Aparently, I’m a psycho?!
Recently new to dating after being married for 8 years, I have much to learn. I know dating is horrible and fun and exiting. Did I mention expensive? Maybe I should start hitting the McDonalds in lieu of nice dates, huh?
On to the point. I put myself up for auction on a couple of popular dating websites. I’m well versed in marketing and understand that is what I am doing. I have a clever profile and some pics of myself. I value honesty and hate the dating games that one must play in the dating realm. I’ve quickly learned that my shirtless pictures make me a psycho and a "meathead looking to get laid". Neither of which are true, or is it?
Let’s add it up. I go to the gym to relieve stress and keep my lifestyle healthy. It’s also pleasing to me the results that I’ve aquired. I socialize as we all do, and I’ve met some inspiring people like my friend Lou who competes at the age of 72. Lou is retired but seems to be a professional. I’ll have to ask him. Back on task. I work out 8-10 hours each week, it’s also "me" time. A time when I’m not bothered by staff and kids and the day to day mundane tasks that we all face. I’m on my way to the psych ward, I can feel it! I have personal goals for my body, and take heed of the things that I put in it. I eat to live, not live to eat. I’m REALLY digressing now!
The women who have given me this revelation obviously stopped by to look and liked what they saw as I have taken several of them out on dates and have actually dated 3. All of these women were of the same opinion, initially. The exception in their case is that they took an opportunity to look beyond what was in the pictures and their self appointed stereotypes. I simply can’t have a brain! I work out sooo much! Would a person of intellect, one who enjoys wine, symphony and many other varied things also like to work out and keep himself healthy?!
The answer it seems is yes. I love my children just as you. I have very eclectic tastes from my wide variey of experiences. Does this make me a psycho? A serial killer? You decide and be your own judge. I know the answer and find it humorous that we make such judgments, be we all do it don’t we?
Ever see someone 5′2" and 300lbs? See a person that isn’t doing something just the way you would? We all have. The guy that had one drink too many? The woman in traffic putting on her make-up? The guy shaving on the way to the office swerving all over the road? We all do it and we all make judgements. I respect those that try to make a difference in their life and opt for a healthier lifestyle. I’m not trying to sound like a Saint, I am not. One of my favorite past times is to people watch, and I should be the last to cast the first stone. But I can also take a great joke and find humor in most things. Like people that think I’m a psycho for having shirtless picture. I conformed to societal obligations for the moment, to experiment and see how the results will change. Any other psycho’s with a brain out there? Does it transcend gender as well? I’d be interested to know. OK, that’s my rant!
tfw
March 24, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I kind of see both sides to this and really think this is based on perspective. It may be a stereo type that all people who post shirtless pics are psyco meatheads, but those stereo types are probably backed up by some fact on certain sites. Here the expectation is different, because this site is based upon the body itself, there for it’s not considered out of the ordinary to post shirtless pics. On dating sites it may look presumptuous to people. That all being said you’ll attract those who enjoy those pictures, and you’ll turn away those who don’t, which may be a positive anyway.
March 24, 2008 at 3:45 pm
It’s all about our opinions isn’t it? Thanks for lending your perspective!