Me, A Cougar?

My twentysomething daughter and her friends were at my place talking about their dating profiles. Like the old days of driving carpools, I was the fly on the wall. I actually sat at my computer taking notes on their advice to each other.

My number one take-away…less is more. If you’re more specific, you are narrowing your options. I rewrote my essays with this in mind. I wanted to make a few important but general points about who I am (or how I see myself), in a just a few compelling sentences.

TWO men emailed me, and both commented on my essay! Here’s the best part…they’re both a couple of years younger than me. Any woman who’s checked out online dating will tell you that many men specify their preference for younger women. Of course they do. They say their friends would tell you they look, feel and act younger than their ages. They may mention sex in their interests sections; they don’t mention Viagra.

I’ve sent my number to one and haven’t yet responded to the other. As usual, will update as there’s more to know.

Phew…I’m on fi-ya!!

Call Me, Maybe

I have a friend who successfully gets past initial contacts and always has a date in the works. I asked her to share her secrets, listened to what she said, and gave her strategy a whirl. Seems she knew what she was talking about. And here I am, letting the secret out of the vault.

Following her lead, I joined an additional site, one she recommended. Based on my experiences so far, you get the most attention when you are new to a site. Not necessarily better, but higher volume.

I generally send actual messages addressing something in his profile. A photo, a caption, a reference. I try to include a question. I almost never receive a reply. I’ve changed my photos…no reply. Updated my essay…no reply. Or I get a “thank you,” with no engagement in conversation.

But when I see my friend, she’s waiting on another call. What am I doing wrong? No…what is she doing right?! She sends the winks. When she responds to winks and emails, she doesn’t become a pen pal. She invites him to give her a call.

This weekend I got a nibble from a guy who seemed interesting; I boldly suggested we talk. Voila! We have a call scheduled. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Thanks, Yoda.