Black adult dating site.

Spying a possible opening I tried to sweet talk her into giving me her views on climate change, but somehow that conversation did not catch light.

Relenting, I asked instead about beaches in her home city of Sydney - after all, this poor woman had to put up with election talk at home every night.

Three minutes talking to each “date” does not sound much. By date three, it seemed too long for anyone meeting me.

Chance to moan

The next date gave me strong signals from the outset - about her voting intent, anyway.

“I run a shop selling organic clothes - you know, it’s all free from pesticides and everything,” she said.

Aha, so she would be voting Green, no question?

Drinking laws were on the singles wish list

“Well, I would vote Green but they haven’t got a chance of getting in so I’ll probably vote Labour - at least if I vote for them I feel I can moan about them.”

She actually seemed quite disappointed when our three minutes were up - maybe this politics trick might actually work.

Maybe not. Sharon looked worried as I popped the question immediately: So, how are you going to vote?

In fact, her political allegiance was as blue as her eyes: she liked Michael Howard, especially when he was offering to cut stamp duty and she wanted to move house.

Rethink

At the break, I reached for a well-needed beer and sympathised with the guy following me from adult dating finder friend site web for leaving him to pick up the pieces.

He admitted I had left some of the women staring into space. He put it down to my obvious wit and charm.

It was time for a tactical rethink about how to tap into the political mood of British singletons.

Politics, oh don’t go there! Emma

The main parties insist they are not ignoring those who are young, free and single, pointing to their policies on tackling crime, helping first time buyers, education and training, job opportunities, licensing hours and in some cases rules on mini cabs.

And as Mark Gill, of opinion pollsters Mori, points out, the politicians are on safe territory by helping families, since most people are part of a family in some way.

Sadly, none of this seemed to offer much help in my quest so I decided on a more cryptic approach.

“So what kind of party do you like?” I asked my next date.

“What? You mean what do I like doing at the weekends?” she replied. Not quite.

We did somehow get onto discussing shootings outside her home. Sadly the three-minute whistle went before I got the chance to quiz her closely on which set of violent crime statistics she believed.

Work outing

By now I was beginning to lose heart and when asking the delightful Phillipa who got her vote, I honestly hoped she would take it the wrong way and talk me through her evening so far.

Not a bit of it. She was going for the Lib Dems and could tell me exactly why. Our three minutes together whizzed by and I moved on with new ardour.

Next stop was a group of women who for some reason they could not now fathom had chosen speed dating for their work outing.

Among them, feisty Kimberly said she could no longer back Tony Blair and anyway with earnings of more than 100,000 she liked the Tory line on lower taxes.

Door slamming?

By now, I felt like a bedraggled election candidate going door to door asking for votes: a comparison which amused Holly, who worked behind the scenes for an adult television channel.

She demanded to know my personal manifesto and had no doubt about the policies to win over single voters: 24-hour drinking and cheaper taxis.

With the end in sight, Kirsty gave me it straight: choosing a man was easier than picking a political party.

And Emma was even more honest: “Politics, oh don’t go there!”

Colleagues had hoped I would in years to come boast of meeting my wife while discussing House of Lords reform.

Fat chance! I confidently predict none of these speed daters will be signing up to meet this political anorak again. I only hope that it really was just my politics to blame…

Does politics matter to the Bridget Jones generation? How would you respond if a date talked just about politics? Send us your views using the form below.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

I think it’s terrific and not in the slightest bit boring that my boyfriend is actually interested in having a political debate with me. More men (and women) like Ollie, please!
Gemma, Birmingham

I wish I’d talked politics on the first date Jack, Leeds

Meeting women who are into politics has never been easy for me and now I’m in a committed relationship with one who thinks neo-cons are some kind of sneaker. I wish I’d talked politics on the first date - it might have shown up the gulf between our political mindsets. It’s too late to dump her now, though - I love her, damn it!
Jack, Leeds

That’s the problem with our generation - sound-bite politics. To think one can have a meaningful conversation about party politics in just three minutes is as offensive to democracy as thinking that one can find love! It is, however, the perfect time for boiling an egg.
John, London

Young, compassionate conservative seeks likeminded female - worth a try!
Bob, Kent

Why are there so many patronising comments from men who find it so amazing that a “Bridget Jones generation” woman wants to talk politics?
Ally, London

We spend all our time arguing about politics so don’t bother arguing about each other Kit, Chipping Norton

My girlfriend and I are from completely different political worlds. I am a Lib Dem activist and campaigner, she is a right wing Tory who hates Europe. Its great - we spend all our time arguing about politics so don’t bother arguing about each other.
Kit, Chipping Norton

One of the bisex group
quotes was “Politics, oh don’t go there!” It’s like saying, “Attitudes, values, beliefs? Everything that defines your personality? I’m not interested.”
Rob Szczerba, Sheffield

I’d rather be single my whole life than date someone who supported politicians and policies I despise. I want to know right away where a possible boyfriend stands - I wouldn’t date them unless they were as into politics as I am!
Meredith Clark, New York, NY, USA

A person’s politics is a fundamental part of their character. If your political views are very different from those of your date, then it’s likely you’ll end up arguing. But then, isn’t that what domestic bliss is all about? My wife and I invariably end up discussing politics over the kitchen table as we listen to the morning news!
Peter Barber, Glasgow, Scotland

This is an excellent way of finding out about each other quickly Sarah Mabbitt, Bedford

I think this is an excellent way of finding out about each other quickly. You don’t discover much from frivolous chit-chat. True speed dating.
Sarah Mabbitt, Bedford

A few days ago I had a first phone conversation with someone I met online. We discussed work, politics and recreation. Anyone can talk about work and recreation, but it takes a bit of depth and an ability to articulate a point of view to discuss politics. I appreciate the way it separates the women from the girls.
David, Birmingham

I’d be very glad for a girl to talk about politics to me. It shows very early on what is important to them in life, but the real benefit is it avoids the mind-numbingly tedious small talk about TV soaps and relationships that most women want to talk about.
Alan B, Edinburgh

