So I joined a free dating site...

[HellesBellesThinksSometimes]

Apart from a couple of seriously creepy (now blocked) men, I have heard from a couple of guys who seem more suitable.

One has dogs and I am allergic to animal dander. Is it ridiculous to say I don't want to even chat with him because we could never have a relationship?

The other, after only a few hours of messaging through the site, has sent me his mobile number. Is that normal?

I was often contacted (on a paying site) by men who'd chat for a couple of hours and then give their number.

I always replied and said I preferred to know someone a bit better first. Sometimes they said they understood but weren't comfortable typing and preferred to chat, but understood my reservations and were happy to wait (I've never chatted with any of them on the phone, even the ones I've 'dated'. I don't do talking on the phone!) However, sometimes I just didn't hear from them again because they weren't really interested in building a relationship, they were interested in arranging a date for a ONS.

So yes, it is pretty 'normal' but not very desirable, IMO.

FolkGirl thank you. I am not keen on talking on the phone anyway but I am even less keen on giving a stranger my number.

Any thoughts re the dogs?

Hi OP, just don't date guys with dogs?

Thanks Tinks so not premature to say, sorry I don't want you to email me again because you have dogs and I'm allergic?

You don't owe the men on dating sites anything other than a bit of basic decency. If you are sure you can't date someone with pets, just say so. Likewise, just say you're not comfortable giving out your number to someone you've not met. It's not weird or creepy for them to ask but you may learn a lot from their response. If they're decent, they will be fine with it and carry on chatting to you through the dating site. If they become pushy or angry or in any way don't respect your feelings - block. Immediately. Good luck, it's a minefield and you need to keep your wits about you.

Brill, thanks.

Just got asked out by a third fella off the site but he seems ok with going for a cuppa and to see if we should go for a date.

I would tell the dog man that you have an allergy to dogs. no harm in chatting but there won't be romance from it.

Some people prefer to chat over the phone, I personally don't. Just be honest with the guys.

I met my oh on line and he asked for my number, after we had arranged to meet up for coffee, so that he could speak to me via phone rather than typing. turns out he is dyslexic but didn't want to tell me until we had met!

That's quite sweet fv

Have u checked out the dating thread? Not been on myself for ages but lots of good support from like minded MNers

Will check it out, thanks.