Recently, a friend and I were enjoying a hot cup o' joe at Quack's 43rd St. Bakery in ATX, when the subject of online dating came up. We had been discussing my world traveling escapades: the upsides and the downsides of living abroad and having no ties vs. a "stable life" of house, kids, and job.
It's not uncommon for people to express envy of my lifestyle; gallivanting here and there, welcoming new and interesting jobs, climes, and environs. There's always a wistful look in their eyes as they refer to the job they have held for a decade, the mortgage, and the inevitable: "As soon as my kids are 18, I will..."
At this point, I start to feel a pinch of guilt, assuring them that my life is not always an endless parade of white sand beaches, ultimate freedoms, and dauntless sojourns. I mention loneliness: missing the proximity of friends and family, and the tribulations of acclimating to varying cultures to dim the shiny-esque aspect of my venturesome lifestyle......
It's not uncommon for people to express envy of my lifestyle; gallivanting here and there, welcoming new and interesting jobs, climes, and environs. There's always a wistful look in their eyes as they refer to the job they have held for a decade, the mortgage, and the inevitable: "As soon as my kids are 18, I will..."
At this point, I start to feel a pinch of guilt, assuring them that my life is not always an endless parade of white sand beaches, ultimate freedoms, and dauntless sojourns. I mention loneliness: missing the proximity of friends and family, and the tribulations of acclimating to varying cultures to dim the shiny-esque aspect of my venturesome lifestyle......
 I've used many of these with success! Some are exclusive to the country in which you reside (or wish to reside!). Certain sites are reputed for finding "long-term relationships", where others are for "hook ups". |  |
...Our conversation ultimately meandered toward relationships, as intimate conversations between girlfriends are inexorably destined.
Then, a surprising suggestion:
"You should start a business for people who need help with online dating!"
I answer with My uproarious laughter to brush aside that seemingly silly suggestion. Yet, throughout the day, my thoughts return to her suggestion. I had, after all, promised her assistance when she becomes ready to navigate the virtual world of myriad dating sites. In fact, This is the fourth or fifth single friend to whom I've offered advice regarding the realm of dating via the web. Further, I have numerous friends who formerly claimed they would never want to find someone via the inter-webs. After a 10-minute disputation on the advantages of online dating, their fears are quelled and their misinformed prejudices are forthwith disposed of! Of course, I had filled my apologia with a generous portion of my own tales of romantic successes, failures, and experiences via matchmaking sites! These converts then rush home to set up an account on whichever site I'm keen on at the moment! Considering that I have almost exclusively utilized online sites when seeking a relationship or date since 1999, and have had much success, perhaps her suggestion of this business start-up has real merit.
And so, begins a new endeavor...?
Then, a surprising suggestion:
"You should start a business for people who need help with online dating!"
I answer with My uproarious laughter to brush aside that seemingly silly suggestion. Yet, throughout the day, my thoughts return to her suggestion. I had, after all, promised her assistance when she becomes ready to navigate the virtual world of myriad dating sites. In fact, This is the fourth or fifth single friend to whom I've offered advice regarding the realm of dating via the web. Further, I have numerous friends who formerly claimed they would never want to find someone via the inter-webs. After a 10-minute disputation on the advantages of online dating, their fears are quelled and their misinformed prejudices are forthwith disposed of! Of course, I had filled my apologia with a generous portion of my own tales of romantic successes, failures, and experiences via matchmaking sites! These converts then rush home to set up an account on whichever site I'm keen on at the moment! Considering that I have almost exclusively utilized online sites when seeking a relationship or date since 1999, and have had much success, perhaps her suggestion of this business start-up has real merit.
And so, begins a new endeavor...?
Funny timeline found online....
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