This is the funniest thing I read! Ollie’s ploy just cracked me up loudly. I find it refreshing when a woman from the Bridget Jones generation has her independent views on politics, rather than simply echo the papers.
AA, Boston, MA, USA

The point of the first date is to make a good impression, not to antagonize or debate your date. There are several topics should never be discussed on a first date: sex, religion and politics.
Roberta, Washington, DC, USA

I’m desperate to meet a man who will talk about politics Hayley Priest, Camberley

A few years ago I would have hated for anyone to talk about politics to me but now I’m desperate to meet a man who will talk about it. I’d have loads of respect for him straight away.
Hayley Priest, Camberley

One of the first conversations I had with my girlfriend was about our mutual admiration of the BBC’s own Andrew Marr! That sealed it - she was the woman for me!
Benjamin, Sheffield

Politics is the best topic to start a date, if the other person is somehow attentive to the world outside. When you talk about politics you are exposing your core values. Isn’t it what a relationship should be based on?
Ani, Gainesville, FL US

I wouldn’t fancy talking politics on a speed date as I’d probably find out far too soon that the handsome devil opposite me was a raging Tory-boy. That would definitely put a dampener on things.
Suzy, London

Being a bit of a politics geek myself, I’d be thrilled if a man showed that he had a knowledge on the subject, and that he cared enough to form opinions on the subjects that really matter.
Rachael Cox, Portsmouth, England

The only time I argue with my boyfriend is when we discuss politics Jess, Leicester

I’m a politics student and in my experience romance and politics don’t mix - the only time I argue with my boyfriend is when we discuss politics.
Jess, Leicester

Why is it that so many of us think politics is dull? It affects everything from pub closing to the price of condoms - how can that be dull? I’m going speed-dating tomorrow and would be delighted if someone asked me my opinion on, say, the erosion of civil liberties in the UK or revolution in the former Soviet Union, but I think that might just be wishful thinking…
Jo, London

If a lady spent the whole time talking about politics I’d soon get bored of her - or end up arguing. I’m quite into politics, but the fact is that it’s far from being the only thing I want to discuss with anyone.
Nick, Leicester

If my date talked just about politics I would be bored, but then again if he had no opinion on the way this country is run, I would run in the opposite direction.
Thembi Morris-Hale, London

I’d love it if my date talked politics - it would at least show he cared about something. Most men I meet only care about themselves and yabber on all night about ‘me, me, me’!
Karen, Derby

I’m sick of himbos who don’t seem remotely interested in the world around them Maz Cook, London

I’d be delighted if I came across such a man - I’m sick of himbos who don’t seem remotely interested in the world around them.
Maz Cook, London

I was sick of dating guys who read The Sun and had nothing else to talk about except football and celebrity news. I finally met a man who was more aware of the things that mattered to me - he wooed me by discussing politics and current affairs. We’re now married.
Joan, Scotland

Being single, childless and 47, I too am the singleton that feels ignored. Single is the new discriminated class; ignore us at your peril.
Stuart Rogerson, Huntingdon

I think it’s an important subject, especially at present, but there’s a limit! Besides, you can be certain that no two people will agree on politics and that you might end up arguing for three minutes. Isn’t the point of speed dating finding things in common?
Anne-Claire Edynbry, London

Ollie was darned lucky to find young women even capable of naming the three main Party chiefs in Britain. My experience is, young people in Britain and here can only discuss two subjects: pop music and football.
Basil Jackson, Brussels, Belgium

I would have probably reduced Ollie to a quivering mess Mercedes, St Ivese

Politics is not for everyone. However, I’m a women in my 30s and I adore talking politics to the point were I’ve actually lobotomised quite a few people. I would have probably reduced Ollie to a quivering mess by my loud and vehement views on politics! I have a feeling I probably would have kept going after the 3min whistle!!
Mercedes, St Ives

Three minutes is fine, but conversation has to lead elsewhere eventually. Don’t get me wrong, I love talking politics, but you gotta have more.
Elisabeth, Brussels, Belgium

If my date, especially my speed date, began the evening by quizzing me about politics I would most definitely switch off. Politics is best left to the third or fourth date when you run out of other topics to converse about it.
Nicola Pinkerton, Renfrew, Scotland

Although I would have no objection to politics as a topic of conversation, to talk about this continually would be extremely tedious. A definite turn off!
Louise, Chorley, England

Oh, for a heady dose of Iraq and Pensions Policy to help the Lambrusco go down Christine Gilmore, Edinburgh

I somehow agreed to go speed dating with my cousin tomorrow night and am hoping against hope that someone might just try and talk to me about politics - knowing these events it’s highly likely that I will suffer seedy and greenguy group sex
small-talk instead. Oh, for a heady dose of Iraq and Pensions Policy to help the Lambrusco go down.
Christine Gilmore, Edinburgh

It’d be so refreshing to meet a woman of my age who took an interest in it. Sorry, but it’s true.
Justin, Bristol

I think that for the most part we are a generation drowning in the noise of political spin. I am politically active, but at the same time, keeping conversation light on a first date is probably a good idea.
Jacob C Kelly, Richmond, VA USA

While I would be heartened to meet someone who could hold a conversation about serious matters, I would suspect that she didn’t fancy me and was using the topic of politics to prevent any intimacy from creeping in.
Martin, Wrexham, Clywd

I think politics is an interesting topic but if a date was to talk only about politics, then I think it would be slightly off-putting.
Mariah, Glasgow, Scotland

If a guy came at me with such an obvious motive, I’d lose the stinker Evin Maria Eldridge, Washington DC, USA

If a guy came at me with such an obvious motive, I’d lose the stinker. When I go out on a first date, I don’t want to be pushed into anything, and if I don’t feel like talking about politics then that ought to be all right.
Evin Maria Eldridge, Washington DC, USA

For most people, politics are dreary and dull. They don’t ever give them much thought. I know before Bush took the White House I didn’t. But then his policies upset me so that I got more interested and involved in politics. Now I can’t stop thinking or talking about politics. I need therapy.
Jeff Bartlett, Harrisonburg, VA, USA

