Unmatched

In search of love and intimacy

Today, we explore modern dating and forming connections in the digital age, with all its unintended consequences. Next week, we'll explore identity, mobility, and connection - or who we are when no one is watching. Don’t miss it!

There I was, luxuriating on my friend's couch in California with Lulu at my side, belly up and snoring away, when a WhatsApp notification lit up my locked phone screen. One of my Airbnb hosts had decided to confess his attraction to me despite the 22+ year age difference between us. WhatsApp communication is a must in Europe, so our numbers remained connected months after my stay. He also had been following me on social media, apparently.

What started out as, "OK, that's cute," quickly escalated into confessions of his X-rated fantasies. Awkwaaard!!! I tried the polite angle, "Thanks, but no thanks." But then he had to ask,

"Do you want to see the goods?"

Me: "I am not sure I understand what you are asking me, but I don't want to see anything."

Him: "I probably shouldn't talk to a lady like this."

Me: "I think we have a language translation issue. I am hanging out with some friends, so I need to go now. Bye."

What followed were about 20 messages and phone calls fired in quick succession of the "don't be mad at me, hello, hello, answer your phone, hello, hello, etc." type. I should've blocked him then and there. But I opted for ghosting him and never answered his "How are yous?" in the couple of months that followed, hoping he'd just go away. I don't like unnecessary confrontations and often give people too much credit for their ability to read a situation and act appropriately.

If I had blocked him, I would have spared myself the following message: