Conference taveng::bagels

1049.0. "Please don't be burned by JII" by CSCMA::GILDER () Mon Mar 18 1991 23:51

    I am ashamed to admit I've done something really stupid and now
    have lost not only my money but my self respect.  I don't want to
    see any one else burned so here I am, going public.
    
    Singles--Watch out for Jewish Introductions International.  I foolishly
    thought that this was a good idea.  Since last August when I sent
    in my $200, I have received not one suitable introduction.  I have
    received introduction letters regarding men who were already married.
    I stated on my application that I was allergic to dogs and cats
    and one of the introductions was of someone who has 6 dogs!  To
    top it off the last introduction was of someone who has to be treated
    for mental illness.  I know that mental illness is no crime and
    problems find just about everyone.  But this man was truly sick
    and needs to find a controlled environment to protect himself. 
    Thankfully, I didn't choose to meet him and fortunately, he does
    not have my address because I would fear for my safety.  Some of
    the things he said were truly bizzarre. One other person they sent
    me the name of lives in Portsmouth, RI.  FYI, that's about an hours
    further drive than Newport.  In order for him to take me out for
    a really nice date, a good date, an old fashioned date, he would
    have to leave his home by 3:00 p.m. to pick me up at 6:00.  Then
    the $64,000 question is does he really have to leave by 10 to be
    home by 1?  Or does he have to rent a room at a local motel?
    
    I sent several notes, called several times and have received no
    cooperation from this owner...Barrie Turner.  I even had a lawyer
    look into the matter for me and the contract I signed is truly iron
    clad.  This poor excuse for a human being really covered his behind.
    
    Without slamming anyone, I would like to call him the ugliest Yiddish
    word in the dictionary.  
    
    Please, I beg of you, don't be hurt like I was...choose another
    route of meeting appropriate singles partners.
    
    me                                                          

    Dear 'me':
    
    I'm sorry you are hurting.  It's not so much the $200 but your pride. 
    You are not trash.  You are an intelligent woman with a lot to offer. 
    Hang in there.  Reaffirm your values and desires.  They are valid.
    
    I was single and looking for too many years, it seemed.  I'm glad I
    didn't give up.  I'm married and have a beautiful baby daughter now.  
    
    I got so disgusted with the creepy people at the Jewish singles groups.
    but that's where I finally met my husband.  So I'm glad I went to that
    "one more time".
    
    "This is for all the single people 
    who think that life has passed them by.
    Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup.
    You'll never know unless you try."
    
    Laura