I am refreshed when a man talks politics as opposed to football or Playstation. It show he has intelligence and an awareness of current affairs. My other half and I argue politics regularly, it’s sometimes a bit of a turn on.
Eleanor, Brecon

Not a response to the question asked, but instead a rapturous applause for a brilliant feature describing what must have been an hilarious evening. Oh, to have been a fly on THAT wall!
John D, Leamington

Politics do matter and I will be voting BNP. If I were having a long discussion about politics I would ensure that the overview of BNP’s policy statement is covered before an opinion is offered. I would have to change the subject eventually though!
Rhiain, Bristol

Who a person votes for reflects their core values Zoe Stollery, Cwmbran, South Walese

I would love my date to talk about politics; who a person votes for reflects their core values and would give you an idea of what type of person they are.
Zoe Stollery, Cwmbran, South Wales

If a date talked of nothing but politics, I would probably never want to see her again..thinking about it, if she was just amazingly gorgeous I might forgive her.
Folco, Lausanne, Switzerland

That is absolutely hilarious. Very original. Thank you for bringing a smile to my morning. Excellent work!
Colin, Dallas, USA

Ollie, I would speed date with you anytime! It’s hard to find people in the Bridget Jones generation that would have even a passing interest in politics or current affairs.
Glenda, Australia

I wouldn’t care, so long as they were good looking! Jamie, Oxford, England

I wouldn’t care what my speed date talked about so long as they were good looking and wanted my number!
Jamie, Oxford, England

If all my date talked about was politics, but the conversation was give and take, I would not necessarily be turned off. However, if all subsequent dates talked of nothing else, then what’s the point?
Juli, Houston, Texas, USA

I am 23 and I will certainly be voting. The problem is that politics affects just about every aspect of life. I find it extremely hypocritical when others my age wash their hands of politics and then complain about tuition fees, for example.
James Jackson, Durham

So what was the outcome? Did any of the beautiful girls pick you?
Sam, Reading

I would be very keen to hear my date talking politics since I enjoy debating and discussing political issues. Someone who enjoys talking politics would be just my style.
Natasha, Alexandria, VA, USA

Bandai, the Japanese toy firm behind the egg-shaped plastic toy, has said it plans to relaunch the Tamagotchi robot next month.

But the new Tamagotchi’s habits will be more grown up than the original version; it will be able to go on dates, marry and have babies.

The original pocket sized Tamagotchi toys won hearts by beeping to demand regular attention from their owners.

But their demands for affection were more limited, focused largely on food and drink.

Tamagotchis that did not receive enough love died, amateur match adult dating
down their screens.

The new Tamagotchi Plus will be able to mingle, chat and date with other Tamagotchis using infrared portals, adult dating online services sexy
to its makers, Bandai.

Tamagotchi was first blog casual sex dating
in 1996 and had sold 40 million units within a couple of years.

Tamagotchi Plus will go on sale on 2 March priced at 1,980 yen ($19).

Bandai’s other products include Power Rangers dolls and Hello Kitty games.

Some 94% of UK online agency customers questioned saw their “e-partner” again after the first face-to-face meeting.

Bath University psychologist, Jeff Gavin, surveyed 229 adults, finding web dating worked “for many people”.

But he told BBC News that 4% of those customers who took part in the study “were already married”.

Chatrooms

UK-based internet dating agencies have an estimated six million subscribers.

Most of these, Dr Gavin said, provided very little space for would-be romancers to describe themselves.

Those people who wrote letters or sent gifts tended to help strengthen their bond Dr Jeff Gavin, psychologist

The bond formed between customers came, instead, from later completely free adult dating site, particularly online chatrooms.

This was a more “immediate” way of communicating than e-mail and allowed people to express their true feelings.

However, only 9% of chatroom users chose to converse via a webcam, most “shying away” in favour of “text-based relationships”.

Dr Gavin said: “What struck us was how the more traditional aspects of relationships seemed strong.

“Those people who wrote letters or sent gifts tended to help strengthen their bond.”

Almost one in five of those interviewed had started a relationship lasting more than a year via a dating website.

Dr Gavin said this represented a “similar level of success” to partners who had met “in more conventional ways”.

Male website customers tended to be “more committed” than female ones, as subsequent chatroom casual sex dating date gave them a way to express their feelings which did not normally exist.

Dr Gavin added: “Lots of people join sites because they don’t get time to go to bars and clubs to meet.

“When online dating agencies first started they were quite standard. Nowadays there are all sorts of niches.

“There are gym-goers’ sites, where fit people meet other fit people, Christian sites and university graduate sites - it’s incredibly diverse.”

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

I’m American and my husband is British we met five years ago on the net via an online role playing game and have our first wedding anniversary in two months. We didn’t actually meet in person for a year after meeting, and spent huge amounts of time on the phone and the net via our game. My dad explained it to my grandparents as modern day courting! You can’t do anything but talk and get to know each other. At 35, neither of us has ever been happier. I do recommend several months before actually meeting and be honest if you are serious!
D and M, Woking

I met my man on the net too. Not an internet dating service, but a chat room. Highly recommended. I’m overweight, and I knew he’d never have looked at me twice in a bar, or club, but he “fell in love with the real Hazel” before he’d even seen me!
Hazel, Northwich

I met my wife on a dating website. We married last April and are expecting our first baby this April. We couldn’t be happier. I’ve met the love of my life. My soul mate. I would recommend dating websites to anyone. They do work.
Adam Stevenson, Plaistow, West Sussex, England.

