eHarmony for Muscatine Singles

Ok, I have to admit to trying a few internet dating sites.  Unfortunately, this is where being from a small town really screws things up. First of all, it is a bit embarassing.  Everyone seems to know everyone, so broadcasting your single status seems awkward (obviously I have gotten over that).  And, more importantly, once the sites filter out unqualified candidates you are usually left with zero compatible local matches.

The obvious solution (aside from moving), is to open things up to include matches from surrounding communities.  The only site that seems to actually be worth the time, effort and money is eHarmony.  I have been on this service off and on for about a year and can report that I have had a certain level of success.  Oddly, there has only ever been one Muscatine match, but it was actually a girl I had been interested in, so I was pleasantly surprised.  This service does, in fact, do a good job of only presenting you compatible matches.She didn't respond to my request for communication, and thus the story continues.

My most recent 'success story' involves a girl who seemed to be my perfect match.  Our emails to each other were completely hilarious... we seemed to really 'get' each other.  She shared my passion for competitive fitness (namely cycling), was a surgeon (sweet!), funny, intelligent, and seemed attractive.  We had a lot in common, definately not 'opposites'.  Our phone conversations, however weren't as smooth as our emails (seriously, some of our correspondence could be published, good stuff), but I was determined to see this thing through.

I was suspicious when she mentioned she liked heavy metal, was obsessed with the Green Bay packers and watching football, and mentioned she could relate to feeling singled out for being a female in male-dominated careers (like welding, surgery, etc.).  None of these things are bad, just signs that maybe we weren't as compatible as I thought.  Could I have chemistry with someone who seems to really be 'one of the guys'?

Well, nervously we met at a restaurant in Iowa City.  Instantly we both had the same reaction... sort of a 'meet and greet' type date but no chemistry.  The 'friend' vibe was overwhelming, and we both felt it.  Very disappointing.  We emailed a couple of times, but ultimately the name of the game is love, not friendship, so we have both moved on.