Online Dating/Hating

   Online dating can be confusing, depressing, and disappointing. So why would anyone want to meet people online? Because it can also be a quick and it's an easy way to weed out those you know you would never connect with. The problem comes when there's a whole bunch of weeds and no flowers. I have noticed that some websites are used by more creeps in some cities than others.

   For example, Plenty of Fish is a wonderful place to go if you are looking for casual dating in Columbus, Georgia. But in Birmingham, Alabama the website should be called something like "Plenty of Booty" because that's all it is: BOOTY CALLS. It is disgusting. When I was on Plenty of Fish in Birmingham I felt like I was breaking the law. Men would message me 3 or 4 times a day about getting in my pants. If they would have been talking to me that way in person I would have probably broken the law in another way (by breaking their faces).
   On the other hand, Match.com has never let me down. No matter which city I have been in, when I tried it I have always gotten positive results. Maybe I didn't find my true match, but that's not the website's fault. Maybe my soul mate just wasn't looking for me online. Nevertheless, the men on Match have been respectful, good looking and seemed promising.
   Ok Cupid is another online dating service I have dabbled in. I have never actually met a guy from there in person, but it seems legit. A girl I work with recently got engaged to her Ok Cupid guy, so I know for a fact it works for some people.

So Much Cooler Online

   Speaking of working for people, online dating is perfect for the busy bee. At one point I had a breakfast, lunch and dinner date every day. Of course that got old, but if you want to get out more, online dating is the key to success. There are free online dating websites so you don't always have to pay to find love. There are precautions online daters should take:

1.) Never let someone pick you up. Meet them in a public, well-lit location. Do not tell them where you live.
2.) Never go on a date with someone until you verify their identity. They must have pictures, and ask for their  
    Facebook page to do some background checking.
3.) Before going on your date give all the information you have about the person you are going to meet and  
    all the information about your meeting (time, location, etc.) to at least one other person.
4.) When you're on your date remember that person is a stranger. Stay aware of your surroundings.
5.) Use your common sense. If it doesn't feel right or if something seems off, it probably is. Get away!

   Following those simple guidelines can help you stay safe while online dating, but they will not protect you completely. Remember there's a number to call if you find yourself in a threatening position: 911. Who knows, if you're anything like me, maybe the cop that comes to rescue you will ask you to dinner :/