I tried it a long time ago, but the men I met were all, without exception, free adult dating services
, psychos and/or chauvinists, and usually married. From a personal point of view, I’d say avoid it like the plague, but if it is all you have got, be very, very careful. It is far too common an occurrence that women get caught in dangerous situations using the world wide web.
Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, UK

Online couples have a good chance of making it, as long as neither party misrepresents themselves Cait Ramshaw, Ft. Pierce, FL, USA

I met my husband Mike via email in 1997. We were simply friends until I met him face to face later that year. We dated over the net for most of 1998, and were married in England in April ‘99. I think that online couples have a good chance of making it, as long as neither party misrepresents themselves. Being straight up from the start makes all the difference.
Cait Ramshaw, Ft. Pierce, FL, USA

I met my fianc online almost four years ago. We are getting married in July. I wasn’t looking for it, but it just happened. I’m happy that I let myself get into something less than traditional, otherwise I would have missed out on this great love. I think people need to be vigilant about who they meet online, but sometimes wonderful things can happen.
Linda, Montreal, Canada

I met my partner online. After chatting online for a few days through an online dating site, we spoke on the phone. That first phone call lasted over four hours. I think we both knew then that it was meant to be, there was definitely something there from that start. We have seen each other ever since. Have now been together for over two years and have been living together for 10 months. We are very well suited to each other. If I had never used internet dating I would not be with my partner now. So I can definitely say is a good thing to meet someone online.
Paul, West Yorkshire

Internet dating does work - you’ve just got to sift the wheat out from the chaff Anon, Leicester

I started internet dating 5 months ago and was very sceptical about it to begin with. You’re bound to meet some guys who aren’t right for you - that’s life. If you hold on in there, the chances of you meeting someone that you’re compatible with are much greater. I almost gave up looking, but have recently met a lovely guy that I share a lot in common with. We get on brilliantly and love spending time with him. Internet dating does work - you’ve just got to sift the wheat out from the chaff! I know a number of people who’ve had successes with internet dating and one person who has ended up getting married. I definitely recommend it.
Anon, Leicester

It does work. 4 years ago I was using an internet chat room, not looking for anything in particular and having a bit of fun. I met the most amazing man, and after exchanging lots of emails and hours on the phone we met up about 3 weeks later. I knew he was the man for me within about 5 minutes of meeting him face to face. We’ve been married for 6 months now.
Siobhan, Birmingham UK

I’ve joined a few web-sites in order to find ‘the right’ partner and found that e-mail based Adult dating free online personals services
are good only up to a point. For me it has proved a great way to make friends but relationships need other forms of contact, ie, phone and in person, if it is to work long-term. My only wish is that there were more sites for friendship and not just relationships.
Natalie Buxbaum, Sydney, Australia

I met my wife on the net in 2001 while I was living in England, we are still married and still very happy. I would never have found her if it wasn’t for the internet
Alan Taylor, Sioux Falls, SD, USA

I dated a man for two years that I had met online before finding out that he was married with children Catherine, Manchester, UK

It can be good for romance and is certainly a way to meet people that you wouldn’t normally meet. It didn’t work out for me, unfortunately; I dated a man for two years that I had met online before finding out that he was married with children. I think I will stick with more traditional methods of meeting people in future. If you meet someone through friends, you automatically get a background check on that person!
Catherine, Manchester, UK

Anything that has the power to allow would be lovers to find each other can only be a good thing for romance. Online dating has helped bring agency dating into the 21st Century and break the stigma that finding love this way is superficial and, let’s face it, a bit desperate. When love has the chance to prevail - who cares how it starts? I don’t see the difference between meeting someone in a room at a house party or in a chatroom online - both are just as coincidental and have the potential to develop into the perfect star-crossed match that was always meant to be!
George, Manchester, UK

I met my husband through an online dating site. I dated for about 7 months prior to meeting him and had a short term relationship and several dates, as with some of the other comments there were people who were doing it for the wrong reasons and you definitely need to have an open mind and realistic expectations. The good thing is though that when you meet a genuine person you know they want the same things as you and I count myself extremely lucky to have met such a wonderful man who shares so many interests as me.
Vicki, London

My friend met her husband online but she is the only one I know where it actually worked out. My sister has been dating online for years and while she made some good friends she still hasn’t found the right man!
Franziska, Sevenoaks, UK

I was sceptical about meeting someone over the internet. But it happened to me three years ago. I met my boyfriend chatting and then in December 2003 (about 18 months later) we finally met up, with no real intention other than to meet, and ended up falling in love. So, it can happen, it does happen, and it will happen again!
Sam Polo, Geneva, Switzerland

I met my future wife online because of my interest in Latin America. All we wanted was to be friends, four-and-a-half year’s later we are getting married next month. She lives in Australia and is moving to England after the wedding. It does work.
Stephen, Woking

I feel this is the way forward in finding a soulmate Dr Archie M. Khan, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

I feel this is the way forward in finding a soulmate. Once you can link up with someone, then the process of blending can begin. I wish people all the best in finding their partners for a life-time of love and happiness. Getting along in a positive way is a plus, being honest and sharing your feelings is the key.
Dr Archie M. Khan, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

My wife bought me on the internet! I’d joined a on-line dating agency about 18 months previously, at about 2am having got back home alone yet again from having been out with the lads, but had only gone on one date in that time and that was on the girls request. By chance one night after not looking for several months I found a contact request from my to-be wife, we met and within a year we had become engaged and within 18 months were married. There are risks but I can recommend it.
Terry, Horsham, Sussex

Internet dating never works. You can be sure that if a person says one thing to you, they are saying the exact same thing to someone else.
Sarah, UK

I met my future wife in a chat room, she’s Russian so it would have been highly improbable to have met any other way. We’re happily married and had our first child last year. I think the internet is wonderful.
Anonymous in London, UK

I tried on-line dating for a long time, it cost me a fair bit of money and met many unsuitable people. However, I stuck at it, and in May 2001 I met Claire, ironically through a free online dating service! We clicked instantly and both knew we’d met the right person. We were married in July 2003! I was one of the biggest sceptics of online dating before I met Claire, but it just shows that if you look at the right websites, learn from your mistakes, and remain positive, it can work!
Richard Wilson, Reading, UK

I live in a rural area of Lincolnshire so online dating seemed an obvious choice - I met someone also from Lincolnshire but living at the other side of the county, also in his 50’s……but for the dating site we would never have met and 14 months on we are living together, happy and very much in love - the system works!!
Marion, Lincoln UK

