As unromantic as it sounds, the Internet has commoditized dating.  And differentiation among profiles and marketing are key components.  But where does marketing cross the line when the truth is no longer the whole truth? Peoples’ own perceptions of themselves aren’t often recognizable in reality.  Pertinent facts are changed, misrepresented or left out.  I have heard numerous stories on this point from BOTH genders.  It seems the most common form comes in putting up a fake or old picture, changing one’s age and height.  Does he/she really not think we will notice the difference between 5’11 and 5’7 or size two and ten?  Is this a crime?  If the initial introduction starts out with misrepresentations, is everything after it doomed?

Everyone seems to have their own distinct opinion on this matter.  If one meets serendipitously, it seems the check boxes are more forgiving.  It no longer matters as much that the cutie is divorced with kids.  However, when utilizing an online dating system, there needs to be some criteria.  I have waivered and have heard the views of both genders. Even though I “get” marketing and online relationships can feel commoditized until an in-person connection is formed, ultimately, relationships are about human connections and trust.  And once violated, this is hard to regain in any circumstance.  I’m not an advocate of lying, but I think I fall on the fence.  If you feel you must be less than 100% honest (hiding the fact that you are separated, altering your age or height) in the search criteria, this relevant information must be revealed somewhere in your actual profile or in your initial email/conversation. If the person you are communicating with hasn’t taken the time to read your profile, who are you to be blamed for not telling the whole truth?  And if such criteria are set in stone – why would you want to be with someone so narrow minded.  The truth, the whole truth, seems like the way to go.