The definition of being catfished is when someone is using a fake identity to lure someone in, likely to be on the internet. They may also use this to ‘troll’ people; to throw insults their way online, hidden behind another persona. Under new UK legislation trollers can face up to two years in prison for this serious offence.
A more watered down version of catfishing is for those of you, like me who have experienced online dating and finally want to swipe right (i.e keen to chat to/pursue). You chat, flirt, giggle and promote them by exchanging numbers to arrange meeting in the flesh.Washed, prepped and raring to go you’re ready. Arghhhh; they look nothing like their uploaded pictures! They have instantly gone from hero to zero.
Truuuuuuuust me, this has happened to me on numerous occasions. Examples include:
- Not the height you thought they were
- Their pictures are from around 15 years before and should have guessed there was something a little dodgy about the creases and shine in the pictures!
- Receding hairline
- You were expecting Baywatch, instead you got Crimewatch!
To have a 40 minute drink with them won’t do you any harm- be honest and say ‘Its been so nice meeting you although I’m not sure I feel the spark on my part.’ Being honest is 1000 times better than driving off and doing a no-show. Once I went on a date with someone (on the hottest day of the year) and the second I saw him, I knew he was not for me. He had planned drinks and lunch for us. I knew thinking about the M&S egg and cress sandwich was more appealing than another hour with this person meant I needed to nip it in the bud. I was honest, sure I felt bad but on the plus side he saved ££ and I got more points on the Sparks card It is ok to not be feeling it, that’s what dating is all about.
It’s so frustrating when the above happens- you do feel like everyone’s time has been wasted so it’s vital one uploads honest and realistic images reflecting what you really look like. I mean it’s hard enough meeting someone who you connect with both mentally and physically – they make you laugh and tick all those boxes so why start with images which misrepresent? The mind boggles.
With that said, a friend of mine was on the receiving end of this, she met him for a drink, he said he forgot something in his car, drove off and messaged her saying ‘you look nothing like your photos!’ This was her first online dating experience and it really knocked her confidence. Obviously that person has been dragged, not brought up but this is why post realistic versions of yourself, as opposed to the ‘inkwell’ or ‘Lo Fi’ filtered version goes without saying.
Share your stories below, be honest – so many of us have been there…
Lx
