In the Spirit of Friendship.

I feel that you and I should be honest with each other. Otherwise, this new relationship will never work. You deserve my honesty and I should deliver it without a second thought. 

In the spirit of honesty, I would like to let you know that I have been online dating from time to time. You may find it ICKY but lets face it, I hardly have a choice. 

I don't like meeting people or dating people I work with (when I am employed) because whether or not it works out, I still have to see this person for 8+ hours a day for 5 days. The possibility of the relationship turning sour and making for a hostile work environment, is not unheard of. Plus, for a healthy relationship to blossom and thrive, you need distance. Dating a co-worker is normally not an option for me. Besides, my last 3 jobs didn't exactly have a single male population. Although, I am pretty positive one of the older crazy christian ladies, had a thing for me. 

I don't pick up men at bars. Firstly, I don't frequent bars all that often. Secondly, I don't know what the state of this person is. Without having any previous knowledge of a person, you cannot tell if they are drunk or, you know, an ax murdered. (Someone's been watching too many forensic/crime shows over the last 12 years.) And lastly, I have never had anyone approach me at a bar to "pick me up". I usually frequent watering holes with my friends. Many of my friends are of the male persuasion. You understand the rest. 

I don't date friends, especially close friends. I value friendship above all else and the thought of a romantic relationship ending a close friendship is terrifying to me. In fact, I tend to stay away even from dating close friends of friends. 

What can I say, I'm complicated. 

And no, don't be worried. I can assure you that when I do meet a stranger for a date, it is always in a public place, with many people around. The first few dates are in very public places. When we both leave, I make sure I am the last one to go as I don't want to risk the chance of them following me. I also make unnecessary stops along the way, like to a store or maybe a coffee shop. I'll take the long and windy way home. Remember, I am obsessed with documentaries about crimes and forensics. Its made me cautious and paranoid and possibly really good at disposing of bodies. (Noooo, I'm not going to be the next Aileen Wuornos, don't worry.)

So there you have it. You and I are now, one step closer to being good and honest friends.