Part 2: The Matches Begin

The process is actually genius. You are matched based on your test results for personality type plus your preferences. Your preferences are about distance, personal preference (children, age, smoking drinking), background and belief (religion, ethnicity, education, income) and height. You choose the level of importance for each area from very to not. Then, it starts...

With much anticipation, I start looking at the profiles of my matches. At the top there is a photo with a section listing what they are most passionate about and the most important thing they are looking for. The photos can be VERY interesting but more on that later. Then below, is basic information (occupation, age, height, want kids yes/no, ethnicity, religion, drinks, smokes). Then, the meat... Most influential person, life skills, most thankful for, can't live without, first thing people notice, leisure time, last book read, friends describe him as... WOW. So much info!

This is SO interesting and yet, disturbing. First of all, who knew that so many, many men were “sensitive” and “affectionate”? That they want to “hold hands on the beach”, “watch the sunset” and “cuddle” in their leisure time. RIGHT.

There are some things that eliminate a candidate for me right off the bat. First of all, TYPOS. (I hope there are none here or I'm being hypocritical!) I have a thing about typos and spelling in general. Obviously, it can be a sign of intelligence (or lack of) OR it's just a lack of caring! Here are my favorites. Right at the top – what is the most important thing he's looking for?? “Honosty”. Then there's the guy who was most influenced by his first manager who really helped him with his “carrier” and now he loves his job and has a great “carrier”. I'm not kidding. Here's a case of just not caring – first thing at the top: “I am msot passionate about loved ones.”. And what's the first thing people notice about Bob? His “sence of humor”. Oh brother. BUZZZZZZZZ!

There are other obvious turn offs for me. How about the guy who lists “really great sex” as something he can't live without? I mean, I'm cool with that being true but to just put it out there? BUZZZZZZZ! And the ones who talk about their divorces. That seems like kind of a 'no-no' to me on a profile! “I have a great relationship with my ex-wife” or “my family helped me through my divorce”. I don't know. This just sounds like a problem waiting to happen.

Also entertaining are the less-than-clever ways that guys try to indicate that they are fit. Some just say so and others create very long lists of things they like to do: “hiking, running, biking, going to the gym...”. And my favorite so far: “I am thankfull that I am height/weight proportiate and am blessed with great health.” (This is also a great example of the typo/spelling issue. BUZZZZZZZZ!)

I worry about the guys that cannot seem to answer the questions. First of all, if you can't answer the question, just leave it blank! Nothing gets posted. It's a portal. Do we all understand how this works? (Okay, maybe not.) Many profiles are full of comments like: “??? I can't think of anything in particular.” “I don't know. I've really never thought about it before.” And the EVER popular: “You'll find out when we meet.” Okee dokee.

Some of the matches are AMAZINGLY prolific. Into absolutely everything, perhaps hedging their bets! This guys spends his leisure time as follows: “...I enjoy the outdoors and sports. I snow ski, water ski, hike, bicycle, scuba dive, play tennis, raquetball, volleyball, table tennis, kayak, sail,work out at the gym and camp, for example. I enjoy going to the movies, listening to music, reading books, and chatting with friends. Once in a while I'll go on a trip abroad and over the years I have traveled to many parts of the world.” Sure.

The last group of 'turn offs' for me are the oversellers. I mean, they can be very goofy! Here's a good one: “My passions include: Family/kids, outdoors, activities, doing things together! I look forward to sharing more about us! Let's cook together,dance, hike/bike, swim, anything mtns/tropics related, garden veggies/herbs year round,work on home projects,walk hand 'n' hand to see the town,antique/shop,share a special day away--just u and I.... sports/fitness,build a roaring fire... antique,cuddle up to a movie,travel....im open to NEW activities with you~!” REALLY? Are you? With ME!! And yet you don't even know who I am yet. Gee, I can't wait. BUZZZZZZZ!

There are some very humorous responses as well – and I LOVE these. Like this guy: “I wish this weren't true but I am probably most passionate about the Chicago Cubs.” I HAD to reach out to the guy who said that the most important thing he was looking for was “not abducted by aliens” and that he couldn't live without “a good woman, or a bad one”. LOL!

Generally, I am pretty impressed. This has met my expectations so far - although my expectations were not high. Many appear to be quite intelligent, engaging and interesting. I DO realize that they could be making this stuff up but it's a start. As I dip my big toe into this sea of 'matches', I'm feeling a little encouraged – and VERY overwhelmed. I feel the sudden urge to eat some broccoli and go for a run. Next, the photos...