I stopped Fishing, because I don't Like Cats

First, cat and animal lovers, this has nothing to do with animals! If you have ever been a part of online dating, some of you will understand why I'm writing this article and some will not. Deception is the deepest form of betrayal. No one likes the feeling of being played like a fool, especially when the heart is involved. Ladies and gentlemen, I am going to give you some more reasons why the dating game has tanked.

There is no doubt in my mind if you are 32 and over, with kids and trying to date, you have a very busy schedule with your business, career or both. Trying to schedule time for a potential love one; the calendar fills up quick. You and I both don't have time for games, and our hearts don't have time for pain (oh no, check the bars). Needless to say, there is a fine line for foolishness when its all said and done. Now the debate of who has more to loose in dating will never end. Yeah, I will think a man has more to loose, because I am a man. Its fair to say we all have something to loose, but I would say the man will loose out financially the most when chances are taking on dating. Yes, I know there are cases that are out there with women loosing out and I will not doubt that. However, the man will loose out from the start when dealing with online dating. Some dating sites, don't even charge for women profiles and will double up on the subscription for men. I have completed a comparison of notes, and will not disclosed those sites in particular, just know that they are out there. It is not the 15 bucks (maybe higher with other sites), its the thought behind the male paying before he even has the opportunity to say hello to the potential woman of his dreams. Therefore, we as men, like to know what we are dealing with the very second someone matches us with a dating profile.

Now the methods that men use can be a bit radical and out right lewd, but there's your sign the not deal with them and swipe left quickly. Even if you are not comfortable providing your personal number, there are other methods to make contact with the man, to give him a comforting satisfaction that he is not dealing with "catfish". Yes, the "C" word, Ladies! Here are some methods or ways you can give confirmation without giving up your level of security.

1. A majority of these social media platforms have a "video-voice" feature. Yes, I know what its called, I just don't want to be part of a lawsuit for not having permission of using a trademark name. Now this video feature clears up any confusion, although this is not my first choice when it comes to verification (tell you why later). There is no photoshopping or anything else with this feature and its cut to the chase. If a person is avoiding this method of communication, then the "catfish flags" are at full mass.

2. Ask for a picture of the person doing something odd, like pointing at their nose or holding three fingers to the right side of their face. This is my favorite because you can gauge what the person is willing to go through to prove their personal verification and if they have a sense of humor or not. Trust me, this method is a good ice breaker!

3. Only if you are comfortable, meet in person at a public place. If you do this, make sure you take a rideshare there. You never want the person to ID you and attach you to anything personal, like a car or place of employment. Let's remember to be safe at all times. I was looking at some reels one day, and Shaq was on a talk show talking about trying to meet someone from a dating app. Of course the women didn't believe him because no one expects a famous person to be on a dating app, but I guess they have lives as well. She declined meeting Shaq in a public place and he stated that the location was right down the street and if that woman ever saw that talk show or the same reel I did, she might have been in awe at the moment of her realization.

Just remember ladies when the next time you meet someone on a dating app and why they are asking you to verify yourself. There is high rate of women out there that still thinks that "catfishing" is a myth. Just remember that men are concerned for their financial safety just as well as you are concerned about your physical safety. I can go on and on about this subject, but you know my writing style by now; short stories that will leave you with long thoughts.