Online dating - day 1 nightmare

[KellyElly]

Just dipped my toe into the muddy waters on online dating today. I really good looking, seemingly nice guy wanted to chat. All good so far.

He sort of made a few innuendos and after a bit I said that I wasn't looking for a hook up or anything casual and was he. This was after he asked me to ask him anything. He kind of attacked me and said I had looked into things and he was just being cheeky and he was completely put off me and was a bit rude. I now feel really humiliated and like I did something wrong but was just trying to be open and honest.

My previous relationship with DD's dad was all about him making me feel I was to blame for everything and assinating my character and now I just feel so shit and stupid. Should I just give up on relationships all together. Maybe I'm just not ready for this or maybe I just don't understand online dating ettiqute?? Advice please.

[ManInBeige]

You met a knob. Absolutely not your fault.

[Numberlock]

Block him and move on to the next.

[McBalls]

You did nothing wrong.

He talked to you in a way that he would have known only some people would be receptive to. You stated your position, he felt chastened and instead of taking it good-naturedly he lashed out at you. Or possibly, lashing out was his way of rapidly abandoning the conversation as you arent after a hook-up and he is. Either way, his problem entirely.

[OhToBeCleo]

In my experience there is often a lot of 'cheek' - which I guess is the virtual equivalent of flirting when there's no eye contact or facial expression to go on.

Online dating requires a thick skin. Are you ready for it?

I wouldn't give up just yet. Depending on what site you're on there are some genuine people on dating sites.

Good luck.

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

He's a wanker, lucky miss.

[KellyElly]

Thanks :) I am on match.com. If that's a mistake please tell me. I've never done this before and would appreciate advice. I'm a lone parent without many babysitter, family etc so don't get the chance that often to meet men through the normal channels.

[DeckSwabber]

Well, I'm dipping my toe as well.

I think some people do online dating to have sex with no consequences.

Some people do online dating because they want to meet someone (a soulmate).

The trick is to know which is which.

Advice I have been given -

• choose a site where you pay (fewer opportunists)
  
• its a bearpit, so be prepared. Some people will lie. Some people will assume you are lying.
  
• don't just chat to one person because they seem promising. Keep a few conversations going. Then if one goes quiet, you are not starting again from scratch.
  
• don't worry if people don't answer your messages. Thick skin required. Imagine you are wearing you most alluring dress and say 'ftt' to any sorry deadbeat who misses out on the chance to meet you.
  

Imagine you are at a party. 50 people, only one or two catch your eye. That has got to be true online as well.

[Numberlock]

How about speed dating Kelly?

[KellyElly]

A thick skin is what I need. I guess its a trial and error thing. Its so different than face-to-face. It actually makes me feel more vulnarable. I'm pretty confident if you meet me face on but this just shocked me a bit. Need to woman up lol!

[OhToBeCleo]

I personally hated match.com - I found a lot of what you've described in your OP there.

My golden rule is that I never talk to anyone on the phone first. If they're not prepared to make the effort to come to meet me then they're out. I never arrange more than a coffee or quick drink (with something else planned an hour later) for the first date. If it's great you can arrange another one, if it's awful you can leave and never look back.

Re conversations - they wax and wane - don't take that personally - it's the nature of the beast. One bit of advice would be not to let a conversation drag on too long before meeting as you create a mental picture of someone which is in danger of disappointing in RL (and I'm not referring to their appearance).

Oh and I'm also a single parent with no regular childcare and few opportunities to date so I empathise.

[Lovingfreedom]

all sorts on OD. One guy told me he wanted to rip the top off me within first few messages..but I've now met a nice guy who I've been seeing for months. it really does take all sorts. thick skin required and don't take anything offensive,rude or suggestive personally.

[NicholasTeakozy]

There's a rolling dating thread on here. So far they're up to no. 36 so you're not alone.

[KellyElly]

Which is the best dating site?

[KellyElly]

So he just came back on and apologised and said he over reacted and you can't tell how these I'm chats are going. ISHOOS I think. Been there done that. No thanks!

[MaggieMaggieMaggieMcGill]

Block him, move on, plenty of fish in the sea, don't take shit from no-one and you will be fine!

[MaggieMaggieMaggieMcGill]

And perhaps read up on the red flag threads on the relationships board. I can prettying tell who might be a goer from 'the first or second message and that thread was a great help in learning how to tell these things.

[izzyizin]

You need this thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/1656774-its-a-new-dawn-its-a-new-day-it-dating-thread-36

It's ongoing and moves fast - there's a continuation just about every week and you'll need to look out for the latest title but it rarely moves far from the top of p.1 of this board.

They're a friendly bunch so drop in anytime and you'll get all the help you need to avoid dickheads like the one you've encountered today - you have written him off, haven't you?

[KellyElly]

Thanks I will check those out and Izzi I have definately written him off! Someone who acts like that online isn't someone I'd want to meet or have any kind of relationship with in real life. Been there done that with a horrible twat in my last relationship. Never again. I'd rather be single :)

[something2say]

I did laugh when I read your op - I was the same this time last year! I dipped my toe in and the messages just flooded in! I replied to every single one, thanks but no thanks sort of thing, and the amount of abusive messages I received in return was shocking!! 'I never liked you anyway, you haven't grown up, you are a hippy, etc etc' all because I said no!! So yes thick skin required.

Good luck tho, hopefully someone nice will be along soon and in the meantime, have fun with them all!!

[izzyizin]

I often lurk on the dating thread.. all pond human life is there

[oopsadaisymaisy]

Hi Op, I've been online dating on and off a few years now. I hated match. You re really limited if you're over a certain age due to filters. My personal favourite is OK cupid. You need to filter through the slightly and overtly odd ones but there's been quite a few nice ones too. Agree with others, adopt a thick skin, don't take anything personally and be picky. Have fun.

[KellyElly]

Thanks oops. I think you may be right about Match. A lot of the profiles I liked specify no children as well so don't think it's that friendly to lone parents!

Something, I'm a mean online dater. I ignore the messages from the ones I don't like the look or sound of :)

[TweedSlacks]

Hi
See if you can sset your profile to 'Private Browsing' . You might miss out on alot of "Cock Shots" , but you can contact people who appear normal.
Oh , and as Izzy recomends , got on the OD thread .
Good luck

[JuliaScurr]

He's a knob
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