I’ve had a few dates with women I’ve met online and also tried speed dating. Although I know there must be some nice women out there, I can see why a lot of them are single. At just 25, I’ve come to believe that all the good ones are gone. Take my advice, find someone good while you are young, and keep them!
John, London, UK

I met my boyfriend on an online dating site nearly 8 years ago now. We’re still very much in love and couldn’t be happier!
Mark, London

Most of the dating services are cynical money grabbing exercises Peter, Manchester

It’s a fun addition to real life dating in your spare time, but filled with the shallow, the flaky, game players and attached people looking for affairs. Most of the dating services are cynical money grabbing exercises and not properly designed to help people meet. Overall, using free sites is the best option.
Peter, Manchester

I met the most loving man i know on an internet dating service nearly 2 years ago, we have been very much in love ever since, and are now looking to the future to getting married. I would most certainly recommend using the internet to anyone.
Anonymous,

Yes, it allows people to be themselves - even their hidden selves. They’re free to express their true beliefs, ideas and personality without the usual social constrains of worrying about pleasing others. Therefore, their true personality begins to emerge.
Heather Underwood, Kuwait

I have been with my girlfriend for over 4 years after meeting her on the internet. The main advantage to this form of meeting is that an attraction is formed based on personality rather than appearance. Therefore, the hardest part is taken care of when you do eventually meet face to face. Obviously, there are problems with the medium, particularly sickos pretending to be something they aren’t, but other than that I believe it to be a very good point of contact for people. It is certainly better than the nightclub scene for meeting people who you may wish to spend more than one night with.
Robert Wood, Bradford, UK

I’d agree that people tend to see someone else again, but I think it’s because there tends to be an expectation after chatting online that the first date must be just the first. There’s a pressure later saying that you’re not interested since the other party can always see that you’re online and tries to chat again. I joined an online dating service last year but had more success with a guy I met in the pub while waiting for my ‘first date’ to turn up!
Dom M, London, UK

There is still a slight taboo about the whole area Laura, Scotland

My partner and I met through an online personal ads site. Five years later and on top of still being together, we are now engaged. I think online dating can be a very good thing, however, there is still a slight taboo about the whole area, especially when so much publicity is given to how some people use the internet for other purposes - ie “grooming of victims”. Such is the taboo, only a handful of our closest friends know the truth about how we actually met.
Laura, Scotland

Definitely! I met my girlfriend on a dating site and we are still going stronger than ever, well over two years later. We’d probably both still be single if it wasn’t for online dating.
Giacomo, Manchester

I was in a relationship that was tired and stale after nearly 13 years. I found my soulmate and love of my life on the internet through chatting about a work interest. We chatted for about two years then met and fell in love. We now have a little girl and plan to wed in 2007. We are both very happy and extremely content.
Graeme Hutchison, Doncaster, England

You have to be very careful and very wary - it’s very easy to get carried away and it can be dangerous Sarah, London, UK

I met my husband online in 2001…we chatted every night for 3 months, met for the first time in January 2001, moved in with each other in July 2001 and married in May 2004! We are extremely happy and, although it is still embarrassing sometimes to say, “we met online”, it’s becoming more acceptable. However, you have to be very careful and very wary - it’s very easy to get carried away and it can be dangerous. Use common sense and you’ll be able to weed out the time wasters and weirdos…
Sarah, London, UK

I met my partner of two years through an online dating agency, and to some extent we still can’t believe we did as we are so well suited to each other. When we met neither had the expectation of a long term relationship - we just wanted someone to go to gigs and go down the pub with - but it was ‘love at first sight.’ Having said all that, it wasn’t as straightforward as that. When I joined the dating agency I was inundated with messages from sad, lonely and desperate men saying things like, ‘If you are a single mum, I’d still marry you’ and ‘I’m looking for a nice woman to lose my virginity to’. So the message is clear - it does work but you have to sort out the wheat from the chaff first.
Sam, Birmingham, UK

I have tried internet dating - the main problem for me was that the guys were shorter than they stated! And at 5′7″, I am a fairly tall girl, so this was quite an issue for me. I met up with a total of five guys from the internet - they were not the weirdos that I think is assumed with web-dating. They were decent guys, but there just wasn’t that spark. As I am young, at 23, I still think the physical and sexual attraction has to be as high as the conversational abilities. Maybe for someone a little older, they would put different priorities on these preferences. Now I am staying clear of it - after meeting someone on a dating website, you don’t expect them, after four months, to say they don’t really want a relationship - what was he doing on there of that was the intention all along?!?! The blokes were all ok, but it’s just not for me!
H A, Essex

I met my now husband through an internet dating site. Both in our fifties - didn’t do clubs, pubs, etc and were really only looking for friendship, but following a few e-mails, and telephone conversations, it was love at first sight when we met. Engaged within three months and married a year later. Now have five children and five grandchildren between us. Life couldn’t be better.
Jenny Hewkin, Birmingham, West Mids

I met my wife on the internet using a dating agency. I found I was working long hours and rarely had the time to meet other people outside of my group of friends and colleagues. I felt too old for night clubs (ie older that the average age of 17!) and they were never my scene anyway. I think as time becomes an ever decreasing commodity in people’s lives, data agencies and dating events (such as speed dating) will become a more common way of people meeting. I met my wife four years ago and I’ve never had any regrets. I don’t think I’d have a met a person as perfect as her if I’d spent a lifetime trawling bars and nightclubs.
Martin Randall, Wakefield, UK

I met my partner via an online forum and after chatting for a few months online and by phone, we met up and realised that the chemistry we shared at a distance was certainly there in person. We slowly started seeing each other and we are now two years down the line, living together and aiming to get married. Who knows, maybe he’ll ask me tonight! None of my friends or family knows that we met online - I’m a successful business woman, with a great group of friends and a very active social life. I joined the forums for a giggle but ended up finding the man of my dreams. I’d recommend online dating to anyone, but would also reiterate the security factors you have to take - any decent man will understand that.
Anonymous, UK

Back in ‘98 when it was unfashionable to date over the net I found my Swedish girlfriend while I was sitting in Middlesbrough chatting on the net. Now we have two kids and live in Sweden and we are enjoying a very happy life together.
Andrew, Gteborg, Sweden

Spying a possible opening I tried to sweet talk her into giving me her views on climate change, but somehow that adult dating find friend services
did not catch light.

