Forget Online Dating, Become An Online Wingman

from the product-expansion... dept

If you’ve been on the bar/dating scene, you know the importance of the “wingman” or (increasingly) “wingwoman” whose job it is to help make the introductions and play up the person who really is looking to meet someone. As with so many things, it was only a matter of time before the concept moved online. Instead of online dating services, some sites are now renting out the services of the on-the-fly wingman. Is it just me, or is this incredibly sad? Online dating makes sense for some people who have trouble otherwise meeting people they feel comfortable dating, but having to sign up for a pay service to find a wingman to help meet someone to date just suggests you have no friends at all. Also, does the guy get his money back if the wingman he rents ends up with the woman he’s after?


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Comments on “Forget Online Dating, Become An Online Wingman”

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3 Comments
dorpus says:

A Bug in the Cultural Software

In our culture, it is fashionable to criticize the mate seeking methods of singles. If a single person uses online dating, then they are a “loser with no life” for doing so, and if they don’t use online dating, then they aren’t trying hard enough — they are behind the times, they are just letting life pass them by, etc.

If a single person goes to bars, then they are “looking for love in all the wrong places”, and if they don’t go to bars, then “they have no life.” If a single person goes to church, then they are “too stuck up” and unattractive, and if they don’t go to church, then they should go to church. If they are trying to find a mate, then they will find someone when they are not looking, and if they aren’t trying, then they are lazy and not trying hard enough. They should join the local outdoors club, or if they are already in it, then they are “avoiding a relationship” by keeping themselves too busy.

In short, it’s a reflection of our culture which has an irrational fear of singlehood. We notice that even homosexuals make a big deal out of “marriage”, or at least finding a long-term partner. In many other cultures throughout the world, including Europe and East Asia, there are subcultures of people who are single and have no intention of ever having a long-term partner. Americans are relatively Taliban-like in their adherence to tradition, obeying the dictates of a bible that tells them to find a mate — even if Moses screws around with his housemaids to bear more children, that is.

Graham says:

Wingmen

I have been approached to be a wingman and quite enjoy the honour.

It is always a good way to meet women yourself. For example, you normally start any conversation as a wingman with the question “What do you think of my mate?”

If the identified strumpet answers in the negative, you can always follow this up with “Well, what about me?”

Rejections, one night stands and much hilarity can all ensue.

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