Can You Hear This?

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal extolls the risks of online dating. It goes so far as to indicate that marriages from online dating have a higher divorce rate. The reason—the false claims made in the profiles. They’re kidding, right?

Are we suppose to believe that prior to the internet, when meeting prospective date candidates in the venues then available (ie. bars, discos, parties, etc.) that people were always truthful about their “profile”? I’ve seen women lie about their age and their name and men lie about their job, financial picture and where they live. I’ve known both sexes to lie about their current relationship status, be it “going steady”, engaged or married, if they are on the prowl for a “new” opportunity.

If anything, because of the writing requirement, the internet provides more clues to person’s make up than what you get gazing across a smoky bar! It also gives you time to communicate with another individual extensively prior to even seeing them in person. In days gone by, it was NORMAL for people to write to each other for long periods of time before getting down to the brass tacks of regular meetings, now called dates.

Just in my personal experience, I’ve met some really nice people in bars, discos, at parties and on the internet. I’ve met just as many jerks, liars and ne’er-do-wells in bars, discos, at parties and on the internet. One of my absolute worse experiences was a meeting arranged by my parents and an uncle. Should have been fairly safe ground, right? Wrong!!! The guy turned out to be a total jerk and a lech to boot.

Bottom line, boys and girls, whether you’re out there trolling the hot spots in person or surfing the net online, there are basic rules and guidelines you should follow when meeting someone new. The following is my suggested list of questions, you may have some additional requirements but these are basic enough to get you started.

Profile Piercing Questions for a new Prospect:

1. What’s your name? Do you have a photo id to verify that?
2. Do you have a job? Can I see a copy of your most recent paycheck?
3. What kind of car do you drive? Can I see your license and registration?
4. Do you have good credit? Can I have your name, address and Social Security number so I can pull a credit report?
5. Are you physically fit? Can I check in with your family physician to verify your overall health?
6. Do you smoke? Can I check your body for nicotine patches?
7. Do you drink? How many fingers am I holding up? or Stand on one foot and count to 30!
8. Do you live alone? I will, of course, be checking the closets and bathroom medicine cabinet if we ever go there!
9. Are you on the lamb, a convicted felon or currently dodging the IRS? Can I check with the local police department for your arrest record?

And most important these days,
10. Can I assume that all body parts are natural? If not, are they enhanced by surgery, cosmetics or medication?

Seriously, whatever the venue when meeting a potential dating candidate, use caution and common sense, take your time and get to know the person. Whether s/he turns out to be the love of your life or not, you’ll have a better chance of meeting nice folks and making new friends.

Best advice—Never judge a book by it’s cover and take time to “read between the lines”!

With everything that is happening in the world today, good news seems scarce. Then, seemingly out of the blue, you get a small reminder of all that is right in the world. You remember to value your friends and family and to be grateful for what you have instead of worrying about what you don’t have. Plan for what you want and prepare for the unexpected and take care of yourself along the way because you never know what you may need to do, but you want to be up to the task!

The following ten lesson’s came to me from a friend and I want to share them with you!

Cheers to the author!

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s Ark.

ONE: Don’t miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you’re stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

Most people walk in and out of your life……but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart