New flirting tactics take the romance out of the chase - Omaha World-Herald
Several years ago, I ran into a friend at a nightclub. Before I left, he flipped me a business card a major blockhead move. I rolled my eyes. He could've just asked me for my number. The card eventually found its way into the trash bin.
A couple years later, I ran into him again at a different club. He approached me while I was ordering a drink. And before the night ended I handed him my business card and said "Call me." A little zinger for old time's sake. He laughed.
"I don't want your business card," he said. "I want your number."
In my experience, business cards and dating don't mix. I've never understood why people aren't just straight up with their intentions. If you like me, let's talk. If not, keep it moving.
When I heard about FlipMe and Cheek'd online sites and dating cards, I chuckled. Apparently, women are handing out cards with a flirty saying on them to guys. Instead of dragging out a conversation or scribbling a phone number on a napkin, women are supposed to direct the guy to a website to get in contact. Some of the playful sayings on the cards: "Consider this a wink and a smile" and "You're too good for a cocktail napkin."
Women are buying 30- to 50-packs of cards (depending on the site) for $25. With that purchase, they get temporary access to create an online profile with a bio and photos. And then they wait for the card recipient to message them.
That's not easy. The guy's supposed to log on to the site, register for a free subscription and enter an ID code before he can find the woman.
The card-site thingy sounds like a lot of work, especially when you could've sparked a free conversation at the bar. Call me old-fashioned, but if I met you in person, why would I go online to have a net-fling? Whatever happened to flashing a smile, the "approach" and then sealing the deal after the delivery? By setting things up online, you miss an important emotional step that you get when you're flirting in person that nervous flutter that leaves you breathless. Psst, that's kind of important. Chemistry is important.
I asked a few Omahans to see who was for or against such unorthodox dating methods:
"It seems odd. You are approaching someone that you find attractive or interesting ... You could easily have a natural, organic conversation and instead you hand them a card," said Christie Kruger, 26. "You take the relationship straight to online chatting and emailing? That seems like a step backwards."
"I'd rather just talk and meet in person," said Kate Richling, 24. "Typically I love social media and new methods to communicate . but this just seems unnecessary, and frankly, a little weird."
"I feel like if (you're) going to go through the motions of giving a prospective date a username and site to find them on, (you) may as well just engage in conversation while face to face," said Nini Huber, 28. "If that person happens to tickle their fancy, they can get the digits. Technology has somewhat taken the personal aspect out of things. "
"It sounds like a human 'like' button was placed on the person. You can click it and walk away. I don't like the idea," said Travis Mountain, 31. "If someone has a great personality, you don't get to see that. Facebook and new technology has almost taken chivalry out of the equation."
"They might be a good icebreaker, but I think they are a bit cheesy," said Jodi Finch, 44. "If a guy handed me a card, I would probably laugh, especially with the pickup lines."
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Things to do:
>> "Pride Night," a monthly celebration at downtown's Capitol Lounge and Supper Club, kicks off at 8 p.m. Sunday. The Nebraska AIDS Project event features a DJ, dancing, drag show, go-go dancers and contests. The agency will be on site providing information on volunteering, promoting safe sex and testing. The lounge, 1011 Capitol St., plans to donate a portion of its proceeds to NAP. Information: capitolomaha.com
>> The 13th Annual Bemis Center Auction Exhibition is open. It's a celebration of the Bemis Center's 30th anniversary, a showing of contemporary art and a precursor to the museum's largest fundraising event in October. The exhibit includes nearly 400 works from local, national and international artists in all media. It will span across the Bemis Center's first floor and underground galleries at 12th and Leavenworth Streets. Tours with the curators and artists will take place at 6 p.m. every Thursday from Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. Everything in the exhibition is available for purchase at the two separate auctions the Bemis Underground Auction on Oct. 13 and the Art Auction Gala on Oct. 15 or online at bemiscenter.org. Enter our drawing for free tickets to the gala. Email your contact information to jloza@owh.com The winner will be announced in the Oct. 13 Go section.
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