Hi Mary Ellen,

I too am on Match. I met my first match and love on there when it began in 1995. Back then it was only $7.95 to join. No pictures were really required back then. So, ours was a blind date. His first line in response to my profile was “want to go biking”? I almost didn’t respond because it wasn’t a “real introductory letter” but I did. This was before texting came around, cell phones, etc. So, I just came straight out and said I was not very good at writing back and forth, too impersonal and would be mind talking on phone. He said no, and top my surprise, he gave me his phone number.

I called him the night after and we talked for three hours, and he asked me out for dinner. I loved his voice and personality and had butterflies during our conversation. We met, not knowing what each other looked like and it was instant chemistry. We did get engaged a year later, but sadly, things did not work out. This is why I don’t believe in texting or e-mailing..too impersonal. When men insist on “texting” my phrase which has always worked is “any way, we can get past being pen pals”. Men don’t like to be thought of as “pen pals” so try to get his number, and why not just call him? Texting is too impersonal, too short, too distant, no way to get to know someone. Ask for his number. What do you have to lose? If he does not want to give it out, he is not interested in anymore than just a hook-up. I hope it all works out. E Harmony is also a good dating site. x