Agnostic.com

30 15

Why isn't it socially acceptable on the first date to just hand each other questionnaires you've filled out about what's important to you so you don't waste your time? Like I met a guy that wants to move to New Zealand one day. Thank god I didn't ask him out. Who knows how much time I would have wasted just to realise I have to either change my whole world or make him give up his dream for me? It would just be nice to get the kids, religion, politics, goals questions over with without having to subtly and gently ease the conversation towards the things that really matter.

RavenGreer 5 Feb 18
Share

Enjoy being online again!

Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.

Create your free account

30 comments

Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.

13

This is why I am dumbfounded by people who want to rush into committed relationships after a few dates before they actually know how compatible they are together. I assume the need to be in a committed relationship so quickly is to avoid the stigma of being labeled a "dog" or a "slut". There are countless "deal-breakers" that have to be out in the open before one gets emotionally attached. A questionnaire is a totally logical solution, although we don't necessarily live in a logical world...especially the dating scene.

9

No thanks, I will stick to the old fashion method of just conversing. It is so much more interesting to get to know someone by what they say and what they don't and the sauces of non-verbal communication. I don't understand what the hurry is to know everything about someone, in fact teasing out things is half the fun.

What about solid deal breakers though? As someone who doesn't really want kids, there's really no reason for me to waste time going on multiple dates with someone who wants to have a family. I do try to drop this into conversation early on in the dating process though.

@DancesWithWorms Exactly if you have deal breakers you need to resolve if they exist by talking about them in the early on.

8

I believe what you are describing is online dating, you literally filter people on those criteria kids, religion and politics plus you can see unflattering photos of each other 😉

I hate online dating because all I get an inbox full of dick pics and I'm horrible at talking online instead of in person. I just want to sit down, say hi, both glance over an information sheet and talk about things we know will be an issue in the future and if we can't overcome those difference we never see each other again.If there are no problems than a second date is pretty much guaranteed.

@RavenGreer Hey! What about mentioning that in your profile? It would not turn me off if somebody said that. But, then, I'm a weirdo who likes paper, surveys, etc. (EXCEPT at the doctor/dentist).

7

Good idea. Maybe have post cards printed with little check boxes? On the front side have a tally? Something like:
Boxes Checked

  • 1= No. Just no.
  • 2= Maybe coffee.
  • 3= Well OK, but just an afternoon. Maybe the zoo.
  • 4= Sure. Dinner, maybe dancing?
  • 10 or more= I'll be right over! Do you have an extra toothbrush?

Do emoji work here? 🙂 - (hate lol) - getting complicated - smile

7

As far as I know, it is socially acceptable, it is just never done.

4

First you have to find a guy who is a)willing to answer questions and b)willing to read your answers. Too many of them are just looking at your boobs.

Those bastards! How could they? What is the world coming to?

4

I wouldn't decide against dating over something like wanting to one day move to New Zealand, because that's tentative, interests change, circumstances change, life happens, careers and other obstacles make a difference, a relationship with someone who doesn't want to relocate can change one's mind, etc. I think values are important, but distant plans are often fantasy.

While I get that I'm very serious about my dreams I would never say I'm moving somewhere and not 100 percent plan to move. If he is serious what am I supposed to say when he starts planning his move? 'But we've been dating for years!' 'But I told you I was going to do this years ago!' If I say I'm going to do something I mean it and I damn well better not get a 'But I thought you would change your mind.' about absolutely anything.

@RavenGreer I would never wait and hope. These are things that require conversation along the way. I only meant that I wouldn't dismiss dating out of hand because someone said they thought someday they'd like to do something that I wasn't on board with. You certainly have a voice and can express your opinion as well, and if after a few dates or a while longer you find that there's no compromise to be had then there's nothing saying you need to make a commitment. But it's also your decision from the start, and if you don't want to date someone with long-term goals that are contrary to your own, there's nothing saying you don't have that right.

4

I think people always lie in predate interviews or conversations because they want to date you so I think asking opinions on things before you look them in the eye is a waste of time. I want to know what a woman thinks of religion money politics and sex on the first date. And I watch body language as they answer. The first date shouldn't be only light and breezy I have to know if she's worth a second date.
In case you were wondering.

Religion: If you want to go to church then knock yourself out just don't put my money in their plate and don't even try to convert me or anyone in my presence.

Money: if you want to use it to help others I'm for it.

