ONLINE DATING
Successes and failures
ONLINE dating is touch and go — it works well for some people, and for others it’s a horrible failure. But the online dating industry continues to grow and thrive, as with technology and exposure people will always be looking for love outside the comfort of their immediate communities.
We asked people: What are your success and failure stories with online dating?
Chris, 53:
I paid for this lady from a small island to travel and meet me, and she said in order to feel safe she would bring her friend along. I wanted to see her, so I agreed to cover the airfare for her friend, but she would be responsible for her own accommodations. Then the demands started. They didn’t want a budget airline, they wanted business class, and they wanted me to buy their luggage too, as well as clothes for both of them to wear to the beach. She was cute, but I felt like it was just a scam to get my money, so I blocked her.
Karena, 28:
Met this guy on a site for military people, and he specifically said he was a serving member. He flew into Mobay and I was to meet him there so we could hang out while he was in Jamaica.
Well, as soon as I met him I knew there was no way he was a current military man. He had also catfished me by sending photos of himself when he was much younger, and much fitter. I met an overweight, balding weed smoker at the hotel, and I just made an excuse and got out of there. Luckily, I was able to get a seat on the last Knutsford that evening.
Emily, 44:
I met my husband online on a Christian site, but not before having a few interesting experiences with other men. I was just about to give up, as my subscription was coming to an end, when he messaged me. We’ve been married 10 years now. Online dating is a lot like regular dating, and you’ll have a few oops before you find the right person.
Arthur, 58:
I met this woman online who said she was a university student, and we were talking for a while. I had a lot of hopes for the relationship as she was a professional who was doing some extra courses for professional advancement. Well, about a month into talking she asked for an invitation letter so she could go get her visa, and I wanted her to visit me so I sent it. After she got the visa she reached out to me again, asking me for money to get braces. I was disappointed because I hate women who try to scam men, and why would you ask a man to pay thousands of dollars for your braces when you haven’t even met?
Andrea, 26:
Most of my dates have been people I met online as it’s convenient for me because my work doesn’t really allow me the time to go out. The guy I’m dating now, we met in person a few times, and I think we have a good thing going on. You have to find a respectable site that vets the members, and you have to be rigorous about who you choose to move to the next level with. It’s just like normal dating — you’ll meet many types of people and like who you like and dislike who you dislike.