I'll try anything once. Well, almost anything. And now that Love Bytes is over, I can honestly say cyberdating was well worth the risk to life and ego. It was new. It was different. It shoved me out of my comfort zone like a sumo wrestler shoves his opponent out of the ring.
It was an adventure. And I dig adventure almost as much as a good vodka drink. I walk away from this experience with two things: A good story to tell my grandchildren (should I ever have any) and a new friend.
Not too bad for a week's work, eh?
--Winda Benedetti
I surfed, I clicked, I dated and, yes, I lived to tell the tale. And here it is: This cyberdating thing isn't for me.
It's not the technological aspect that makes me uneasy -- it's just too set up, too contrived. I prefer meeting guys in more casual, natural settings (through friends, at a party, etc.). Meeting someone with that "Is he is or is he ain't my baby?" loop running through my head just makes me tense and, ultimately, makes me look at the guy in question in a very narrow way.
This isn't fair to the guy and really, it's just no fun for me.
That said, I'd say I had a positive experience and would actually recommend online dating for those who don't suffer from my hang-ups. A couple of words of advice: Use good judgment and good taste and you'll do fine.
--D. Parvaz
The queasy knot in my stomach brought on by exposing myself as a cyberdater was quelled by the nice comments some of you sent.
There was the delightful e-mail from a Lake Stevens High School senior offering to fix me up with her Frank Sinatra-loving teacher (who sounds very nice, by the way). One man sent a personal ad proposing to meet at the wine (Dolcetto) section of DeLaurenti's (classy, I thought). There were multiple offers to play air hockey, and a box is coming in the mail from someone who says it includes things about himself (hmmmm).
Of course, I took some heat for professing my anti-golf feelings, but it wasn't unexpected. P-I golf writer Dan Raley says Tiger Woods will never call me now.
All in all, I survived the experience and I now see that it can be really worthwhile for people. And Garland, my fellow cyberdating dabbler, isn't mad at me either. I hope to see him perform on-stage soon.
But I probably wouldn't try cyberdating again. I prefer the old-fashioned, tête-à-tête encounter. And I spend way too much time with a keyboard and a screen as it is.
--Kristin Dizon
How would I characterize my cyberdating experience? Hmm . . . it wasn't lightning in a bottle. But, in all fairness, the date wasn't that bad. It was different. My first authentic blind date, I guess.
Overall, this was a great personal-growth lesson. I received a lot of encouraging letters from readers. The best advice: Stop looking, she'll find you.
--Justin Edison
OK, I cybersurfed and didn't drown! I met Simi, a wonderful, bright-spirited woman that any guy would be lucky to encounter. I hope we become friends. That said, my personal jury is out on the virtues (or are they vices?) of cyberdating. It's like the radio -- lots of cantankerous clutter, few groovy-licious stations.
But I'd encourage anyone with the time and emotional fortitude to give it a try. Because you never know what you may find on the dial!
--Robert L. Jamieson Jr.
I had an adventure even though I didn't get to the dating part of online dating. As a designer, I was interested in the variety of online dating sites, and I learned some interesting things from a new perspective.
I don't know if I would ever try cyberdating. It's more time online, and I like going out and seeing people.
My advice to other lesbians interested in online dating is to find a reputable gay/lesbian site, use caution and have a good time. Actually, except for the gay/lesbian part, that's my advice to anyone.
I really had fun when the story came out, though. I heard from friends, my family and even the American Singles Golf Association!
