First dates can be excruciating. Especially when you’re in your thirties and going about it online. Unfortunately, we are at the age where we don’t really have the time to learn about each other through the process of having fun (like the old days). This makes the first date kind of like a fact finding mission. For me, it’s like torture. I feel like first dates are a cross between a job interview, college application and Chinese water torture. First dates can be excruciating.

I feel like first dates are a cross between a job interview, college application and Chinese water torture. And within a few minutes, the deal breaker question could be asked, leaving both parties muscling through a fruitless experience. I simply believe that having fun and getting to know each other’s passions is more important than verbalizing our LinkedIn profiles. So instead of “yea… let’s split the check” being the statement of closure, how about a pre-date screening?

Its purpose is twofold: To get the “deal breaker questions” out of the way before any time and money are spent. To simply bring attention to the fact that humanity has been stripped from first dates. I’ve developed an “Application To Date CJ Westyn”. Do you eat to live or live to eat? (Answering “eat to live” will not necessarily disqualify you from the opportunity to date me). Do you have or want children? (Answering yes will disqualify you from the opportunity to date me.)

So far the results have been great! Although it hasn’t yielded a date with anyone, I’ve eliminated a lot of leads that would otherwise have taken precious time and money. I’ve given people an opportunity to expand their profile descriptions and if someone actually fills out the application to my satisfaction, then I’ve really found “THE ONE”. And hopefully, someone, somewhere out there will “get” the sterile nature of a first date in the 21st Century. For me, it’s like torture.