Technology to the Rescue: Cingular’s “Escape-a-Date”
In the “What will they think of next?” arena, today I read about a new service through Cingular, the cell phone provider, called “Escape-a-Date.” (See Elizabeth Leis’ column for more innovative ways to use electronic gadgetry to help your love life.) I had to dig a little, but apparently, bundled in with some other new-fangled services that I could probably live without, is the ability to have yourself called on your own cell phone at a particular time. Sort of like a wake-up call. Or maybe, if the date is disastrous, more like a bye-bye call.
Evidently, when you answer, an automated voice prompts you with lines for a one-sided conversation that your date can overhear—if you should need an excuse to get out and away.
Whatever happened to and kind “I’ve enjoyed meeting you, but I don’t think we are a match”? Clearly, “Escape-a-Date is only of use to folks who haven’t got the social skills to manage an awkward situation gracefully.
And hasn’t Cingular heard that a ringing—and answered—cell phone in the middle of a date is the height of rudeness?
Note to Internet daters: Take your cell phone for safety, particularly on that first meeting, but turn the ringer off! Or if you have a friend call you to check, tell your date that it is going to happen, and that’s why you are leaving the phone on. Nothing is more charming than to give your date your undivided attention. And nothing is more irritating than to sit while your date chats away to whomever. Am I right or wrong?
You write: Whatever happened to and kind “I’ve enjoyed meeting you, but I don’t think we are a match”?
No sheyt, Sherlock. As a condition of using this service, folks must be sterilized, so that they don’t raise up kids who they will mold to their standards of truthfulness, and forthrightness.
The lack of civility and truth telling these days boggles my mind. I have seen the future, and I am not so sure I like it.
While it may be a “cute” subject for conversation, any narcissistic person who uses this service, deserves what they get as a result. Probably some hottie, who will take their toys, and leave.
Rant mode in abeyance, until further provoked.
The Geezer
Posted by The Geezer on 03/02 at 10:33 AM