Relenting, I asked instead about beaches in her home city of Sydney - after all, this poor woman had to put up with election talk at home every night.

Three minutes talking to each “date” does not sound much. By date three, it seemed too long for anyone meeting me.

Chance to moan

The next date gave me strong signals from the outset - about her voting intent, anyway.

“I run a shop selling organic clothes - you know, it’s all free from pesticides and everything,” she said.

Aha, so she would be voting Green, no question?

Drinking laws were on the singles wish list

“Well, I would vote Green but they haven’t got a chance of getting in so I’ll probably vote Labour - at least if I vote for them I feel I can moan about them.”

She actually seemed quite adult friend finder dating service
when our three minutes were up - maybe this politics trick might actually work.

Maybe not. Sharon looked worried as I popped the question immediately: So, how are you going to vote?

In fact, her political allegiance was as blue as her eyes: she liked Michael Howard, especially when he was offering to cut stamp duty and she wanted to move house.

Rethink

At the break, I reached for a well-needed beer and sympathised with the guy following me from date-to-date for leaving him to pick up the pieces.

He admitted I had left some of the women staring into space. He put it down to my obvious wit and charm.

It was time for a tactical rethink about how to tap into the political mood of British singletons.

Politics, oh don’t go there! Emma

The main parties insist they are not ignoring those who are young, free and single, pointing to their policies on tackling crime, helping first time buyers, education and training, job opportunities, licensing hours and in some cases rules on mini cabs.

And as Mark Gill, of opinion pollsters Mori, points out, the politicians are on safe territory by helping families, since most people are part of a family in some way.

Sadly, none of this seemed to offer much help in my quest so I decided on a more cryptic approach.

“So what kind of party do you like?” I asked my next date.

“What? You mean what do I like doing at the weekends?” she replied. Not quite.

We did somehow get onto discussing shootings outside her home. Sadly the three-minute whistle went before I got the chance to quiz her closely on which set of violent crime statistics she believed.

Work outing

By now I was beginning to lose heart and when asking the delightful Phillipa who got her vote, I honestly hoped she would take it the wrong way and talk me through her evening so far.

Not a bit of it. She was going for the Lib Dems and could tell me exactly why. Our three minutes together whizzed by and I moved on with new ardour.

Next stop was a group of women who for some reason they could not now fathom had chosen speed dating for their work outing.

Among them, feisty Kimberly said she could no longer back Tony Blair and anyway with earnings of more than 100,000 she liked the Tory line on lower taxes.

Door slamming?

By now, I felt like a bedraggled election candidate going door to door asking for votes: a comparison which amused Holly, who worked behind the scenes for an adult television channel.

She demanded to know my personal manifesto and had no doubt about the policies to win over single voters: 24-hour drinking and cheaper taxis.

With the end in sight, Kirsty gave me it straight: choosing a man was easier than picking a political party.

And Emma was even more honest: “Politics, oh don’t go there!”

Colleagues had hoped I would in years to come boast of meeting my wife while discussing House of Lords reform.

Fat chance! I confidently predict none of these speed daters will be signing up to meet this political anorak again. I only hope that it really was just my politics to blame…

Does politics matter to the Bridget Jones generation? How would you respond if a date talked just about politics? Send us your views using the form below.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

I think it’s terrific and not in the slightest bit boring that my boyfriend is actually interested in having a political debate with me. More men (and women) like Ollie, please!
Gemma, Birmingham

I wish I’d talked politics on the first date Jack, Leeds

Meeting women who are into politics has never been easy for me and now I’m in a committed relationship with one who thinks neo-cons are some kind of sneaker. I wish I’d talked politics on the first date - it might have shown up the gulf between our political mindsets. It’s too late to dump her now, though - I love her, damn it!
Jack, Leeds

That’s the problem with our generation - sound-bite politics. To think one can have a meaningful conversation about party politics in just three minutes is as offensive to democracy as thinking that one can find love! It is, however, the perfect time for boiling an egg.
John, London

Young, compassionate conservative seeks likeminded female - worth a try!
Bob, Kent

Why are there so many patronising comments from men who find it so amazing that a “Bridget Jones generation” woman wants to talk politics?
Ally, London

We spend all our time arguing about politics so don’t bother arguing about each other Kit, Chipping Norton

My girlfriend and I are from completely different political worlds. I am a Lib Dem activist and campaigner, she is a right wing Tory who hates Europe. Its great - we spend all our time arguing about politics so don’t bother arguing about each other.
Kit, Chipping Norton

One of the speed-daters’ quotes was “Politics, oh don’t go there!” It’s like saying, “Attitudes, values, beliefs? Everything that defines your personality? I’m not interested.”
Rob Szczerba, Sheffield

I’d rather be single my whole life than date someone who supported politicians and policies I despise. I want to know right away where a possible boyfriend stands - I wouldn’t date them unless they were as into politics as I am!
Meredith Clark, New York, NY, USA

A person’s politics is a fundamental part of their character. If your political views are very different from those of your date, then it’s likely you’ll end up arguing. But then, isn’t that what domestic bliss is all about? My wife and I invariably end up discussing politics over the kitchen table as we listen to the morning news!
Peter Barber, Glasgow, Scotland

This is an excellent way of finding out about each other quickly Sarah Mabbitt, Bedford

I think this is an excellent way of finding out about each other quickly. You don’t discover much from frivolous chit-chat. True speed dating.
Sarah Mabbitt, Bedford

A few days ago I had a first phone conversation with someone I met online. We discussed work, politics and recreation. Anyone can talk about work and recreation, but it takes a bit of depth and an ability to articulate a point of view to discuss politics. I appreciate the way it separates the women from the girls.
David, Birmingham

