Heart’s beating fast. Palms are damp. Finger is poised above the left mouse button as you hesitate for just a moment while reading your well thought out email for the 52nd time. (Will my attempt at humor come through? Will they understand I’m making an attempt at self-deprecating humor? Did I remember to tell them we’re a no-pressure couple?) Your finger descends and with the satisfying click of the button, your innermost desires and visions of a wildly sexual encounter are stoked. You lean back for a moment and enjoy the rush that comes with the hunt……

Well, now what?

If your profile reads to the affect of, “If we don’t respond, take it as our polite way of saying we’re not interested”, you’re an impolite dick. Let’s break this down. This is the equivalent of passing a stranger on the street who says, “Hello, you look beautiful in that dress”, and you pretend not to hear them even though you both know you did. Who does that?! At a minimum, human decency dictates a simple acknowledgement. In electronic form, that might look like, “Thank you, that’s very sweet to say.”

That sentence took approximately 2 seconds to write. For the truly socially impaired, how about a minimalist abbreviation of a text message, “NoThx”.

By responding, you’re are simply acknowledging that another human being took the time to view your profile, found something of interest, and made the effort to connect. Be appreciative of the interest. Not everyone is so fortunate to have the physical appeal that is so highly prized within the LS community. A simple reply acknowledges this effort and is GREATLY appreciated on the receiving end. If you can manage a little more humanity, you might even consider the effect their email or message had on you and provide some critical feedback that could help them navigate the social pitfalls of future engagements. “Hi Jon, I appreciate the profile interest. However, you might consider establishing some rapport with prospective partners before you blow up their inbox with extreme close-up images of you ejaculating onto dirty toilet seats in the southside walmart restroom.”

It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there. A simple reply is a kindness that we all deserve.

……….

Get tested, play safe, and stay sexy. Happy hunting.