Advice from a Woman's Perspective

All's fair in love and Google

Dear Madison,

Six months ago, I met Ron on Scratch.com, a dating service for people allergic to poison ivy. From the moment I saw his chiseled calamine lotion-smeared face peering out from my computer screen, I sensed a special bond between us. A whirlwind romance has followed. Every day, I pinch myself (very lightly and only on dry patches) to see if it’s dream.

Yesterday, however, my state of euphoria came to an abrupt halt when I made a rash discovery. While doing some online comparative pricing for Tecnu Skin Cleanser, I googled Ron’s name out curiosity. The results were shattering. His name turned up on PsoriasesSoulmates.com, PoisonOakPals.com, MelanomaMates.com, and HeaviesWithHives.org.

Madison, I consider myself to be a good judge of character. From the beginning, Ron has been a perfect gentleman, friend, and a wonderful lover. (You haven’t lived until you’ve had a hot Caladryl massage!) Could my instincts be so wrong about this man?

Itching in Ithaca

Dear Itching,

Unfortunately, in the age of online romance, the Internet giveth and the Internet taketh away. Love makes us believe almost anything. I dated a wonderful man for three years before finding out he wasn’t the Secretary of Agriculture. In retrospect, I should have been smart enough to realize he was a phony when he swore walnuts were a vegetable.

Women lead with their hearts. We let our emotional guards down. When meeting a man, we always fixate on his one Armani suit, and ignore the 20 skeletons in his closet. So don’t feel guilty about googling a potential beau. If his personal ad claims he’s six feet tall, you have every right to know if he has an account at Elvis' House of Elevator Shoes.

You must also realize that your life is now searchable, and act accordingly. I can attest that dating can get tougher after your photos have been posted on DrunkenColumnistsOrgy.com.

It is possible that you and Ron have a future together, but I would be very careful. Take a good hard look at this relationship. Do you really love him? Or is it just the hydrocortisone cream talking? 

Madison O'Rourke chairs the Spiritual Development department at the Learning Annex in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the host of the cable-access cooking show, "Mexican Cuisine the O'Rourke Way."