I’d be very glad for a girl to talk about politics to me. It shows very early on what is important to them in life, but the real benefit is it avoids the mind-numbingly tedious small talk about TV soaps and adult dating chat advice
that most women want to talk about.
Alan B, Edinburgh

This is the funniest thing I read! Ollie’s ploy just cracked me up loudly. I find it refreshing when a woman from the Bridget Jones generation has her independent views on politics, rather than simply echo the papers.
AA, Boston, MA, USA

The point of the first date is to make a good impression, not to antagonize or debate your date. There are several topics should never be discussed on a first date: sex, religion and politics.
Roberta, Washington, DC, USA

I’m desperate to meet a man who will talk about politics Hayley Priest, Camberley

A few years ago I would have hated for anyone to talk about politics to me but now I’m desperate to meet a man who will talk about it. I’d have loads of respect for him straight away.
Hayley Priest, Camberley

One of the first conversations I had with my girlfriend was about our mutual admiration of the BBC’s own Andrew Marr! That sealed it - she was the woman for me!
Benjamin, Sheffield

Politics is the best topic to start a date, if the other person is somehow attentive to the world outside. When you talk about politics you are exposing your core values. Isn’t it what a relationship should be based on?
Ani, Gainesville, FL US

I wouldn’t fancy talking politics on a speed date as I’d probably find out far too soon that the handsome devil opposite me was a raging Tory-boy. That would definitely put a dampener on things.
Suzy, London

Being a bit of a politics geek myself, I’d be thrilled if a man showed that he had a knowledge on the subject, and that he cared enough to form opinions on the subjects that really matter.
Rachael Cox, Portsmouth, England

The only time I argue with my boyfriend is when we discuss politics Jess, Leicester

I’m a politics student and in my experience romance and politics don’t mix - the only time I argue with my boyfriend is when we discuss politics.
Jess, Leicester

Why is it that so many of us think politics is dull? It affects everything from pub closing to the price of condoms - how can that be dull? I’m going speed-dating tomorrow and would be delighted if someone asked me my opinion on, say, the erosion of civil liberties in the UK or revolution in the former Soviet Union, but I think that might just be wishful thinking…
Jo, London

If a lady spent the whole time talking about politics I’d soon get bored of her - or end up arguing. I’m quite into politics, but the fact is that it’s far from being the only thing I want to discuss with anyone.
Nick, Leicester

If my date talked just about politics I would be bored, but then again if he had no opinion on the way this country is run, I would run in the opposite direction.
Thembi Morris-Hale, London

I’d love it if my date talked politics - it would at least show he cared about something. Most men I meet only care about themselves and yabber on all night about ‘me, me, me’!
Karen, Derby

I’m sick of himbos who don’t seem remotely interested in the world around them Maz Cook, London

I’d be delighted if I came across such a man - I’m sick of himbos who don’t seem remotely interested in the world around them.
Maz Cook, London

I was sick of dating guys who read The Sun and had nothing else to talk about except football and celebrity news. I finally met a man who was more aware of the things that mattered to me - he wooed me by discussing politics and current affairs. We’re now married.
Joan, Scotland

Being single, childless and 47, I too am the singleton that feels ignored. Single is the new canada adult dating
class; ignore us at your peril.
Stuart Rogerson, Huntingdon

I think it’s an important subject, especially at present, but there’s a limit! Besides, you can be certain that no two people will agree on politics and that you might end up arguing for three minutes. Isn’t the point of speed dating finding things in common?
Anne-Claire Edynbry, London

Ollie was darned lucky to find young women even capable of naming the three main Party chiefs in Britain. My experience is, young people in Britain and here can only discuss two subjects: pop music and football.
Basil Jackson, Brussels, Belgium

I would have probably reduced Ollie to a quivering mess Mercedes, St Ivese

Politics is not for everyone. However, I’m a women in my 30s and I adore talking politics to the point were I’ve actually lobotomised quite a few people. I would have probably reduced Ollie to a quivering mess by my loud and vehement views on politics! I have a feeling I probably would have kept going after the 3min whistle!!
Mercedes, St Ives

Three minutes is fine, but conversation has to lead elsewhere eventually. Don’t get me wrong, I love talking politics, but you gotta have more.
Elisabeth, Brussels, Belgium

If my date, especially my speed date, began the evening by quizzing me about politics I would most definitely switch off. Politics is best left to the third or fourth date when you run out of other topics to converse about it.
Nicola Pinkerton, Renfrew, Scotland

Although I would have no objection to politics as a topic of conversation, to talk about this continually would be extremely tedious. A definite turn off!
Louise, Chorley, England

Oh, for a heady dose of Iraq and Pensions Policy to help the Lambrusco go down Christine Gilmore, Edinburgh

I somehow agreed to go speed dating with my cousin tomorrow night and am hoping against hope that someone might just try and talk to me about politics - knowing these events it’s highly likely that I will suffer seedy and simple-minded small-talk instead. Oh, for a heady dose of Iraq and Pensions Policy to help the Lambrusco go down.
Christine Gilmore, Edinburgh

It’d be so refreshing to meet a woman of my age who took an interest in it. Sorry, but it’s true.
Justin, Bristol

I think that for the most part we are a generation drowning in the noise of political spin. I am politically active, but at the same time, keeping conversation light on a first date is probably a good idea.
Jacob C Kelly, Richmond, VA USA

While I would be heartened to meet someone who could hold a conversation about serious matters, I would suspect that she didn’t fancy me and was using the topic of politics to prevent any intimacy from creeping in.
Martin, Wrexham, Clywd

I think politics is an interesting topic but if a date was to talk only about politics, then I think it would be slightly off-putting.
Mariah, Glasgow, Scotland

If a guy came at me with such an obvious motive, I’d lose the stinker Evin Maria Eldridge, Washington DC, USA

If a guy came at me with such an obvious motive, I’d lose the stinker. When I go out on a first date, I don’t want to be pushed into anything, and if I don’t feel like talking about politics then that ought to be all right.
Evin Maria Eldridge, Washington DC, USA

