love at first byte
Maybe online dating wasn’t so terrifying…
Dana, it’s time to stop sitting alone all week and gardening all weekend,” said Patsy as they got off the bus. “Why not join an internet dating site and meet new people?”
“Dating’s not for me!” Dana was horrified at the thought.
“It’s just about making friends,” said Patsy firmly. “You’ll find plenty of both sexes who want to do the same things you do. Hiking, going to concerts.” “I wouldn’t know where to start.” “I have the details of one site.” Patsy rummaged in her bag. “Here. Type in this address and follow the instructions.” “I don’t think so,” laughed Dana. But at lunchtime next day, hesitantly, she typed in www.Friendsandothers. Up came a colourful invitation to join a crowd of happy, good-looking men and women, all eager to enhance her life at the touch of a button. Profile? “What’s this?” she muttered aloud. “It’s just a bit of self-advertising,” said a deep voice behind her. It was the accountant, Andrew, also on his lunch break. “I couldn’t help noticing you’re on that site. I believe it’s very good.” Dana smiled, embarrassed. “I’m not a member. I don’t know what to do next.” “Well, let me show you how to join up.” He sat down next to her and proceeded to fill in her details as she told him. “Age group? I’m guessing over forty?” “Definitely!” She smiled. Over fifty, actually. But age was fine for men. Andrew himself was a greyhaired, quiet man who always had a pleasant word for everyone in the general office. The sort of man who’d have no problem meeting people. She knew his wife had died some years before and these days he probably enjoyed an excellent social life.
“Hobbies and activities?” he asked, his fingers poised over the keyboard.
“Well, walking with my dog. And going to concerts – not the pop kind, the orchestral ones at the town hall. And gardening – I love gardening.”
He smiled. “Most people include the theatre and fine dining.”
“Oh. I’m not against a slap-up meal out!” She laughed.
“And now a photo – although that’s optional,” he said.
“I haven’t got one of myself that isn’t at least ten years old. My daughter says I’m camera-shy!”
“A lot of people are,” he said easily. “No problem. Now, once you’re registered, you can expect to start receiving notices from members who would like to meet you. And you can contact those who appeal to you.”
“Sounds so easy. Thanks for your help, Andrew. I’ll keep you posted.”
Two days later, Dana opened the site and started to read the profiles of the different men.
Most seemed to be young, goodlooking and top executives. And all keen to meet good-looking women who enjoyed diningoutandhavingabitoffun.
Oh dear. Dana knew she was too quiet and serious to be a fun person. This whole idea was hopeless.
There were a few profiles without pictures and one of them sounded rather good. He enjoyed classical music, foreign movies and making his own wine. And he didn’t claim to be a top executive. If only she had the courage to contact him, he might turn out to be really nice. But she closed the site and went back to work.
Did you find anyone appealing?” Andrew asked the following day. “Actually, I found them all a bit intimidating. There was only one man who sounded right for me but I didn’t have the courage to leave him a note. It was a crazy idea anyway.”
“Don’t give up on it.” He smiled. “Did you check your own page?”
To her surprise, someone had contacted her.
ItsoundsasthoughyouandIboth enjoythesamethings, she read. Would youcaretoaccompanymetothe concertonSaturdayevening?And perhapsaslap-upmealoutafterwards?
“My goodness!” Dana was amazed. “Look at this!”
“So, what do you say?” Andrew looked oddly uncertain. “They’re doing a Beethoven violin concerto.” “This is you?” “Guilty. I’ve always been bit shy about the direct approach so my son suggested I give this a go.” He smiled warmly at her. “I wasn’t sure – but now I’m very glad I did.” Dana grinned with relief. “Me too. I’d love to go to the concert.” This online dating was easier than she had ever thought!