If you had been hanging out with us last week, you would’ve seen our mouths agape at the number of responses we received for our first SingleRoots Online Dating Experiment. We had no idea that many of you would want to participate! Wow! Please know that if you didn’t apply but were considering doing so, go ahead and add your name to our list. If this first experiment goes well, there’s a strong possibility we’ll do this again!
Since we were already tracking Lauren’s eharmony experience, we selected a few other people to participate in our first experiment. In order to get a good look at how the online dating process works (and can be different) for everyone, we looked for people who lived in a variety of locations and who had assorted prior experiences with online dating.
Meet the folks we’ll be tracking over the next 3 months:
Denise :: Christian Café
28 years old; Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Prior experience with online dating:
I did a free trial of Christian Mingle for literally 4 days a few years ago. I got creeped out by those who winked at me and tried to message me (there were many, many older men). At the time, I didn’t have the energy or time to commit to do it justice. I got overwhelmed and annoyed so I stopped it quickly.
Reason for applying for the SingleRoots Online Dating Experiment:
I was just talking to a friend about exploring online dating because it’s hard for introverted me to meet people. She thought it would be a good idea for me! That same day, I got the Single Roots email about the experiment. I took that as a sign to apply and just see what happens!
On a scale of Terrified to Thrilled, her feelings about participating in this experiment:
Can I be both terrified and thrilled? There are moments when I’m excited about going on a few dates, if for nothing than to get free dinner :), but then I think, “What will my mom say? What will my friends think? What if I get awkward?” Either way, I need a little excitement in my life and I’m sure I will have some good stories to tell!
Micah :: Christian Mingle
34 years old; New Orleans, Louisiana
Prior experience with online dating:
I was active on eharmony in the past and still have an account with them that is not current. I used eharmony on and off for a number of years. The first time I used it was back in 2002. The experience of getting matched was fun, and I had zero success. My range of matches was from all over the U.S. and I was bouncing around in life. I was just beginning to toy with the idea of online dating. It was still pretty new. Now, over a decade later (I picked eharmony back up in 2012), online dating is far more the norm. In the past two years I’ve had some success. I’ve met and dated a few women with whom I was compatible.
Reason for applying for the SingleRoots Online Dating Experiment:
I decided to give it a shot, as it sounded like a fun way to reenergize my online dating experience. It gave me a different angle to approach something with which I was getting bored. I liked the added dimension of serving the larger singles community as I journeyed. I liked the idea that my thoughts, feelings, and experiences might serve as a companion with those pursuing online dating and dating in general. And also, because, well, who knows what might happen!
On a scale of Terrified to Thrilled, his feelings about participating in this experiment:
Whenever I pack for a trip there usually always a little resistance, resistance to the packing that is…maybe subconsciously the trip, too (though I’ve gotten MUCH better, I’m not always good, initially, with changing). I plan, as best I can, for the things I can expect and the things I can’t. I want to pack clothes that I’ll look good in (who knows who I may meet). I want to pack for rain and sun (who knows what weather I may experience). And there’s only a limited amount of space to load the materials of my life for use both on the journey and, at least initially, once I’ve arrived. Every time, this process of packing is frustrating to a lesser and moderate degrees. But it must be done, and it’s important. And, there is also the excitement of what I’ll get into, the friends I’ll meet, the enemies I may face. This, in a round about way, is how I feel about this experiment of online dating: the mild burden of “packaging me,” folded with the nerves and excitement of who I’ll meet, what will happen, and personal fears I may face—and overcome by His Grace.
MJ :: Match.com
31 years old; Appleton, Wisconsin
Prior experience with online dating:
I’ve used both eharmony and Christian Mingle, each for about 6 months. I used eharmony first because I’d heard good things about it and had friends who had met significant others through it. I liked the set-up of eharmony, but never got many responses and most of my matches were pretty far away, which didn’t matter to me in the long run, but made it harder to get to know them and see if we were even interested. Christian Mingle had more guys that were closer to where I lived, but despite the name, did not have many men who seemed to have a real relationship with God. Through both sites I only went on a couple of actual dates and felt that it wasn’t worth the money for what I was getting out of it.
Reason for applying for the SingleRoots Online Dating Experiment:
After my previous experiences with online dating, I was feeling frustrated and pretty hopeless with my prospects for dating. Through my church and job, I don’t meet many (or any at all!) single guys and was planning on just focusing on other areas of my life for now, when I got the email notification for the SingleRoots experiment. So I decided to give online dating one more chance and see if putting a little more focus into it and trying a different site would change the experience! Plus, I thought it would be motivating and encouraging to be doing it alongside an online community that has encouraged me in the past.
On a scale of Terrified to Thrilled, her feelings about participating in this experiment:
When I first got the email saying I’d been accepted, I was more terrified, because it was now real and I realized I would be sharing this in front of a lot of people! Now, I’m more thrilled and definitely more hopeful about what the Lord could do not only through the online dating experience, but also in my heart as I grow and am challenged to really process and share the experience!
Caitlyn :: Christian Crush
24 years old; Aurora CO
Prior experience with online dating:
I have paid for a 3 month subscription for Match.com. I was new to the area and wanted to meet guys. Definitely did not have the mindset of “meeting the one.” I went on a few dates here and there. One guy I had met, I really liked….except for the fact he was shorter than me. :/ And yes, that’s a deal breaker. I only had one “bad” date from Match. The guy was nice UNTIL he asked for us to take a picture together on our first date. Uhhh no!! I’ve been on two different dates using Tinder. Both of which went really well; unfortunately, neither guy was a Christian.
Reason for applying for the SingleRoots Online Dating Experiment:
I read the first two interviews on SingleRoots from the girl who has a profile on eharmony and it was comforting to know I’m not the only one interested in online dating. I am also curious as to the interview questions I’ll be asked; I know they will give me a new perspective.
On a scale of Terrified to Thrilled, her feelings about participating in this experiment:
Stoked!! (One step above thrilled 😉 ) I go to a church where the pickings are slim and I’m a nanny. With that being said, I don’t meet a lot of guys (especially Christian guys) in my spare time.
We’re excited to see how this experiment unfolds for each of these folks! Their first month began this week. Wish them luck!