For most people, politics are dreary and dull. They don’t ever give them much thought. I know before Bush took the White House I didn’t. But then his policies upset me so that I got more interested and involved in politics. Now I can’t stop thinking or talking about politics. I need therapy.
Jeff Bartlett, Harrisonburg, VA, USA

I am refreshed when a man talks politics as opposed to football or Playstation. It show he has intelligence and an awareness of current affairs. My other half and I argue politics regularly, it’s sometimes a bit of a turn on.
Eleanor, Brecon

Not a response to the question asked, but instead a rapturous applause for a brilliant feature describing what must have been an hilarious evening. Oh, to have been a fly on THAT wall!
John D, Leamington

Politics do matter and I will be voting BNP. If I were having a long discussion about politics I would ensure that the overview of BNP’s policy statement is covered before an opinion is offered. I would have to change the subject eventually though!
Rhiain, Bristol

Who a person votes for reflects their core values Zoe Stollery, Cwmbran, South Walese

I would love my date to talk about politics; who a person votes for reflects their core values and would give you an idea of what type of person they are.
Zoe Stollery, Cwmbran, South Wales

If a date talked of nothing but politics, I would probably never want to see her again..thinking about it, if she was just amazingly gorgeous I might forgive her.
Folco, Lausanne, Switzerland

That is absolutely hilarious. Very original. Thank you for bringing a smile to my morning. Excellent work!
Colin, Dallas, USA

Ollie, I would speed date with you anytime! It’s hard to find people in the Bridget Jones generation that would have even a passing interest in politics or current affairs.
Glenda, Australia

I wouldn’t care, so long as they were good looking! Jamie, Oxford, England

I wouldn’t care what my speed date talked about so long as they were good looking and wanted my number!
Jamie, Oxford, England

If all my date talked about was politics, but the conversation was give and take, I would not necessarily be turned off. However, if all subsequent dates talked of nothing else, then what’s the point?
Juli, Houston, Texas, USA

I am 23 and I will certainly be voting. The problem is that politics affects just about every aspect of life. I find it extremely adult dating chat sites
when others my age wash their hands of politics and then complain about tuition fees, for example.
James Jackson, Durham

So what was the outcome? Did any of the beautiful girls pick you?
Sam, Reading

I would be very keen to hear my date talking politics since I enjoy debating and discussing political issues. Someone who enjoys talking politics would be just my style.
Natasha, Alexandria, VA, USA

The lure once was that you could hide behind the technology, but now video phones are in on the act to add vision.

Hundreds have submitted a mobile video profile to win a place at the world’s first video mobile dating event.

The top 100 meet their match on 30 November at London’s Institute of Adult dating free game online
Arts (ICA).

The event, organised by the 3G network, 3, could catch on as the trend for unusual dating events, like speed dating, continues.

“It’s the beginning of the end of the blind date as we know it,” said Graeme Oxby, 3’s marketing director.

The response has been so promising that 3 says it is planning to launch a proper commercial dating service soon.

Hundreds of hopefuls submitted their profiles, and special booths were set up in a major London adult couple dating sex swinger
store for two weeks where expert tips were given on how to visually improve their chances.

The 100 most popular contestants voted by the public will gather at the ICA in separate rooms and “meet” by phone.

Safe bet?

Dating services and other more adult match-making services are proving to be a strong stream of revenue worth millions for mobile companies.

Whether it does actually provide an interesting match for video phone mature adult dating remains to be seen.

Flic Everett, journalist and dating expert for Company magazine and the Daily Express, thinks technology has been liberating for some nervous soul-mate seekers.

There are currently about 1.3 million video phones in use in the UK and three times more single people in Britain than there were 30 years ago,

With more people buying video mobiles, 3G dating could be the basis for a successful and safe way to meet people.

If you are trapped in real-life blind date context, you can’t get away and you feel casual sex dating uk. With a video meeting, you really have the barrier of the phone so if you don’t like them you don’t have to suffer the embarrassment Flic Everett, dating expert

“One of the problems with video phones is people don’t really know what to video. It is a weird technology. We have not quite worked out what it is for. This gives it a focus and a useful one,” she told BBC News.

“I would never have thought online dating would take off the way it did,” she said.

“Lots of people find it easier to be honest writing e-mail or text than face-to-face. Lots people are quite shy and they feel vulnerable.”

“When you are writing, it comes directly onto the page so they tend to be more honest.”

But the barrier that comes with SMS chat and online match-making is that the person behind the profile may not be who they really are.

Scare stories have put people off as a result, according to Ms Everett.

Many physical clues, body language, odd twitches, are obviously missing with SMS and online dating services. Still images do not necessarily provide all those necessary cues.

“It could really take off because you do get the whole package. With a static e-mail picture, you don’t know who the person is behind it is.”

So checking out a potential date by video phone also gives adult dating intimate
a different kind of barrier, an extra layer of protection; a case of WLTS before WLTM.

“If you are trapped in real-life blind date context, you can’t get away and you feel
embarrassed.

“With a video meeting, you really have the barrier of the phone so if you don’t like them you don’t have to suffer the embarrassment.”

Adult concern

There is a more serious side to this new use of technology though.

With money being made through more adult-themes content and services which let people meet and chat, the revenue streams for mobile carriers will grow with 3G, thinks Paolo Pescatore mobile industry specialist for analysts IDC.

“Wireless is a medium that is being exploited with a number of features and services. One is chatting and the dating element is key there,” he said.

“The foundation has been set by SMS and companies are using media like MMS and video to grow the market further.”

But carriers need to be wary and ensure that if they do launch such 3G dating services, they ensure mechanism are in place to monitor and be aware who is registers and accesses these services on regular basis, he cautioned.

In July, Vodafone introduced a content control system to protect children from such adult content.

The move was as a result of a code of practice agreed by the UK’s six largest mobile phone operators in January.

The system means Vodafone users need to prove they are over 18 before firewalls are lifted on explicit websites or chat rooms dealing with adult themes.

The impetus was the growing number of people with handsets that could access the net, and the growth of 3G technologies.