Grandparents aren't typically known for being a tech-savvy bunch, but it turns out they might know a whole lot more about online dating that you'd think.
Meet 24-year-old Kayli Stollack and Gail, her 76-year-old grandmother. Kayli is the creator of "Granny Is My Wingman" (GrannyIsMyWingman.com), a popular blog that came about after Kayli decided to take a chance on online dating and recruited her grandmother as her wingman (Wingwoman? Wing-granny?). Together, granny and grand-daughter began a quest for love in cyberspace. Kayli joined OkCupid, while Gail signed up for J-Date. "My granny and me are both single ladies looking for laughs and love in the world of online dating," Kayli told ABC News[*1] .
The blog began, Kayli says, after her grandmother told her a particularly funny dating story. "We knew it was a funny idea," she said, "but I didn't think it would get so much traction. It was a joke at first, but it got a lot of attention really fast." Readers came for the novelty, but stayed for the good advice. Like:
- Don't plan a long date. For a first date, shoot for 45 minutes and never make it a dinner date. That way you're not stuck spending hours with someone you're not into if the date doesn't go as planned.
- Don't brag about sexual technique. Save that for later, and then "show, don't tell" is a better approach.
- Make sure your profile reflects who you really are. What makes you unique?
- Don't hog all the attention. A date is about getting to know the other person, not bragging about yourself. "If ya spent 24 hours with the guy," Gail said of one self-centered date, "23 would be about him."
- Manage your expectations. Don't mistake a spark of interest for wedding bells, two kids, and a golden retriever. Take things slowly.
- Be honest, in your profile and on your dates. Being untruthful will only match you with people you're not actually compatible with.
- Have fun! Online dating doesn't have to be so serious. When Gail lost a fake tooth in the middle of the date, she played it cool and her date's response was "Please don't be embarrassed. I don't mind a bit, I'm enjoying every moment of being with you." She stayed calm, laughed it off, and won him over.
- The buddy system isn't just for kindergarten. A wingman makes everything better.