Send a Smile

In my experience, pretty much all of the dating websites have a system for you to signal other users that you are interested without actually sending a message. For the most part, I find these sort of notifications irritating.  If you're interested in me, send a message.  Sending a "smile" "wink" or "flirt" just puts the onus on me to make the contact when it's you who is supposed to be showing interest.

Today I had two different users send me smiles that just had me shaking my head and needing to complain to my coworkers about the disheartening process of online dating.

First, I received a smile from "KARLM".  He sent a little note with his smile.  (This site allows you to choose from a drop-down menu one or two sentences to go with your smile.  Because people who can't write messages need even more assistance at being unoriginal.)  His drop-down selection note said,

"I couldn't resist the fact that you are drop-dead gorgeous. Ask me how I'm going to rock your world."

Who is KARLM?  A 60-year old man.

He also sent me an actual note to my inbox.  The message this 60 year old man is trying to woo me with read,

"Here is some information about me.  I have been a widower since 2001.  I have 3 kids that are grown up . . . My hobbies include collecting antique cars and maintaining an active social life."

I'm sorry KARLM that you were widowed in 2001.  But you know what I was doing in 2001?  Turning 20 years old!  Your children are probably my age - maybe even older.  Perhaps instead of trying to pick me up on a dating site, you should send a son my way.

A few hours later, another user sent me a smile.  There was no note, just a profile to read.  And after over a year of online dating, this is one I haven't experienced yet . . . "Cool_Couple1"'s profile reads,

"We are a professional couple seeking a fun female to share good times with,  Preferable she enjoys good food and great wine and likes to dance.  Having fun and enjoying each other's company is most important.  Although we have no expectations, should there be a connection, then being intimate would be great.  If you are interested, don't be shy and send a smile."

Seriously why is it too much to ask that I find a boyfriend who is my own age and doesn't have a wife?