So obviously this post has little to do with living in Vietnam other than the fact that I am using WhatsApp and Viber much more now.
Let me explain why I even use these Godforsaken apps. In Vietnam, you don't have cell phone plans but, instead add credit to your phone to call and text. When you run out of credit, you simply run down to the local convenience store or food/cigarette cart on the street to buy more. To conserve credit, many people use free messaging and calling apps...hence the dependence on WhatsApp and Viber. (They utulize wifi connections.) It is super economical and helpful since you can use your own number and call and text internationally. (AKA My reason for not giving up on them altogether.)
Onto the crux of my frustration....
I have been in the online dating community for a while now with limited success but I continue to be hopeful and trudge on. (Meeting the love of your life can't possibly be easy, right?) However, lately, it has become increasingly aggravating due to those aforementioned apps.
It all starts very positively with an exchange of messages through the site itself. Typically, there is a flurry of "get to know you" questions and an excessive amount of "lol's". (When being sarcastic, I use "...lol" at the end of my statements a lot because God forbid I offend with my cute snarkiness.)
If all goes well, numbers are exchanged and the dreaded texting begins usually via the apps for whose names I no longer care to mention. Pretty straight forward you say? What's the big deal you ask?
Well....These lovely apps have a few stalker-esque features that tempt even the most laid back dater.
First, you can see whether someone is online (connected to the app) or not. The kicker...If your would-be-beau is not connected, the app tracks it and actually shows WHEN the last time they were connected. Again, convenient right? Yes, if you want to track his every move throughout the day...not that I would do such a thing.
Second, when you send a message, a delivery status appears below said message...and updates as necessary and...stays there. You can see that your message was sent and that it was delivered. Some people revel in having access to this information. I mean haven't we all wondered at one time or another if our text REALLY went through?? Well, these asshole apps let you know just that.
Lastly, and worst of all, when the recipient reads the message a little "Seen" bubble appears under the message...and stays there (Viber may be the only ones that does this.) Yes, you know when someone has read your message.
Again, you normal, non neurotic people may be saying "so what?"
Well, as you well know, I am not known for my patience. Yes, yes, I know it's a virtue...blah, blah, blah. But in 35ish years of existence, I have yet to master that one.
So here I sit, having sent a message to this potential boyfriend because his status shows "online" ...watching the "sent" turn to a deceptively triumphant "delivered." Now, if it ended there, it probably wouldn't be so infuriating.
BUT, now the little "seen" bubble pops up. Cool! He saw my message. I should hear right back since he is "online." Ha, wishful thinking Meg!
No immediate response...ok, he must be busy.
5 minutes after "seen"...maybe he's in the bathroom.
10 minutes after "seen"...hmmm, he must be in the middle of something.
60 minutes after "seen"... that's odd.
You see where I am going with this...fast forward...
12 hours after "seen" with absolutely no response...WTF!?!?! You better be effin' dead buddy!
So what do I decide is the best course of action at this point... send the following message: FYI... I would appreciate a quick "Sorry, I'm busy" rather than be ignored. Just common courtesy...thanks.
And guess what? Nearly 8 hours after the dreaded "sent" bubble appears for this message, no response....and he's online.
And, I wonder why I'm single.... lol
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