Dating Services "Advice Needed"

Della (with a huge smile on her face) exclaims..

Well, I have to pat myself on the back for this one.  I did, really did go to the Great Expectations Center. I kid you not!!!  I was scared out of my head at first, but then because of the calming atmosphere and hospitality shown to me, I soon settled down.  After a very nice conversation, where everything was explained about the service, and that it was affordable for me......I joined!!!  ;) 

It was a very positive experience, no one twisted my arm to do anything. The represtentative took the time to get to know me, and see what my thoughts were on dating and possibly a deeper relationship. The lady was so nice, she reminded me so much of my aunt, who was one of those people that really listens to you and truely wants to help.

All the features that I had heard about from others regarding how the service works... is correct.  They do provide a private website for their members to review other member's written profiles, check photos and watch a video of them in light and sometimes amusing conversation with the member service videographer.  If you are impressed with certain members, you may want to select some on the website right away. What this does is to allow those members to know that you selected them, and they in turn check out all of the material for you on that website. If they say yes to you, they get  the phone number(s) you wish to give...and they are free to call you. When they select you, you may do the same. It works really well. No mess-ups, no embarrassment. It is all very professional, yet very laid back, with no pressure from anyone. They have some pretty interesting events every month too, where members meet and socialize with other members. I have signed up for one of them already (can't wait).

I feel that I have done the right thing for myself.  I will do my part to select as many gentlemen as I wish, and put my whole heart into this.  I witnessed their SUCCESS Album, and it was heartwarming. I intend on being in that book one day very soon with that very special man, the one who makes my life complete. 

I'm sorry if I sound too "syrupy"....but I feel a lot of emotion about this.

Wish me well...please,

Della

Della reports..

I am finally "walking the walk" not just "talking the talk" about doing something positive for "me".  Not for my mother, my kids or the lady next door....but for "me".

I am going ahead with the appointment I made with Great Expectations. I understand it will cost me more than the everyday online sites, but hey, for the service you're getting, you can expect to pay something...right? It does cost them to run the office for the benefit of their members. It does take time to enroll the right people as members and see that they have a well presented, private website display with several photos, a video and a written profile.  They also  offer some pretty nice events for their members to enjoy.

I have a habit of putting things off way too often.  That has obviously not worked well for me.  I am learning that a person needs to have the courage to make decisions in their lives and go forward. At the rate I have been going, it's one step forward, two steps backwards. All I want is someone who will care about me honestly and unconditionally, and let me love him with all the love I have to give. I hope this new year brings that blessing.

I am a little weak in the knees about this, but it seems exciting and more than anything else...it seems right!!

Love ya all- - - and "HAPPY NEW YEAR",

Della 

Della asks....

Hey there Marlena, how are things going for you?  Have you had any good selections out there in crazy dating land?  I  was on my way to trying one of the more popular ones and chickened out (can I say the name?).  You know, I would imagine it's ok to mention these different dating sites by name. My goodness, I have mentioned Great Expectations by name already,...no problems.

I plan to make a point of gathering more information about all of them...but I still think my best bet (especially safety wise) is Great Expectations. They know who they are dealing with way more than the online services. I just don't want to be some poor schnook that finds herself involved with a walking, talking nightmare!!

It takes courage to get through life sometimes, but it also takes some common sense as well. 

I will check in later to see what's happening...and if there are any further thoughts on this.

Della,

 What you are saying does make a heck of a lot of sense. I guess you can only expect to find more serious minded singles at a place like Great Expectations, than most anywhere else. Who would take the trouble of going in to their office and being screened like they are, just to be a member? I do know that background checks need to pass inspection BEFORE they get to touch bases with other members. Are they in every state, or just certain areas of the country? There is still more to learn about their service...but I would be interested in learning more.  I guess a Cadillac is really what I want...ha ha. The guy I would love to meet, would not need to be wealthy either. There are even more priceless virtues....honesty, decency and (Lord knows).....loyalty!!  If he looks like Brad Pitt,.. well, that would be ok with me too.  Gee, I'm so halarious!! 

I enjoyed reading your comments.

Marlena

Della says.....

Hi Briana,

Sorry I didn't get to you sooner....lotsa stuff on my plate to deal with the last couple of weeks...gads!

Thanks for the compliment about my name.  I have my grandmother's first name. I know it is old fashioned...but other names like Sarah are even older. Everything comes back around....in time.

About that dating service, Great Expectations....I think that it is just a good place to seek out serious people. What I mean I guess, is serious about finding someone to share a committed relationship with....not just "fun and games". I figure that if I want a Cadillac, I'm not going to a dealer that sells a less than quality auto. So, why wouldn't I try for a better selection of people to possibly date or even consider marrying? Life is tough enough...I don't want to settle for whatever pops up out there on the internet.

I have spent some time now checking stories here and there, from some aquaintances of that I feel I can count on.  I have heard some things about a few of these online dating deals...that leave me shaking in my boots. I guess that is why I feel that taking the safer route with a service that checks out all those who want to be members...is by far less of a risk.

Keep in touch,

Della 

Hi Della,

Is Della your nickname...is it short for something else? Sounds rather old fashioned, but very pretty.

I was having trouble falling asleep, so I  thought I would make myself sleepy by just finding a blog site and start rambling away.

I noticed your story about the lady who met her spouse through that dating office.  I believe it is Great Expectations that you are speaking of. Just last week I was waiting in line behind some lady in the grocery store, who was tellng her life story (it seemed) to the woman ahead of her. She was saying that she met her husband through that service almost five years ago. She seemed like she was happy about it. The man she married must have been fairly well off financially, judging by the car she was stuffing those groceries in!!  

Catch 'ya later, 

Briana 

Della wants to know.....

I would love some information on singles groups that are sponsored or supported in some way by churchs.

Does anyone know how that works? Do you have to be a church member, or do they accept any single adult in the community? Seems a bit more civilized and maybe a tad less risky...but on the other hand a little awkward.

Also, pencil in what ideas you may have about actual dating offices. That is the thing I asked about before. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to me, to have a person checked out before they are "out there" to be selected as someone's date for the evening (alone and vulnerable). 

At this time, I apologize that I have not had a chance to look up that dating office I mentioned in my last post. To the best of my recollection it was Great Expectations. They've been around for quite a few years, I believe. 

any info...appreciated.

Della replies...

I appreciate the very sensible advice on the "online dating".  I also wondered about the service where you visit and are interviewed.  I had a long time friend (now deceased) that many years ago, found her husband through them.  She said that she was interviewed at length, and they checked her out to make sure she wasn't a criminal.  It took about one year on the program before they met.  She felt it was well worth paying for.  I can't recall the name of the service anymore, but will look it up.  Will anyone comment on this....please.  I don't want to get involved with something unless I have some more opinions.  It just seems like it would be less risky. Thanks for helping....

Will check out Zandria's comments too.

You should keep out a post ( http://www.blogher.com/online-dating-im-going-it ) Zandria wrote a couple months ago about online dating - there are lots of suggestions in the comments. Yes, there are risks and you have to be smart about it (don't give out personal information, meet some place neutral, etc.) but among my friends at least, online dating has become pretty mainstream. Just keep an open mind, don't take ANYTHING personally and have fun!

Jenn

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