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| TELEPHONE PERSONALS |
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This form of meeting someone is fairly new
but growing at a fast rate. Telephone personals services such as Chit
Chat, New York's #1 Talkline, and Telepersonals (see page__ for more information)
allow you to record an ad, which other members can then listen to over
the phone. If you pique someone's interest, he or she will leave a message
for you. Of course, you can listen to other members' messages and respond
to as many as you like. When you call in, an automated voice prompts you
through a series of choices to route you to a specific part of overall
system.
Many services are completely free for women, since there are usually more
men than women using the service.
It's also usually free for men to record their ad and listen to ads, but
men usually have to pay to respond to ads and to pick up their messages.
With many services, you would first select an age group, then what kind
of relationship you are looking for (from friendship to marriage), and
then the basic personality of the person you are hoping to meet.
Once you've hit it off and exchanged several messages with someone, take
the time to have two or three long phone conversation before deciding
to meet. This gives you the opportunity to explore whether your interests,
attitudes, values, and relationship goals are compatible, and to judge
the character of your prospective date. Taking the time to talk to each
other not only helps you build a rapport, it also helps you better determine
if the person is right for you.
"I decided to use a telephone personals company because it was fast, easy,
and inexpensive," says Shawn, a former member of a telephone personals
service. "As a part-time single dad with a demanding career as a computer
programmer, I didn't have a lot of time to spend looking for the perfect
mate. I joined from home, and listened to ads after the kids went to sleep.
I never met anyone on the system that I didn't like, and I dated two or
three nice women before meeting Debbie. We talked for a couple of hours
before we met (which is amazing because I hate phone conversations), so
I knew we were intellectually compatible. As soon as she walked into the
restaurant, I knew that she was the one. We got married last spring --
three years from the day we met."
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