, and so many of them flame out within 24 hours when they cross the line (skipping those 800 steps) or reveal themselves as scammers looking for money or someone needing a dictionary.
Here’s some advice for the men out there from a guy who knows how to fish, ride a motorcycle, and spell. Lose the fish, guys. Put on a clean shirt and ask someone to take your picture (or learn how to use the 3-second delay on your cell phone camera). If you want a relationship, don’t ask them whether they “landscape” in the first text. That’s not a relationship. Texting is hard enough because it is devoid of emotional intent. Proofread what you type and try to project how your writing will be interpreted. Take the extra few seconds to ensure you spelled everything correctly. Seriously, it’s not that hard! You’re making all men look bad when you skip the steps and can’t spell “steps.”
Incredible women are looking for their Mr. Right. Self-esteem is always on the line when dating, on both sides. You leave yourself vulnerable and subject to hurt every time you engage with someone on dating sites. Put your best foot forward. Take a good picture. Spell correctly. She’s out there. I know one. And then my wife can stop online dating. Thanks.
Thoughts at Large 