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What’s That You Write?

I’m in the process of moving from one apartment to another in my building. I’m kind of a neat freak so this has me crazy. It’s not a horrible move—just up one floor and to a much better space—but the level of chaos makes me nuts.

For example, when I originally moved to NYC I shipped my furniture with what I thought was a reputable moving company.

OK, that’s a lie.

I sent my stuff with movers who gave me the best price—you get what you pay for.

Let’s just say when my belongings arrived (ten days late), and the seriously scary looking driver told me (menacingly) I needed to pay an additional $1000 or he was not unloading the big stuff, I possibly overreacted.

“Don’t fuck with me or you’ll regret it,” I said, through gritted teeth, my voice low and growly. My daughters will tell you that when the voice drops and the teeth grit, we’ve entered the psycho zone.

I should also mention that I happen to be unpacking my kitchen boxes when Thug Mover attempted extortion. Alright, I might’ve had a small paring knife in my hand (tiny, really and quite dull as are all my knives). Maybe I inadvertently pointed it in his general direction. We, um, reached an understanding after he made a phone call that involved nonstop screaming in Hebrew—or at least I think that was the language since earlier he’d shared he was Israeli and didn’t take shit from customers. I assume he was telling his boss that I was unwilling to negotiate. I didn’t need a translator to figure out he was describing me as “one crazy bitch”.

Listen, I watched enough episodes of Oz to understand that when dealing with a badass, a shank comes in handy.

So, I haven’t been in the right state of mind to deal with some of the more “interesting” messages I’ve received lately. Normally, I try to respond, but I’m afraid (given my history with moving mode) I might go all gangsta on their asses.

Here are three examples:

I have coined a new word which I’m hoping will catch on. The word is “fuv.” Fuv came about due to my frustration with the phrase, “making love,” specifically its inability to capture the wonderfully lusty, grunting nature of the act. I was also unsatisfied with the mono-syllabic Anglo-Saxon word commonly used to describe intercourse. That word failed miserably at describing the deep spiritual and emotional bonding that can occur during sex. But now with my new word, couples engaged in that most intimate of human activities can look into one another’s eyes (assuming they’re facing one another) and whisper the simple, all-encapsulating phrase, “I fuv you.” And yes, they can do all that while listening to my new album of remakes of classic pop hits, including, “If Fuving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Wanna Be Right,” “I Feel Like Making Fuv,” and the immortal, “Come Rain or Come Shine” featuring the lyric, “I’m gonna fuv you, like nobody’s fuved you.” So would you fused to meet? [redacted name]

I’d like to state for the record: I’ve never grunted.

Next:

I believe actions say more than words. I am passionate about life & my job, which gives me the freedom to live life as one adventure after another. We can travel the world together & enjoy my yacht. 

I want to know everything about you; we have a lifetime to explore the world and each other. I would be honored if you will go on a date with me to talk about how great our future can be. Respect, trust, friendship and chivalry are words I live by. I am looking for a long term relationship, passion, love & devoting my life to making you happy & accomplish every one of your dreams… (The name of my yacht is “dreams come true”). 

I hope you will get back to me soon; hopefully we can talk over the phone to learn a little about each other. 

Truly yours, 

[redacted]

Is it me or does this scream: drugged, duct taped and waking up on a boat to Barbados?

And last:

Hello 

How are you doing? hope you are fine and OK as for me am doing cool to write you this admiration message. 

My name is [redacted],,i was going through the site when your wonderful profile caught my eyes then i the decide write you this message to say hi to you.i don’t know how you will feel but i know i don’t wanna cause any negativity that will make you think am here for game,but really your pic and your profile really captured my attention,so decent and responsible…i am looking for someone who i can share my time with for the rest of my life but im ready to take it one step at a time there is no rush because life is to short and i think that its time for me to find my soulmate, someone who can share love and like to cuddle and hold hands and like to take walks in the summer and love me for who i am .as i will do the same in return and have trust honesty and be very understanding and to be very communicated also and plus learn to respect each other and most of all help out each other because i think that things should go both ways in life.i do hope to here from you soon cos am really dieing to see your spunky reply..bye for now and always keep that gorgeous smile of yours that drives me crazy.. 

