Online dating: no more emailing, it’s time for that real human
connection
I’ve recently plunged back into online dating. Without naming
names, let’s just say that this whole process has reminded me:
social skills really do matter.
It’s one thing to “chat” with a potential date by email.
But what happens when you have that first phone call? And how about
when you meet in person?
For that initial phone call, I do my best to carve out a quiet, space
with no interruptions for 10 minutes. (I see you laughing. Ten private
minutes without interruptions as a single parent? Ha!)
I’m extremely sensitive to a man’s voice. If he’s nervous
or awkward, it shows right away. You can practically read someone’s
aura by listening to the way he talks. Do you agree?
When you meet a date for the first time, eye contact is crucial. If
I’m walking up to a man, and his eyes immediately dart to the ground,
that’s not a good sign. Are you with me?
Then, there’s the greeting. I’d love to know:
Do you shake hands when you meet a date for the first time? Or, do
you give each other a hug? (I’m still figuring this one out, but
for now, I listen to my gut about which one to do.)
Once we start talking, I seem to have this uncanny sense for seeing
a man’s pain right away. Perhaps this is because I’ve had
my share of painful experiences — and the hurt in his eyes mirrors
back to me. Because I know my pattern of trying to “fix” men,
my challenge right now is to recognize the neediness, say “thank
you,” and move on.
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