From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!seismo!rlgvax!thekid
Newsgroups: net.singles
Title: Being yourself (cliche time...)
Article-I.D.: rlgvax.210
Posted: Sat Apr  9 14:18:47 1983
Received: Sun Apr 10 05:57:54 1983


RE:	the request for formulas on how to write responses
	for `singles' (classified) ads.

Listen, when I write my resume, it reflects who/what I am.  I may follow
reasonable formulas, I try to tell my future employer what s/he'll want
to know... but it still reflects MY personal outlook on the world.

I have tried the classified ads, with both really terrible and quite
nice results.  I no longer do it... the really terrible results
outweighed the nice results.  (See the recent movie on the subject, whatever
it was called, can't think of it off hand, a few of those scenes weren't
funny to me.)

For what it's worth, the best results came from letters where I just told
the person what I did, what I liked to do, AND SUGGESTED AN ACTIVITY,
preferably PUBLIC.  A first date is difficult enough even when people know
a little bit about each other, i.e., you both work in related fields and
met at work, or you both like to skate, whatever.  Pick an activity, that
has quite a bit of action about it, perhaps a local carnival or
something that will provide you both something to talk about while you get
to know each other.  Also, when people sent me such letters, I found them
less threatening (invitations to dinner at the person's apartment is NOT
a good idea, kids, believe me, I know).  Final thought, the person may
not get your note for a week or so, so make the proposed date a few days
away.  If the person really likes your letter, they can respond and suggest
something sooner.

		thekid
		...![ seismo, mcnc, we13, lime ]!rlgvax!thekid

p.s.	I am assuming you are responding to an ad that made you think that
	the other party had interests like yours.  If it was "GDWM S/M,FGr,
	desires same with same", you're on your own.  Well, no, I GUESS
	the same things would apply, just make the activity private.

p.p.s.	Just re-read, don't `ask the person out', quote unquote.  I suggest,
	"I'm really looking forward to seeing the squeegee tournament,
	since you are also interested in squeegees, maybe we could meet
	at the tournament."  Well, polish it a little, but that's the
	general idea.

p...s	Make darn sure you say how old you are, And, if the other person
	doesn't tell you (soon, 1st or 2nd phone call) ask.
	That one got me too.  Ditto (in spades) for kids.