Is that you???

One of the most disappointing dates I had was with someone with whom I had great telephone chemistry. We initially met on a dating app. Per our many conversations, I found out we had so many similarities. We were both the same major in college. We both had similar dating struggles. We both had similar relationships in the past. We wanted similar things out of a future relationship. We had similar outlooks on life. We worked in the same city. As the week of conversations continued, I so looked forward to reading his texts, receiving his phone calls, and even hearing his voice.

During one of our talks, he told me about a prior date that seemed outrageous as it was based upon his appearance. Looks are not my primary focus, however, I do need to sense some form of attraction. His photos on the app were decent and I was satisfied based upon what he presented. I was completely shocked when he told me what happened on the date. He said he was having a decent time when the woman said she had to go to the restroom. He then waited for what was a long time to use the restroom so he went to look for her. He found her hiding behind a tree searching for a ride through her phone app. When he approached her, she initially stumbled and lied about what appeared to be her escape from the date. She then confessed and told him he did not look like his photo, was extremely disappointed, and wanted to leave. I personally have had many outrageous dates so I did not think negatively of him because of it. I instead thought his date was rude and inconsiderate for trying to leave him without saying goodbye. Who does that? (Actually, that has happened more than once to me so apparently there are many people out here that are rude and inconsiderate.) Needless to say, I was not bothered by his story and was excited to move forward.

I thought I had met, by phone, what appeared to be a match made in heaven. Well a phone match made in heaven. We talked daily for about a week before deciding to meet. He knew the neighborhood we planned to meet in better than I and the restaurant he chose seemed perfect for a first meeting. It was not fancy and it was not fast food. It was a unique restaurant in a nice location with a great menu. We decided to meet up at the restaurant separately. Due to our parking situation, we each had to walk a slight distance to the restaurant. It was mid-summer, so it was warm outside; maybe the low to mid 80’s. I arrived first and looked around the restaurant. I didn’t see anyone that looked like the pics of my dream phone guy so I waited in the foyer. I then heard the door open and a guy walked in, sweating profusely, who did not look quite like the photos from my app. He smiled at me, I confirmed it was my phone guy, and then we hugged. We then had a great meal and great conversation. During the meal, I felt so bad because I knew this would likely be our last conversation. I also felt great disappointment because the woman from his prior date was right; he did not look quite like his photo. I mean, I could tell it was him in the pictures, but somehow it didn’t translate into real life. I sadly texted him later and let him know I wasn’t interested in him romantically. And at that point my perfect phone man relationship ended.

Has this every happened to you? Should I have gotten over the picture mis-match? What would you have done if you met someone who did not look like their photo?