Been doing this a few years now. Over the years I’ve met quite a few people with whom my first encounter was online. I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad experience. Of course some you hit it off with more so than others, but as far as an experience I would refer to as negative, it has not happened.
This is primarily attributable to taking my time with the vetting process. Not allowing excitement to supersede common sense and gut instinct. And never, ever go alone.
Through this “hobby” I’ve met people with whom I remain in touch, and consider good acquaintances. I stop short of referring to as friends as the relationship does not extend beyond the mats.
One such person I have had multiple matches with, and she lives in my city.
The incident I’m about to share took place several years ago. She was still single, and asked me to come with her to a match as her second. I agreed. It would be a different experience as i had always been the one on the mats; never in a support role.
My friend was in her early 30’s. Her opponent, she explained, was in her mid-20’s, and a single mother.
Match day arrives, and her opponent is late. She ends up being a half hour late. Calls to her cell go straight to voicemail.
Right about the time we are ready to call it a no show she arrives. Very flustered as she enters. With a kid on her hip.
She was very apologetic and close to tears from frustration. She explained that her sitter woke up ill, and obviously was unavailable. She had been unable to find a replacement she trusted on such short notice. She did not want to bail on the match last minute. So she brings the child along. The kid is 14 months. Obviously unable to retain anything that happened that day.
I became the second for both combatants, plus babysitter. An unpaid sitter at that.
As you might imagine I’ve shared this story over the years. The responses range from sympathy and admiration for the young mother, to bringing a child regardless how young was both reckless and irresponsible.
What say you?
