Each one of our participants in the Online Dating Experiment brings something unique to the discussion about online dating. Denise, a 31-year old from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, gives us the perspective of using an exclusively Christian site in a large city.
Because of where she lives, we connected her with Christian Cafe, a Christian-owned online dating site. We wanted to see if living in a larger city gave her a greater pool of matches to choose from.
Here’s what Denise had to say about her second month on Christian Cafe:
So you’ve been using Christian Cafe for 2 months now. How’s it going?
Denise: Well I suppose I was more optimistic the first month than I have been this second month. In Christian Café, you can save standard search criteria, so after browsing aimlessly the first month I created two searches and saved them. Every time I logged in to the site I would run the searches and the exact. same. guys would show up. For one reason or another, none of the matches were really matches in my mind. Is anyone new joining Christian Cafe? I don’t think so.
How many dates have you been on? Do any of them have potential?
Denise: ZERO
What’s been the most surprising part of online dating so far?
Denise: The number and diversity of people that are on my site. They’re international, older, younger, male, female, desperate, etc. In some ways, being on this site makes me feel like I’ve “stooped.”
Have you learned anything about yourself or your dating preferences in the process?
Denise: I mean, I guess I’m picky? But then again I’ve been told that about myself before. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing though. I don’t want to settle. But I think I’m learning to put myself out there and take risks when it comes to dating. A few months ago I wouldn’t have dreamed of even trying online dating. It’s giving me more courage to perhaps try a different site once this subscription runs out.
You’ve had time to get a feel for the site by now, what do you like most about the site and what do you like least?
Denise: I think the fact that you can saves searches is cool. I said it in the first set of questions but the site is just suuuuper outdated and cumbersome to use. Its layout and design distract and discourage me from using it. It’s very simple, almost forum-like; and it makes me think that it only really attracts an older generation who are comfortable with the old school web design.
Which do you prefer: the mobile app or the website? Why?
Denise: There is no mobile app… (See previous question)
On a scale of “This is the most fun I’ve had in a really long time!” to “I’m ready to throw my computer in the river!” how do you currently feel about the process?
Denise: Umm, if I didn’t love and depend on my MacBook, I’d be ready to throw it into the ocean. I guess I haven’t been on in a while because Christian Cafe emailed me and says they miss me. I’m sorry but the feeling is just not mutual!
Check out Denise’s first month’s experience here. To read about other participants in the Online Dating Experiment, go here.
