the interview II*
One part of the online dating process that strikes me as really, really strange is what can only be termed… the interview.
When you date people online, you’re supposed to have Some Goals in mind. Have an Idea of What You Want. So when you are emailing before you meet, talking on the phone or on that interminable first date, you can make sure that you’ve found someone who is Very Compatible with What You Want and Need out of A Relationship.
But when it comes to asking extremely personal questions of people that I hardly know, I have to admit that sometimes it feels suspiciously like…. A job interview.
“So Dylan… I see here that your last relationship failed miserably after only six months. Can you tell me a little bit about what went so horribly wrong?”
“Have you thought about having children, Mark? When?!”
“Can you list some of your areas of experience? And maybe, uh, tell me a little more about your specific areas of expertise?”
Going right along with the job interview and asking all of the personal questions, I’ve started to wonder about checking references, too. I’d call ex-girlfriends, sisters, moms and friends to learn more about a potential suitor. Questions to ask might include:
“So tell me, Mrs. Bradshaw. Has your son had very many girlfriends?”
“Sarah, when you dated Jeffrey, did he do that thing with his hands? Or is that new?”
When it comes right down to it, online dating is exactly the same as regular dating. The wrong ones text and call you all the time. The right one disappears into thin air about ten minutes after you have your date. I guess it’s all a waiting game, no matter how you meet.
So far, I’m still waiting.
*Not to be mistaken with the interview, a wholly different type of awkward moment for single women.
When you date people online, you’re supposed to have Some Goals in mind. Have an Idea of What You Want. So when you are emailing before you meet, talking on the phone or on that interminable first date, you can make sure that you’ve found someone who is Very Compatible with What You Want and Need out of A Relationship.
But when it comes to asking extremely personal questions of people that I hardly know, I have to admit that sometimes it feels suspiciously like…. A job interview.
“So Dylan… I see here that your last relationship failed miserably after only six months. Can you tell me a little bit about what went so horribly wrong?”
“Have you thought about having children, Mark? When?!”
“Can you list some of your areas of experience? And maybe, uh, tell me a little more about your specific areas of expertise?”
Going right along with the job interview and asking all of the personal questions, I’ve started to wonder about checking references, too. I’d call ex-girlfriends, sisters, moms and friends to learn more about a potential suitor. Questions to ask might include:
“So tell me, Mrs. Bradshaw. Has your son had very many girlfriends?”
“Sarah, when you dated Jeffrey, did he do that thing with his hands? Or is that new?”
When it comes right down to it, online dating is exactly the same as regular dating. The wrong ones text and call you all the time. The right one disappears into thin air about ten minutes after you have your date. I guess it’s all a waiting game, no matter how you meet.
So far, I’m still waiting.
*Not to be mistaken with the interview, a wholly different type of awkward moment for single women.
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