Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site ihlpf.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!ihlpf!bithead
From: bithead@ihlpf.UUCP (bithead)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: Meeting People
Message-ID: <222@ihlpf.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 2-Dec-85 14:20:06 EST
Article-I.D.: ihlpf.222
Posted: Mon Dec  2 14:20:06 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 3-Dec-85 08:16:49 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 59
Keywords: Braces a hinderance ??

>	When you are unattached, and looking for someone to meet,
>do you tend to
>
>	1) avoid people who wear glasses in preference to
>		people who don't?
>	2) avoid people who don't dress very well, preferring
>		people who do?
>	3) avoid people with braces?
>	4) avoid people in dull technical professions?
>
>	What I am getting at is that I have observed all four to be
>true.  I have delibrately postponed dental work for three years because
>the end result would be braces that I would have to wear for two or
>three years.  (My parents could not afford to get them for me as a
>child).  I have been afraid that wearing them would destroy what little
>social life I have.  But the dental situation has gotten to the point
>where I can postpone the braces no longer.  And I am still single and
>searching.  Short of becoming a priest or learning to talk with my
>lips closed, how can I overcome the disadvantage?
>
>			- Chris Salander

You sound like someone who has taken it on the chin a few times, probably
at pick-up bars. The resulting trauma has caused you to become self-conscious
to the point where the prospect of braces is frightening. Braces by no
means will keep you from making friends, one nighters, and/or having a
steady girl friend. The thing to keep in mind is: does someone who would
judge you by your braces deserve your attention?
I don't know what your dental situation is, but you should be absolutely
certain (maybe get a 2nd opinion) before deciding on braces. I was advised
to get braces but declined, since it would have been for cosmetic reasons
rather than to alleviate a health threatening situation. The price I've
paid is a slight overlap in my lower front teeth, a miniscule flaw which
both friends and lovers have failed to notice. At any rate, braces or not
should have no impact on your social life.
Naturally a man must know his limitations and how they affect his strategies
for achieving specific goals. In writing an article/paper it pays to know
who your readers are and to use that information to full advantage. If your
goal is simply to get laid you need to address the factors that will bring
this about. Since the criteria for one nighters is typically outward
appearance you need to accent the things which will get her juices flowing.
If you do that well she won't even notice your braces.
In closing I'd like to comment on your 4 points:

              1-3) Absolutely not! People who limit their social
                   interactions on the basis of such insignificant
                   characteristics are foolish and narrow-minded
                   dolts.
                4) As opposed to what, exciting liberal artsy type
                   professions? If the individuals you meet choose
                   their friends/lovers on the basis of profession
                   they aren't worth the benefit of your company.

So don't be self-conscious and negative, think positive and be positive.
Be suave, debonair and pork their eyes out!

                                  the bithead

         "Go forward, move ahead ...."  -  DEVO