Use Your Head...The Other One

Recently, a blog on Creative Loafing caught my attention. The author, Mustang Sally, had a friend who had decided to give online dating a try. Hey, who hasn’t? Especially in today’s tough times, online dating sites are experiencing a boom.

Anyhow, rather than try the big-name online dating sites or even small, niche dating sites, Sally’s friend opted to give Craigslist a try because it’s free. Long story short, boy meets girl online, talks with her via email for a bit, and upon their first date, brings her back to his apartment for a one-night stand. The next day when he comes home from work, the guy walks into a busted apartment that’s been cleaned out. Fortunately, he had renter’s insurance.

This tale was eerily similar to a story from one of my guy friends. He met a girl at a party and brought her back to his apartment for a one-night stand. At some point in the night, she left a window open in another room, and the following Monday my friend came home to the same scenario.

Oh, boys.

These stories illustrate the importance of using common sense whether you’re online dating or dating in the real world. If the mood strikes when you’re with someone you just met, for the love of your computer and flat-screen TV, don’t bring them back to your apartment! Go to a cheap motel, because really, does anyone use a cheap, dirty motel for anything but sex?  

What lessons have you (or your friends) learned from dating in the real world or online?

—Laura Lee Bloor