Politics: being fiscally conservative and socially liberal then we're good.

Sex: if you are inhibited or ever try to use it to get your way then you're sleeping on the couch and your stuff will be packed up and waiting by the door when you wake up.

4

Sounds like a good idea to me.. Problem is, though, it religates ‘love’ to the seat behind ‘practicality’ 🙂

Varn Level 8 Feb 18, 2018

I personally don't see that as a problem. I wish l had made more practical decisions in my love life. It would have saved me so much heartache.

@Nottheonlyone I don't either anymore. No reason to not be practical about a relationship. If the practical stuff matches, there is a greater chance that the romantic parts will take flight.

Or at least have the chance of lasting.

@BlueWave

I just don't want to fall in love with someone that it turns out I can never be happy with due to things I didn't learn about in the beginning.

4

I guess this is why online dating has become so popular.

3

Normally you screen it out by talking, as that’s more personable and by the end you either have a friend, a potential romantic interest, or a stranger to avoid.

3

Luddite here. I still find conversation to be the best way to suss out someone. If we're not compatible, at the very least, I might have made a friend.

3

Yeah I think the questionnaires should be set up like those voting cards in Florida where you punch out the hole for your answer. And then you can just put your cards together and hold them up to the light and see how many of your holes line up.

3

Good question. I think it's an excellent idea.

I just happen to have enough perspective on these things to know, however, that:

  • Many people get weirded out by paperwork of any kind, and paperwork in certain contexts: feels like schoolwork, or government stuff, which can be very distasteful to some.
  • Many people would be turned off by systematizing a "getting-to-know-you" process like this, because they feel that getting to know someone can--or should--only be done certain ways.
  • Even suggesting something like this might be enough, for some (narrow-minded, judgy) people, to immediately and irrevocably brand you as a weirdo.

If I were dating, I'd just make sure to hit the important highlights, as early as possible--preferrably before agreeing to a date--in as natural and conversational a manner as possible. And if someone balked at this, I'd know then and there they're not for me.

3

Sounds like a good idea to layout what is important to you. And if those things don't match, then would probably save some time. After I went through a divorce, I dated some. Took this one woman out, and as she had kids, thought, I also have kids, so that should not be an issue. Took me a little time to figure out she really didn't like her kids, and treated them badly.

2

I think this is something dating sites try to do to some extent and I agree it's a good idea.

2

That's the exact reason for OkCupid's extensive questions, plus matching system.

Some do, that's how I met my husband.

2

Must be a cell phone app for that. Exchange data, move on or move in. I like that kind of efficiency. That way emotions don't get in the way of the relationship or non-relationship as the case may be.

I'm not saying I wouldn't expect normal dating afterwards and hopefully emotions. It's just annoying that you would fall in love with someone first then realise they want 5 kids, to move to Ohio, and own a farm and you want none of that so someone is going to be unhappy.

@RavenGreer I can understand the five kids, but I don't know why anyone would want to move to Ohio. You would be right to walk on that finding alone. Good first question to ask!

1

I agree and commented that to admin as well . They are trying to get folks to give useless info , so that you have to question everything , rather than providing the pertinent questions and answers up front . Even the % they show seem to have little or nothing to do with the resumes posted . I am particularly PO'd at the distance indicator . I set it for under 20 miles and it automaticly resets to 3,000 miles , every time !

1

What ever happened to slowly getting to know a person? Profiles are all well and good but not everyone is honest so I take them with a grain of salt. Personally, I prefer the slow method of getting to know a person. Like this site where you can read people's opinions on any given subject and learn so much about them. Messages, e-mails, phone calls before any public meet ups. Keep it simple.

1

I've always said that the first date is really just a job interview.

1

Why aren't lots of things socially acceptable?

1

These replies are amazing me. Really? You guys are looking for arranged meet-ups? The days of the Match Maker are long gone but maybe it's time to bring it back? I'm not on the hunt and maybe this is why.

The days of match makers are not gone , they've just gone electric . The internet is full of sites , including the one you're on .

1

I am all for it, and like @Vaughn says, that is pretty much how online dating works.

1

Socially acceptable? Maybe. I'm 74, so my knee-jerk reaction is "old school." Yet, a questionnaire might strike me as unusual, and interesting.

Write Comment
You can include a link to this post in your posts and comments by including the text q:26146
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.