Memorable Introductions: DarkMan69

This enigmatic character surfaced out of thin air one fall day when Ms. Wake Up was surfing the web for a specific item. Somehow the web results mysteriously caught cached pages of items that were correlated yet not directly linked to DarkMan69’s written material. While skimming the search results, it only appeared practical to see what DarkMan69 wanted the world to know. His writing covered an array of politics, the infinite facets of human beliefs while restraining his dogma from segregating his audiences; as well exuding enough ephemeral presence to lure interest from strangers.  Apparently it remains unknown to this day if it was the writing or the mystifying picture that made Ms. Wake Up drop by for a dose of current events.   

Credit: '80MillionMovies'

C’mon folks, it’s DarkMan69. How can you not know this? Ms. Wake Up will tell you why. This is how the conversation manifested over hmm…his highness (rolling eyes).

“I noticed your picture was titled DarkMan69.  Any deep insight behind the title?”

“It was a picture taken quite some time ago.”

“Is the 69 alluding to a personal preference for….”

“It’s my birth year. Why? “

“Ah, never mind, (sigh) there goes my mojo.”

*Notice the difference how men and women communicate?*

Crossing Paths at Match.com

It is amazing that millions of people from all over the world engage in online dating with the intent of finding the right partner(s) for them.  It is challenging to meet people at times if one is a working professional committed to forwarding their career, an individual living in limited proximity to large cities where diversity is present and for many others who are just exploring their options in the world of dating and relationships.   One site that enables people to fulfill their wish to meet their potential mates is match.com.  Having cruised through this site in my past--several years ago, I was fortunate enough to meet interesting people while engaging in social activities that I would probably have passed by if it were not for them.  I was fortunate to meet a professional writer for the Financial Times, another writer from a national magazine, a passionate musician who played exclusively for former President Bush Jr. in the White House, a comedian and an artist, a basketball fan who got me front side seats and other characters who challenged me to grow by learning more about life through new experiences.   In order to be successful in seeking like minded people, have a clear intent in mind and articulate effectively when creating your profile.  There are many questions, activities and open ended statements that grant one access to displaying their personality in the best light possible. Match.com is one of the largest vendors in the dating world where their presence invites people of all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.  Remember to keep it light, fun AND honest.   Interested readers can follow up on tips for writing an effective dating profile; as well with advice for online dating. Remember he may not be Mr. Right, though he may be Mr. Right Now.  Good luck in your search!

Dating with a Purpose

In a world where men and women struggle to make time their ally than their enemy, individuals today have become more selective of choosing their partners in dating.  After all busy people choose carefully how they spend their leisure time because every moment counts where one is making progress or standing still.   In this case, both genders are known to be 'dating with a purpose'.  This means men and women have an objective in mind and intend to fulfill it by filtering their dating potentials before deciding whether they are worthy of a date or not.   Some individuals may choose to date for fun while seeking a casual relationship while some may prefer to screen partners in hopes of finding a long term partner, or a marriage potential.    The days of 'old romance' are gone where men and women would court one another without knowing what is to come next.   In today's age majority of people want to take control of their love lives by engaging in person and online dating for finding suitable partners in a reasonable amount of time.   Although we can control our actions and efforts, it is not always easy to cooperate with the universe when it comes to divine timing.  Any situation that involves more than one person to attain progress (such as dating), one cannot control when their partner will walk into their life or the context of their meeting.  Dating extracts many emotions from people since it is an exciting activity which at the same time can leave one a bit frustrated and skeptical if the right partner for them doesn't appear soon enough to their liking.  For some dating with a purpose may appear a bit harsh because some folks may not have a fair chance at dating if they are quickly overlooked for more viable partners; to the contrary the seeker is saving time and energy in their already hectic lifestyle.   These dating warriors are respectable yet direct in letting people know what & whom they are seeking and why.  If two individuals meet and their intents are different, chances are high this couple will not make it past their second date.    Whether you are seeking short or long term companionship, keep your search honest, simple and fun.  When one stops having fun in their live experiences, the outcome doesn't hold much value because someone forgets to enjoy the journey!

Safety Tips for Online Dating

Finding a date in today's age can only take few seconds at a matter of a click. Compared to two decades ago, dating websites and dating services have increased exponentially to bring men and women together from all over the world.  Some of the websites are very specific in nature serving heterosexuals, homosexuals, people with specific hobbies, ethnicity and religion, business professionals, and the list continues. It is impossible to come across such sites and not be force fed that our lover and possibly soul mate is waiting to hear from us. It is an effective way of meeting people who are always preoccupied with work that they do not have time to invest in meeting people on regular basis. Below are few safety tips for online dating intended for both genders:

1. Be creative and HONEST when writing your dating profile. If possible use a recent picture of yourself that portrays your personality. For those who are shy, it is understandable why they may want to fore go posting a picture, though I would highly recommend a picture. A picture communicates to viewers that you are a real person who is approachable and is making an active effort to meeting like minded people. Usually profiles without a picture are overlooked regardless of the content because people need a visual stimuli to lure their interest onto YOU. A picture is worth a thousand words so post a picture that is classy and a natural shot. Also keep your profile short and sweet, no one is intending to read your life story. Leave such details to share over a possible date.

2. Just as dating on the streets, use COMMON SENSE when communicating with your potential partners. Do not disclose too much personal information on your profile, it is okay to share your first name if you choose but do leave a bit of mystery to your identity. Identity theft is one of the top five crimes in this country. So it is foolish to display where you work, your specific home address and material that will trace back to YOU other than your screen name. It does not take a rocket scientist to connect the dots and start using your personal information against you. Profiles with pictures receive much incoming mail, therefore use discretion when responding to these messages. You are not expected to respond to any if you choose not to, do not feel bad if certain messages are not answered. Also if there are any individuals disrespecting and harassing you online, you should be able to block them on the website. Only share your phone number when you feel comfortable and do keep in mind it is not unusual for some profiles to be fake. Yes, there are people out there who do not have much to do-sad but true.

3. This message is intended more so for the ladies: keep a buddy system. When you are ready to go out on a date, let a friend or contact know that you'll be out meeting someone. You do not have to share the details but most importantly you are letting another person know you are out and about busy meeting someone.  If it is a close friend, you can let them know where you are expecting to go.  Therefore as a safety mechanism, your buddy will be aware of your whereabouts and know that your date is going smoothly without any problems. Due to the advent of technology, it is common for people to chat more so than talk on the phone. Make sure you have spoken at least once with the individual you are planning to meet. It is comforting to know the person that you are communicating with has a voice other than a virtual presence.

4. Have an exit strategy. If a date is going not as expected and your partner appears to be belligerent or starts acting disrespectful, have a back up plan ready. YOU choose to stay or go in this situation. It is best to have the first date in a public location for safety purposes, in case anything happens you will be a familiar face that someone can recall. Also if you are granted an option to pick a place, take advantage of this as you decide which environment makes you feel comfortable and represents you the best.

5. Lastly if you choose to get intimate with any of your partners, remember to practice safe sex because you'll never know where they were the night before (or after). Contracting STDs from a random or an online date doesn't sound too hot to me (grinning).