Ah.. You're story made me giggle. Yes, you are certainly right, Kevin! Opposites don't always attract indeed! It's unfortunate that you didn't get all these details before meeting her. It would have saved you both A LOT of time. Well, at least it taught you for the future. Thank you so much for sharing, Kev!! :)

I'll go first..... About 18 years ago, my girlfriend from work set me up with this guy that worked with her husband. They told him all about me, as well as shared a picture of me with this guy, but unfortunately, there weren't many details about him that they could share with me -never even saw a photo of him. We managed to exchange numbers through our friends and talked for about a week prior to meeting up. He seemed like a very nice guy, from what I could tell. I'd even go as far as calling him a gentleman. He lived about an hour away from me, so I insisted that we meet somewhere half way and grab a coffee, but instead he insisted on driving down to my area of the city. I arrived first and waited for him. He was late, but I definitely cut him some slack, considering where he was coming from. He finally arrived, and after an awkward hello, we decided to order. After about 15 mins of small talk, he said that he had a surprise for me in his car (a scented candle, which was very sweet). He also mentioned that the reason he wanted to come down my way instead of meeting somewhere else was because he'd always heard how beautiful my town was and wanted to have a look around. He asked me to be his tour guide, while he drove us around in his car. I said that was a fine idea and mentioned that they were shooting a movie on the grounds of the McMichael Art Gallery (a famous museum in Toronto) and it was an open set to the public. He agreed and off we went. He insisted he drive, but after the long journey he already had coming to meet me, I convinced him to let me drive instead. The museum was only a few blocks from where we were, but I wasn't comfortable getting into a vehicle with a guy I had just met. Since he arrived I just got this uneasy feeling inside me, and thought this was the best way to go. Well, he wasn't having it. He actually got upset that I wouldn't get into his car. Like really upset. Finally, I just told him that he should be more understanding of my position. I was a lady who just met him and if I felt more comfortable in my own car, then he should oblige. I mean, what was the urgency of getting me into his car???? It took him a minute but he apologized and agreed to go with me. (Major RED FLAG, that I should have heeded warning from, but being the big-hearted woman I am, I felt bad that he drove all this way just to meet me - so I decided to overlook the rudeness and just take him to the movie set anyway.) We get to the art gallery and find our spot in the parking lot. Security guards had advised us that for the current scene they were shooting, we needed to remain in our vehicles for the moment, and that he would motion to us when it was best to come out. So, we both got comfortable in my car, and got ready to watch the scene. Now, the scene was being taped on my side, so we both pivoted our bodies in order to see better out my window. He began to caress my arms and came in a few times to smell my hair. It wasn't completely out of line, but because I wasn't feeling that vibe between us, it made me feel a bit weird. Then he began playing with my hair, commenting how very long and beautiful it was. I thanked him for the compliments, and tried to get his attention back on the film. Moments later he started playing with my hair again, but this time, tugging on it. I told him to stop, but he didn't. Instead, he started tugging harder and trying to prevent me from turning around to face him. When I finally did, I saw him with a fistful of my hair in one hand and his penis out there in full glory, masturbating with the other hand. I immediately sat up and pulled away from him, smacking him in the face, asking him what the hell did he think he was doing!! I was in utter shock at the display I had just witnessed. He just looked at me and said, "Can I at least finish?" I swear to God, I thought I was going to kill him. Instead, I leaned around him, opened the passenger door with one hand, leaned right back in my seat and shoved him out of the car door. He landed on the pavement and that's where I left him with his dick out. Before reaching home, I received a few texts from him, calling me a spiteful, ungrateful bitch, and that I overreacted. I blocked and deleted that guy immediately. The next day, I walked right into my workplace, found my girlfriend and told her everything that happened - begging her to NEVER try set me (or him with anyone else) up again!

Thank you for being brave enough to share this fear with us, Giacomo. Fears are never an easy thing to admit to. I think you're on the right track. Just because they are "loved ones" not everyone deserves a seat at your table - and it's ok to tell them so. If they aren't serving you in a positive and healthy manner, they've gotta go - period! All of the fears and insecurities we have about ourselves is simply because someone else has planted them there. We don't come into this world with fears, bias or racisms. These things are all taught to us. So, it's time to tell yourself a different story. You are enough! But, until you can honestly know that within your own heart, you will always be a prisoner to this fear. You need to believe in yourself. This takes time and courage. You will get there. Be well and thanks again for your comments.

WOW! So much male perspective right there, thank you Giacomo. Let me first say that I'm truly sorry to hear about your marriage not working out. 29 years is a lifetime of being with someone. It just goes to show you that marriage (at any stage) doesn't necessarily mean forever - which makes me so sad. But, people evolve and change so much over time. We are not the same people at 20, 30, 40, 50 and so on. I look at my parents, now that they are both retired and think "how did these 2 ever get together?" The love they have for one another is undeniable of course, but they are SO DIFFERENT! I never saw that growing up, but I can definitely see their differences now. That being said, beauty will only get you so far. I'm realizing more and more as time passes that if you don't have respect and some commonalities it will never work out! Nevertheless, I do agree with you in saying that there MUST be an attraction. I don't want to ever "learn" to find someone attractive - I have to find that attraction immediately. Thanks for sharing, Giacomo, and good luck out there!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Bianca. I am so happy to hear that it actually worked out well for someone. I too know many, many people who have lived happily ever after online dating, but as you said - it all depends on who is out there. Intentions mean everything. Whatever they are is fine, JUST VOICE THEM UP-FRONT! No one wants their time wasted. So, what sites in your opinion were the most credible? Good luck with your online love!

Thank you for sharing, Ladies!

Thank you for sharing your honesty, Giacomo. I'm positive that there are many who share your point of view.