Casual Encounters. Men seeking Women. Women seeking Women. These are just a few of craigslist's personal ads. I would give a rough estimate that 70% of the posts are simply people trying to cover up a request for a one-night-stand. Another 20% of the posts are mainly society's rejects, mom's with 8 kids, 3 ex boyfriends, on welfare who lives in a trailer, or even your "lurking within the depths of that ever so charming yet witty post" serial killer. Then finally, a pitiful, yet most likely statistically correct, a pathetic 10% are true, honest cries for their dream come true, life long partner to respond.

What happened to good ol' fashion dates? I know times are changing, I know that women are more in power than before and don't need men to support them. I know that because more women are asking the men out, that the bill typically should be split and that technology is replacing the courteous man holding open the door for a lady. Why? Is this men's excuse  to treat us like one of the dudes and save themselves $20? Is this women's excuse to not feel like a tramp? Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming anyone or pointing fingers, but when did this transition begin? When did the ‘go out and meet someone face to face' (without the help of craigslist or without the intention to hook up for one night) dissolve and become ‘go and post an ad'?

As you are probably aware, there are more sites than just craigslist, there is eHarmony, Match.com, True.com, and even in Saint Louis there are local town dating sites on Singlesnet.com. I understand the concept of these sites, however, what happens then to the ‘first impression'? You see a picture on a computer, supposedly of the person you are corresponding with, but half of the time these pictures have been digitally altered or are pictures at "angles" that make the person look different than they do if you were to see them face-to-face. Another thing about these online dating sites is that anyone can type anything in hopes of snagging you in an enchanting web of romantic lies. Then you become utterly disappointed when this person you have imagined to be great turns out to be nothing like you thought. I guess I don't get why individuals get so worked up, so excited only to have their beyond realistic expectations smashed. People should just let love happen. Maybe then marriages wouldn't fail as much? Maybe America would have less hook up rates?