Friday, July 31, 2009

The Pre-Dating Interview: What They Don't Ask on e-Harmony

First off, thank you for the valuable input in the Exit Interview research. We had some notable additions in the comments for new questions that were all *fantabulous* - and one such comment by my friends Robyne and Pat led me to thinking: what would a pre-interview questionnaire look like for the non- online dating crowd. How would it work?

Would it be like an evite kind of thing that you'd send before going on your next date? Would you make them submit to filling it out shortly after you've met, prior to a possible next meeting?

Before I begin, however, let me just go on the record now to say if anything ever happens to my husband (like he comes to his senses and leaves me, is trampled by rabid Twilight fans or runs away with Dita Von Teese), I will remain single for the rest of my days, but will have lots of bunnies. (No, Pat. Not that many bunnies.)

So this is what I've come up with for my pre-qualification survey. I also think that, depending on the answers, you should anticipate different levels of dateyness. Like - a 75 percent would be coffee... 85 percent would be drinks... 95 percent? dinner! it's like rewarding your compatibility.

Side Note: Do people go on dinner dates anymore? (How have I suddenly turned into a 60 year old woman??)

So back to it. Here's my pre-dating survey. Please weigh in on the comments - because I so enjoy the comments.

The Before Survey

Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey. But frankly, I think it'll save time for both of us, no?

Question 1. We've hit it off initially, it seems. There was laughter, a meeting of the minds, you seem witty and charming and I can see myself leaning into you before the night ends. So tell me - when will you call me?

a) Two days, ma'am. That is the rule set forth by the great Vince Vaughn.
b) As soon as it seems feasible that you've slept in adequately but haven't yet made plans for the next day so that I may pencil in some hang time in the afternoon.
c) I've already texted you funny thoughts that occurred to me.
d) I was going to call you when I got home. Is 2 a.m. too late?
e) When I want to hang out next... maybe Thursday? Maybe next week?

Question 2. What would your ideal plan be for the next date?

a) I don't know. Whatever. Maybe hang out. Maybe catch a flick. Whatevs.
b) I'd love to take you this great little tapas place and maybe catch some music afterward, grab a drink... go for a stroll around WH Center.
c) Have you ever been kite flying at the beach? We'll pack a picnic.
d) My mom makes an awesome chicken parm. You've gotta come by.
e) Let me check with my wife.

Question 3. When is the appropriate time to make your first move?

a) Me? Oh no. It's all on you.
b) I realize it's a family restaurant, but what the heck...
c) Third date? Fourth date?
d) When I walk you to your car and I make you laugh really loudly. I'll be so smooth you'll barely realize the awkwardness that inevitably comes with the first kiss.
e) On our wedding day.

Question 4. What is appropriate dinner conversation should you ever have to meet my parents?

a) Your conception. I'm fascinated by how you were created.
b) Oh, you know. The usual. Religion, politics, the economy, labor unions.
c) Their recent home renovation. Although it happened sometime in the 90s.
d) My ex-girlfriend's parents.
e) Whoa, Nelly. I don't meet parents.

Question 5. My BFF just broke up with her boyfriend...

a) He's an ass. He never deserved her.
b) Would you like me to pick up the Ben and Jerry's before we head over?
c) That sucks. I have tickets to U2 and will meet you at the concert. Don't be late, ok?
d) I'm sorry to hear it. Let me know if you want to meet for a post chick flick drink.
e) The hot one?


OK. This is harder than I thought. I need some help. Please provide audience participation....

8 comments:

Soda and Candy said...

Hahahhahaaa, awesome.

Nickie. said...

Hmmm. I don't any other questions. but i must admit it took we a while to figure out what WH center meant. i was like what is she talking about...o yea west hartford center duh!

lol.

Nanc Twop said...

Audience Participation?

Will we have to submit to a blood test first?... wait that should be in one of your questions!

Unknown said...

I'm surprised you only featured positive answers to question #1. I'd also include:

f. Geez, you're beautiful, and funny and really great to talk to but....uh, I'm just not sure. Probably never.

g. *Silence* or *Skip question*

sj said...

soda - thank you! fyi - my hubs failed.

nickie - can you post your blog address! you are so hard to stalk.... and wh center was my favorite first date place :)

nanc - DOH. you're so right. a prick to weed out the... oh wait. i see where you're going with this...

t - i hadn't thought of that. you're absolutely right. i was kind of going with the wishy washy one with e, but yes - in the spirit of honesty, there should be a blank.

Andy - Instafather said...

Man I loved this post. The problem, as you mentioned, is distribution. Perhaps it can be a pre-date text?
Is there an iPhone app for this?

Kara said...

Ok, I am with Theresa on this one... Lets get real here. For #1 I would add, I will give ya a text (not a call) after I have tried out the other 15 woman I have been talking to from the 3 online dating sites I have myself listed on. #2 Maybe a movie at your house, cuz I still live with mom and that way we are closer to the bedroom. #3 First move? It may be the first date but I have put in all this work texting,instant messaging and keeping your name straight, I hope to get to at least 3rd. #4 Meet the parents..ya right ! try and get him to meet the friends. #5 Don't you have a backup ??

Dating Tips said...

However, people comment that online dating websites are not safe there is lot of scam, if you do online dating then you may be cheated and so on.

But why don’t you think from its advantage point of view, in off line world, you may have hesitation to talk to someone for dating purposes but online you can talk to anyone who you like, arrange date and you have much flexibility to understand your partner.

For tips and advice you may visit http://goxdating.com/ it guides you and tells you about safe dating.

Most importantly, it gives you much flexibility to select your partner depending on styles, age, area, languages, religion, profession and a lot more.

http://goxdating.com/