From Jamie, the serial Internet Dater‏

I had been talking to a man online, and he was very nice. We talked several times, he owned his own company, his own home, early 40’s, had a son, so understood children and their needs, he seemed like a good fit. He hadn’t dated since his divorce, which was about 8 years ago, so this was all new to him. We talked on the phone several times as well, so yet another coffee date was set. We met at the said coffee house, and he wasn’t unattractive, but he wasn’t that attractive, either. (His picture was hard to see online…But I could see that he wasn’t a one eyed freak!!!) Anyhow, we had a very nice talk. We talked about our kids, families, vacations we’ve taken, etc. It was very nice. When he mentioned his son, I asked if he knew a friend of mine. Same neighborhood, same school for the kids. He said no, the name didn’t ring a bell. I mentioned I was going out with some girlfriends to a concert that Friday night, and he said if we drank too much, he’d be happy to come pick us up. We were outside, and it was pretty chilly, so we decided to take off, and he asked if he could see me again. I said sure, since I figured I should give it a chance. (You never know, with a good personality, they CAN be come attractive, right?!) Well, a couple days later, at dinner before the concert, my friend was asking me about the date. She looked confused and asked if this man owned a painting business, which I said yes. Then she mentioned his last name, and I said yes, that’s his name! Why?! Well, folks, it turns out that this very nice man, who hasn’t dated since his divorce, had been dating my friends other friend for the last five, yes, that’s FIVE years!!!!!! Can you believe that?! So, ladies, we did what any other normal American women would do. We started calling him. From the restaurant, concert, etc. He did not pick up. I’m thinking he’s figured it all out, and is a tad scared to pick up….hmmmm…… When I got home that night, after several margarita’s, ok, and a few more martini’s, I thought it would be appropriate to send my little friend a strongly worded email. Of which I did. I then, went to be, feeling oh, so much better after giving him a little piece of my mind. The next morning, he sent me a reply with “You don’t know enough of the story…” “I don’t know enough of the story???? Really??!!! I know enough that I know you’ve been dating Susan for 5 years. I know enough that you lived with her for awhile. I know that she is the one who works in your office with you, I think that’s enough of the story to know that you’re a jerk!” (OK, I did use a different word, but since this is a family website, (it is, isn’t it?) I’ll refrain.) This was an immediate reply by me. Not five minutes later, my friend called me to tell me Susan called her upset and crying because Barry broke up with her!!! Yes, ladies, he was with her the night before, ignoring my phone calls, and knew he’d been caught, so decided it was in his best interest to step up, be a man and break up with her. A little late, I think! So my good friend informed Susan she was better off because he has been online, looking for someone new, and that he had gone out with me. Poor Susan, she was very upset, yet happy to know that he’d gotten the appropriate response from me, and it was much easier for her knowing he’s been a “jerk” and she is much better off without him. So, Susan is doing well, knowing she got out of an obviously sinking relationship, I’m doing well, knowing I exposed a jerk for what he is, and the friend in the middle is doing well, knowing she doesn’t date men online, and doesn’t have to deal with this crap.
Ladies, I do this because I have faith, fading as it is, that there are decent men out there. Somewhere. They do not show up at work, the grocery store or in hiking clubs as we are all promised. Yet, they are online, waiting for a talented, smart, attractive woman comes along. I just haven’t found him yet…..