Outsourcing Online Dating with "Assistants"

Have you ever heard of an online dating assistant? Neither had I until I read this WP article. If you're too busy, lonely or incapable of wooing a date, these guys will write the emails and IMs for you so that you can *hopefully* land a date.

While intriguing and useful, this is another example of the layers of deception that go into initiating a relationship? And if based on a lie, then what are your motives? If you're too busy to type out an email, won't you be too busy for any kind of meaningful relationship? Is this just one more step in the chain of efficiency? When it comes to authentic relationship, is this a step too far? I think so.

"For Better" - A new book on the Science of Marriage

Salon's interview of the author of the science of marriage book "For Better" makes some interesting observations about marriage, and debunks a lot of the myths about marriage, namely:
MYTHS DEBUNKED:
- Over half of marriages end in divorce
- Married couples are less likely to have sex than their single counterparts
- Fighting only makes things worse (it can actually help!)

She also says that in healthy marriages there is a 5:1 ratio of complimenting, positive things versus nagging, negative things. Sleep problems and beginning arguments with personal critiques (rather than a complaint) can be harbingers for divorce.

Read the full interview here.

DTR: The "M" Bomb

When it comes to having a DTR (Defining the Relationship), there's no biggie like to get married (eventually) or not (ever). Here's an article from the Washington Post from the author of A Little Bit Married about when to throw in the towel... or go all-in.

Pressured to Marry?

In the wake of Tiger Wood's affair(s), an interesting article that changes the question of "Why do men cheat?" to "Why do cheaters marry?" and has some interesting commentary on societal pressures to marry.

And yet, what might a Christian response be?

Survey - Leave your Feedback!

This was a wonderful experience for me and I really learned a lot - and had a ton of fun! Please take a moment to let me know what you thought of the class and what ideas you have for future classes.

Fill out the brief survey here.

Presentation Six - To Commit or Not to Commit

The final presentation is now posted in note form.

Hope it helps! It's been a wonderful class - I do appreciate all of you who came and participated in the discussion. I'll be posting a survey soon for feedback; you're also welcome to post any comments here.

Online Dating Tips

This NY Times article profiles OKCupid, a smaller but different and interesting dating website that pools data together to give online dating users valuable tips & suggestions. A NYT blog has compiled 3 crucial steps here.

Of course, I hope you use some of the suggestions in class as well. :)

Happy Dating!