It's amazing what can happen when you're just thinking about something.  In my last post, I was thinking about whether I was ready for a new relationship or if I should wait a bit... I wasn't sure if I was ready.  Well I have a crazy story for you. 

To begin my story, it is important to mention that in the past I have pretty uncomfortable with the whole idea of online dating...  In fact, despite its recent growing popularity, there is still a bit of a stigma that suggests online dating is a last-resort option for the desperate. While I don't believe that at all--sure there are desperate ppl who do the online dating thing but there are desperate people everywhere--I do have conflicting feelings about it.  There's something about it that seems so unnatural. I like the idea of the anonyminity of it, but I also fear that the other person is going to turn out to be completely unlike what you expect and that could lead to some uncomfortable situations.  Maybe even dangerous situations if you aren't careful. But honestly, if you meet someone in a bar or in a bookstore, or wherever, there is always the risk that the person will turn out to be different from what you initially thought or expected, no?  Well let me tell you my story.  My first and very short-lived experience with online dating was when a friend of mine suggested that I go online to lavalife because there was a really cute guy that she thought was perfect for me.  And of course, my first response was, no, this is weird... I'm not comfortable with this... I can't imagine going about meeting someone this way. But alas one night, when I was terribly bored, my curiosity got the better of me.  So I went online.  And I found his picture.  And she was right, he did seem perfect for me.  But in order for me to contact him, I would need to submit a profile.  So I rambled something off quickly and then as soon as I submitted it, and then went straight to his profile.  And I sent him a smile (a way to let him know I was interested).  What I wasn't expecting was the absolute craziness that followed... for whatever reason, I started being bombarded with instant messages from guys who had read my profile.  There were smiles, emails... I was overwhelmed... I hadn't even submitted a picture!  They hadn't any idea what I looked like!  I was amazed.  Not only was I amazed, but it was scary.  Guys wanted to know what I looked like, wanted to talk on the phone, wanted to meet me in person.  And a lot of them were really pushy!  I found the attention so overwhelming in fact that I decided to pull my profile after only four days.  It was a huge relief.  Two guys I had met seemed to be worthwhile so I kept talking to them... soon I decided that one was going to make a great friend and the other guy seemed like he could be more-than-friend material.  We talked on the phone, we messaged on MSN and the guy seemed great... until I started getting busy with work and school and told him I would need some space for a while.  And it seemed like he understood.  But then I started noticing everytime I was online and had my status set to away or busy, he'd write me bitter messages about how he hadn't heard from me in a while... so I explained to him politely that I couldn't talk and that I'd contact him when I had more time.  But a day or two later, he would do the same thing.  And you know what... it was really annoying!  I thought, man, if this is how you're acting now, I can only imagine what it would be like being in a relationship with you!  I didn't even know him for two weeks!

So two years and one more serious relationship passes and I'm having another bored-out-of-my-mind night.  Out of nowhere, I suddenly have a whim to go to lavalife.  Don't ask me why, I just had this strong feeling.  So this time I put up a less detailed profile, and thought I'd give the site a look over out of curiosity and then delete my profile on the way out.  Well no sooner had I posted my profile, did I start receiving instant messages. And I was starting to worry that this was going to be a repeat performance of the last time.  Interestingly enough though, it wasn't!  In fact, the first guy I spoke to was really chill and we just had a laid back conversation--no expectations, just a friendly chat. But the next guy I spoke with, was another story.  I had a very strong feeling right from the beginning of our conversation that this was a special person.  I didn't fully realize it at the time, but we hit it off and we ended up chatting until the wee hours of the morning.  We had made a definite connection and we have loads in common.  Well we've talked regularly since then and we have had some really amazing conversations.  In fact, after our first conversation I decided to pull my profile again... something just told me that the reason I had to go on there that night was to meet him.  Things are still unfolding, so I'm not sure what will happen.  But I am curious to know, if meeting this guy will make a believer out of me.  We'll see. =)