First Posted: 5/28/2013
Since its humble beginnings, online dating has been a new and fast-track way of meeting people outside of the bar scene. Although it had been suggested to me by many friends, I was hesitant to give it a try. Why turn to the Internet to meet guys?
My friend Marge finally convinced me to give it a chance over a bottle of vodka and a few too many shots later. We decided to use a free site and set up an account. The next morning, I had so many vulgar messages in my inbox that I called her up and told her I quit. I already knew where to go if I wanted to meet classless men who are just looking to get laid; I am not in the market for that. She replied that you get what you pay for and that maybe a free site isn’t the way to go. She said we should look into a pay site.
Marge’s argument was that if it is something you need to pay for, the guys must be more serious about meeting someone. I was immediately against this idea; not only am I usually broke nine out of 10 days, but paying for a dating site is six degrees away from prostitution. Why should I have to pay to meet guys?!
I whined and complained but ultimately let her have her way. She was in a great relationship, but she loved living vicariously through my single girl hunt for love. Who am I to take that thrill away from her? A few days later, I decided to check my new inbox. Was Mr. Right anxiously awaiting my wink?
Right away, one particular message caught my eye. I recognized the face in an instant. It was Marge’s perfect boyfriend looking to make a love connection. My jaw dropped and I didn’t know what to do. Was this a joke?
Like any good friend, I immediately called her and read what was on my screen. She sped over like lightning because she had to see it herself. How could he do this to her? How could he not remember me as her friend? Why would he pay for dating when he had an amazing girlfriend?
I printed out the message and gave it to her. I decided to close the account. Maybe she was right after all; you get what you pay for. I didn’t get a date, but I did help my friend discover that her guy was no prince. I may be meeting train wrecks at the bar, but at least I know my friends aren’t passengers.
