If you’re new to these parts, last month we launched our SingleRoots Online Dating Experiment. The gist: We gave away 3-month online dating subscriptions to each of the top-rated online dating sites in our Best Christian Dating Sites reviews. In exchange, the recipients will allow us to ride along on their online dating experience. And by “ride along,” we don’t mean we’re actually going on a date with them; the recipients just promise to share their experiences with us.
Denise is 31 and from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. (You can read her introductory interview here.) She received a 3-month subscription to Christian Cafe.com. When we checked in with Denise about her first month, here’s what she had to say:
On a scale of 1 to solving a Rubik’s cube, how difficult was the process of signing up and completing your profile?
Denise: The process was very simple. The website took me through a series of pages with questions from basic information like height, weight and eye color, to what I’m looking for in a relationship, what my favorite Scripture verse is and why and about my job. The most difficult part was writing clever, concise and creative answers about myself!
What are your first impressions?
Denise: Honestly, the Christian Cafe website is a little old school and difficult to navigate, so my initial impression is that it needs to get with web 2.0! It’s slightly cumbersome, and rather displeasing to the eye (who still uses Times New Roman font?!), so it doesn’t make me want to spend a lot of time on it. Also, the couples who are in the ads look like they’re middle aged (Are you friends with my Dad?!!), and I’m finding that’s the age range of majority of the men.
Have you had any dates yet?
Denise: No dates…
What is the most frustrating thing about online dating so far?
Denise: There were many guys who reached out to me within the first week and I got excited when I had a notification of a wink I received in my email. However, when I opened the site, it was from older men or guys overseas… I’m just not into that. The “pool” of suitable suitors is rather small in my area, too. There were only a handful within miles of where I’m located. At this point, I’m not willing to relocate or meet up with someone far away.
What’s been the most exciting thing about online dating so far?
Denise: I think that the anticipation of online dating was more exciting than actually doing it!
Okay, so you’re one month in. On a scale of 1 to Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah’s couch, how do you feel about online dating at this point?
Denise: Maybe a 2? I’ve come across a few profiles that I’ve winked at (even though they haven’t been active in months…), and even though none of them have returned my wink, I’m not giving up hope yet. Summer is here in South Florida, so maybe some more guys will sign up!
Have you ever paid for a Christian Cafe subscription? Was your first month similar to Denise’s or not? Share with us below.
