Online dating ads

So I thought I would start this endeavor by looking at some online dating ads from guys in my age bracket and general geographic area as well as some of my 'competition'. What an eye opening expereince.

First, let's start with the user names that the men choose....

• there are the straight-forward ones like Jeff4267 or MattB7134
• then there are the ones that say what people like skibuff5689 or BruinsFan09
• then there are the ones that make you go hmmmmmm like ilovesleep or aloneallthetime

For men it does not seem to be that big of a deal. The majority choose their name with some number combo.

For woman it is an entirely different world.

• About one quarter choose their names or their name with a number.
• Some choose what they like to do... shopaholic357 or trailblazer4
• Then there are the rest... from the sluty to the sickenly sweet: hotbabe6785, twinklelittlestar, joyrider, sweetandhot.

When I first signed on to Match.com back in the 90's, before I was married and it was a new thing, it was pretty easy. No one used their real name, no one had a photo up (if you wanted to put a photo up, you had to mail one in!), and everyone's email address was something like lovestodance @ aol.com. Back then I think my user name was something like AvenueCgirl, as that was the club I hung out at.

Now I have to decide, do I use my name? a nickname? something cute? Is using my name so bad? Especially since my photo will be up there for all to see? Ugh! So many decisions to make before January 1st!

Step One: Deciding to Date

Two nights ago I had a dream that I was on a double-date with Edward & Bella from Twilight (must have been all the pre-New Moon hype). I could not make out who my date was, but I was having fun, laughing and enjoying myself at dinner somewhere.... and hopefully I was not the dessert. I woke up feeling happy and content.

So then I realized that:
1 - I am a social being
2 - I liked being married (when it was good)
3 - I like having someone to share my life with
4 - I want someone in my life
5 - I can survive dating again

So now what? Do I just hope that I find someone? Do I make an effort to meet men? Where does one go to meet men when you are 39, a mom, work full-time, go to grad school, own a home by yourself and have very little spare cash?

I admit, I have no idea.



So what are the options????

1- tell all my friends I am ready to date and hope that they have someone to introduce me to
2- join an online dating site like match.com
3- go to one of the local matchmakers
4- attend speed-dating events

I have no idea which I will choose at this point. Decisions, decisions.

So I now find myself in the land of checking the left ring finger of every man I talk to. I try to smile more in general and strike up conversations with people where ever I go.

Dating at 39 with a 5 year old daughter will be an experience. Some comedy. Some drama. Some chaos. Some stress. Either way, I hope I am ready. I know I do not want to be alone forever, and I am not getting any younger, so here I go. I will make the leap and jump head first into this dating world.

For now I think I will tell some friends and see if they have any possibilities for me. The holidays, a 20-page final paper and my house-warming party will keep me more than busy this month. If nothing seems promising, I will do something more significant on January 1st.... join a dating service, go see the local matchmaker or something else. Who knows what life will bring me?