Lately, I’ve been socializing more than usual, which has sparked a series of serious blog posts, including this one.
A single female friend of mine has been heavily involved in “Internet dating” in search of something akin to a real boyfriend.
She’s connecting with men from across the Arab world. While I knew such dating platforms existed, I hadn’t realized people close to me were actively engaging in them. When I asked about her experiences, she revealed that although 99% of the interactions were disappointing, a few were respectful—at least initially. However, these respectful encounters often deteriorated as the men would eventually cross her boundaries, prompting her to block them.
“Why online?” I queried. She explained that many men she meets offline are only interested in one thing. Dishearteningly, their true intentions usually emerge by the second date. Some, even after investing effort in getting to know them, reveal they have a rigid set of expectations for their future wives. Others, while pleasant, are merely in it for fun. The list went on.
She finds online dating safer because she remains somewhat anonymous, shielded by her nickname. More importantly, she said, it’s about not feeling lonely. It’s about knowing that after a long day at work or university, someone is there, online, eager to communicate with her. This connection gives her a sense of existence and vitality.
This comes from an educated and strikingly beautiful woman—both mentally and physically—with an active social life, a thriving career, and nearly finished with her master’s degree. She seeks emotional connection online, seemingly absent in her offline world.
Reflecting on her perspective, it seems she’s playing it safe. Offline, she waits for Mr. Right, while online, she settles for Mr. Right Now for companionship and some good times.
This begs the question: Is it truly that difficult for a good woman to find a good man, or vice versa? I believe it is. Are our cultural dynamics pushing women into a corner, leading them to seek an outlet for their frustrations online?
Recent statistics have shown a significant spike in divorce rates in Jordan, with headlines throughout the year highlighting the high number of unmarried women.
One wonders why.
