There comes a time in all online daters' lives when they arrive at a coffee shop go-see and are faced with someone who is definitely not the person they thought they were talking to— and who hasn't been that person for ten years. What do you do when greeted with someone who's twenty pounds heavier and ten years older? Take a look at the following dating tips for Darwin singles.
• Squint a little at your date to express confusion. "Brad?" you might say, inquisitively, as if you're in a dark room and can hardly see a thing. "Is that you?" This unsure greeting will set him up for your eventual quick exit.
• Engage him in conversation. You like him enough to have forged some minor connection already, so you may as well relax and enjoy your beverage.
• Keep the chit-chat neutral and impersonal: Talk about work, the weather, the coffee shop. Don't flirt. You don't want to give him the false impression that you're interested in letting him into your life.
• As soon as you see coffee grounds, make a speedy exit. Lay some cash on the table (you don't want him to feel as if you owe him anything), stand up, and stick out your hand for a brisk handshake.
• To quash any lingering hope that you might be interested in a second date, say, "Best of luck to you. I hope you find everything you're looking for," and vamoose.
If you've only been on the go-see/audition, it's fine to let the other person down via e-mail. E-mail is the vehicle by which this relationship began, so why not send that person off using the same mode of communication? Since you hardly know each other, there isn't enough fodder for discussion to merit a phone call, anyway. Here are our dating tips for Darwin singles for the e-mail send-off.
• Send the e-mail no later than the day after the go-see.
• Write something short and to-the-point, but include something personal so it's clear you didn't lift a form letter from your templates folder. Here's a sample: "Dan, it was good to meet yon in person yesterday. As much as you impressed me with your story about winning the Australian Spelling Bee Championship at age eight (how very cool!), I don't think we have enough in common for this to be a match. (For one thing, I'm a horrible speller.) But it was fun meeting you, and I wish you all the best. "
• After a second date, you can still get away with an e-mail—unless there was a kiss or any contact beyond a handshake or hug.
• A phone call is required after the third date.
Jodie Brittain is the CEO of Australian Online Dating website, Slinky Dating Australia - the Aussie-only Online Personals site for men and women looking for friends or serious relationships. Join Slinky Online Dating for Free!
Slinky Dating Australia
|
