An Adult Story Time

Since graduating from college, Shelley seemed to have a lot more free time on her hands. She had always been so focused on studying and getting the best possible grades that she hadn't really allowed herself to have much of a social life. Now that she was out in the "real world" and looking for a job, she actually felt a little lost and lonely. "It would sure be nice to meet someone," she thought to herself, as she sat cross-legged on the couch with her laptop.

Then, in what she considered a stroke of genius, Shelley thought about online dating. One of her best friends, Nancy, had met her very cute, very sweet boyfriend through online dating last year and they were still going strong. Shelley wouldn't have thought it was possible to establish a real relationship through the internet but, seeing Nancy and Tom together, she knew it could be done.

Closing out her email account, Shelley opened her browser and started searching online dating sites. Some of them were definitely NOT her cup of tea. They catered to particular ages, lifestyles or preferences that she did not share. There was also a site she passed that promoted having an affair. That was a whole kettle of fish she did not want to consider. If she met a man through online dating, she only wanted to meet someone single. She had no intention of becoming someone's bit on the side.

As she searched, Shelley remembered the name of the site where Nancy had met Tom. She typed it in and was met with a really inviting welcome page. The site was basically intended for twenty-somethings so Shelley would fit right in. She found herself a little nervous at the idea of actually signing up but she wasn't sure why - maybe it was the fact that so many people talked about the dark side of meeting someone online. "Everyone is always so skeptical," she thought, as she decided to take the plunge and sign up.

With her newly minted account, Shelley started to feel excited about the possibilities. She decided to work really hard at creating an honest and interesting profile. She knew that she didn't want to spend all of her time answering the same questions, over and over, so she made sure to complete the sections about her interests and preferences. The last step was to choose a profile photo. Sifting through her pictures folder, she chose one she had always found flattering and uploaded it to her profile.

Looking things over, she decided she was ready. She clicked the "submit" button and her profile went live. "Now," Shelley said out loud to her empty apartment, "let's see if I can find a Tom of my own!"