Let's Meek Love!

How come many women on online dating sites expressly state in their profile that they don't want "winks" from men, only e-mails? Isn't a wink just an invitation to look at a profile -- which is what an introductory e-mail is, right?

--Online Daterguy

You never get a second chance to make a really crappy first impression. Next time you're in a bar, and you spot a girl who strikes your fancy, don't bother talking to her or buying her a drink. Just tap her on the shoulder and run. That's basically what you're doing by "winking" online. Never mind coming up with some clever little form e-mail that you personalize for each girl you hit on. Just send that little winkieface symbol, telling a girl you're too lazy, dull, wimpy, or cheap to write her a message (cheap because you can "wink" on a lot of dating sites without paying to join). Sending a wink is also a really girly thing to do -- the online version of wearing a really short skirt and crossing and recrossing your legs. That does send a provocative message -- something along the lines of "Hey, ladies -- guess whether I'm wearing any panties!"