It’s a quiet Friday night. Like every other night of late, I find myself scrolling down my newsfeed and combing through social media to pass the time. I take another sip of wine in the midst of likes and shares of random posts. The urge to check my dating profile on the Match App takes over. I signed up on a whim. My friends not so subtly hinted I give it a try. I honestly don’t know if it’s possible to find a potential partner on a dating site. The worthwhile guys are probably out living their lives , not sitting at some screen and holding thumbs that some woman is impressed by the frivolities on their profile. I would never publically admit to seeking out or even making a love connection on the internet. This is just not how things are done. Yet here we are. 25 and still, no serious relationship. Feels like a low point for me. My glass is almost empty when a notification pops up on screen.
‘A New Message from Jesse!’
I clicked the message quickly, not wasting any time and read.
‘ Hi Mbali. If you are interested in chatting, please don’t hesitate to message me. Enjoy your evening beautiful :)’.
I stared at the screen. I sat there re-reading it a few times. Just trying to process it. I clicked Jesse’s profile and scrolled through it again. He didn’t seem off putting, a promising start. It’s not like I have anything better to do so I take the plunge... for giggles of course.
My fingers glided across the keyboard as we messaged back and forth.
Mbali: Hi Jesse.
Jesse: Hey, thanks for hitting me back.
Mbali: Thanks for messaging me.
Jesse: So you wanna go out?
Mbali: umm.. just like that.
Jesse: Haha okay. Start by telling me how you are doing then?
Mbali: Lol ,I am well thanks and yourself?
Jesse: Pretty good considering I’m talking to beautiful lady like yourself. Would you mind telling me a little bit about yourself? Maybe some hobbies, some of your favourites, things like that? :)
Mbali: I’m 25. A Joburg girl born and bred.I studied film and media. I'm pretty much still trying to figure out my life at the moment and obviously get my career off the ground. I like to cook and watch movies/TV shows. My favourite colour is purple. Your turn :D.
Jesse: I have found myself an educated woman. I am 27 years old. I excel at video games and sports. I am an entrepreneur and future mogul. I’m a pretty down to earth and loving guy. Ask anyone and they will tell you that I’m the full package. I love to cook too by the way.
Mbali: Okay cool! What is your favourite dish to eat?
Jesse: I would never turn down a good steak. How about you?
Mbali: Anything with chocolate.
Jesse: Im curious, what’s your ethnicity?
Mbali: 100% Zulu black woman. Why,is that a problem?
Jesse: I didn’t want to just assume and get it wrong.Is it true what they say about black girls?
Mbali: Excuse me???
Jesse: I like black women minus the attitude of course.
Mbali: I don’t know how not to take offence to that.
Jesse: Is that wrong to say? Like I said, I like black women. Can you send me a recent picture?
Mbali: I barely know you.
Jesse: I promise I’m not being a creep. I just have some trust issues.
Mbali: ???
Jesse: I have had few bad experiences. I don’t appreciate people who lie about themselves. My last online love interest lied to me, but I took care her.
Mbali: Took care of her?????
Jesse: You don’t need to worry about that. Just know I always get my way.
Mbali: Sounds a little intense.
Jesse: I think you are a cute little mouse. Do you want to play a game with me?
(Mbali is now offline)
I stared at the screen. With a sigh, I closed the app.
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