Disclaimer: My online dating experience has primarily been through Match.com, and my comments below reflect a male point of view, but I am sure that many of the same issues would exist from a female viewpoint.

Since around 2012, after I reached my weight loss goal, I became more focused on trying to find a companion for the second part of my life. However, in baseball terms, I would say that my batting average has been very low, 0.100 or less. While there have been a few connections that lasted a while, and have been quite rewarding, more often than not, it was either one date and out, or unanswered e-mails, the latter occurring around 98% of the time, by my estimates.

While I have tried to meet women playing tennis, going on hikes, and attending classes, my main source of possible connections has been online dating, particularly, Match.com. Although I am well aware that I am no authority on how to attract women, I do believe I have a some insights, and know of some warning signs, which are part of online dating. As for some other online dating sites, like eHarmony, I tried it, but did not like it, particularly since you do not see any pictures of person you might be interested in.  Just think about it, in daily life, men look at women and are, or are not, attracted, to them, plus we gauge a person by how they dress, what activities they do, the company they keep, etc., and without any pictures, I believe eHarmony put a person looking for a date at a distinct disadvantage by not providing these insights.

So here are some of my observations, red flags, and comments about online dating:

• If there is a text number in the woman’s online screen name, it is a scam and stay away, huge red flag. Also, stay away from woman from China — for some reason, I get many e-mails from women in China, even though my profile distinctly states a specific and very limited geographic region in Eastern USA
• Around 70% women lie about their age, particularly in their 30’s and older. So I assume that if a woman lists her age as 39, she is in her 40’s, and if she is listed as 49, she is in her 50’s.  The justification is usually they are doing it for search purposes, but for me, not being truthful about one’s age is a bad way to start off a relationship.
• Woman are generally truthful when they describe their body type as “Slender” or “Athletic and toned”, however, if they describe themselves as “Average” or Curvy”, they are usually heavy.
• Woman are generally truthful about their height, but from what I have heard, this is an area where men tend to lie.
• If a woman’s profile has only one picture (or no picture), and/or does not contain much information, I tend to stay away, as it raises a red flag that they may not be whom they seem.
• If you are interested in a woman, write an e-mail that shows you have read their profile, and do not bother with winks, likes or favorites.
• Should a woman write to you, and you are not interested, you can do three things, — ignore the e-mail, press a button that you are not interested, or send a reply e-mail. If a woman spends time writing me an e-mail that shows she at least read my profile, I will write back to her, thanking her for her e-mail, but saying I just do not think we are a good fit. Should she respond back asking why, I do not respond, since in my experience, that line of correspondence deteriorates rapidly.
• Usually the best first dates are for dinner, brunch, or after-work drinks. But I always remember the advise I got about dining or drinking during interviews, avoid dishes with sauces, soups, carbonated beverages, or getting drunk. Also, I am old school, so I think the man should pay, even if the woman protests.

Well, that’s about all for right now. I am sure I will be providing more about this subject in the future. Good luck to everyone, and me too.