Regards 

[redacted]

I’m gonna go out on a limb here, but he might regret the “dieing to see your spunky reply” portion.

I’ll respond to these guys when I’m feeling more settled—when my things are put away. Perhaps when I’ve returned from yoga or finished meditating and I don’t feel the yearning to open up a can.

Ooooooommm

“The difference between a house and a home is like the difference between a man and a woman–it might be embarrassing to explain, but it would be very unusual to get them confused.” Daniel Handler (as Lemony Snicket)

26 comments

  1. Kristine

    Are they foreign? Retarded? WTF!! “Dance for me kumquat i live for your smiling scent on my brow!” Haha!! Um, NO!!!

    • Melani

      Kristine, I have no idea! These are just a few of what I get each week. It’s ridiculous, but it does make for good blog material. I hope they keep ‘em coming. Thanks for the comment.

  2. r.j.

    And how about those ones that say, “hey beautiful,” as the totality of their messages. Or the guys that write, you write them back, they then write to ask if they can call you, you say yes and send your number, and then you never hear from them again (or is that just me that happens to).

    • Melani

      RJ, I think we have the same guys approaching us online. Last week I had the “ask for the number and then crickets” experience and it’s not the first time. Thanks for the comment!

  3. Amy

    Melani: awesome stuff. My personal favorite was a response I received when on a dating website that had a pic of me, unsmiling, with sunglasses on….response said…”love your smile and those beautiful eyes…let’s chat!”

  4. rosie

    I actually like the “fuv” note — that’s downright hilarious. (Assuming this person has a sense of humor and they’re not serious of course!)

    • Melani

      Rosie, you did? I thought it was so weird and I know I have a sense of humor. Maybe it’s just a different kind of humor than I find funny? Perhaps he’s a Steve Martin kind of funny guy and I prefer Chris Rock? Thanks for the comment!

  5. Kelly

    There are so many crazies. One guy last week week asked me if I knew how he could find a lawyer, not a good pickup line haha…. Then when I didn’t reply he sent at least 5 more emails and in the last one said I was weird for not replying (became stalker-ish) so I had to block him. Thankfully he doesn’t know my last name or anything about me. Lots of nutcases!

  6. Kelly

    Open up the can of whoop-a** on them Melani-style, I would love to see their response. this would make for great blogs:)

  7. Steve

    Melanie,
    Number one is cringe-worthy. I’m sure he considers himself quite the wit. Maybe you should tell him to ‘go fuv himself,’ or simply ‘fuv off.’
    Number two is just a douche.
    Number three is either mildly retarded, or thinks he’s the ee cummings of the run on sentence.

    • Melani

      I don’t get it, Sapphire. Isn’t it automatic? Seems a person would almost have to intentionally want words spelled incorrectly. Can’t make this stuff up–fuv.

  8. jo

    Just read this blog and I (honestly) got nauseous………..reminded me of the creepy notes I would get—before I went offline for good!
    You should make a list of commonly used phrases in profiles and notes. For example, here in California almost every single man says he likes “walks on the beach” somewhere in his profile. And at least half of them say they “want a woman who is comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt and also in an evening gown.” yuck. Do they get that from tips about writing profiles?

    • Melani

      I agree, Jo. The “as comfortable in jeans or evening gowns” is a huge favorite with the NYC dudes. Seriously, I can’t tell you the last time I wore an evening gown and I’ve got news for all men. A woman is NEVER as comfortable in an evening gown as she would be in jeans, so stop using that ridiculous and clichéd expression.

  9. Mary

    When I was doing the online dating service and received those weird emails, I would have the same response for all of them (I felt it wasn’t worthy of my time to come up with separate responses), I would respond back with: “save that hot air for your blow up doll because that’s your date tonight”.

    • Melani

      Mary, I’ve considered a cut and paste response for all. It is getting old to respond individually but I do get some great material. Did any of the guys ever respond to your standard reply? Thanks for the comment!

  10. Chloe

    Woe to these men of poor grammar and usage. It is such a turn-off…..I consider us justifiably snobby in this regard.

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