Craigslist? He has an ad on Craigslist and I responded? <<BLUSH>>

[JustPeachy]

OK, there are some good postings here about dating and I appreciate that. Has anyone ever used Craigslist? My girlfriend (very married) sent me a post and -- yep -- it appealed to me in lots of ways. Alone, I don't know that I'd ever have read it (or responded) on my own.

So, <<blush>>, I'm chatting with a guy who put a personal on Craigslist. He's based in the same city but travels a lot internationally (which works for me with the parenting schedule if we ever decide to meet). Just talking. Seems interesting, if he's for real.

Does anyone else do this? Is this going to be a closet psycho/stalker/600 pound liar/some 17 year old pretender?! Share your stories...we haven't exchanged photos yet because we work in tangentially related industries. The account he's using to reach me cannot be traced to me in any way. Although he's given me his name it's pretty common and I couldn't identify "him" on google.

So, words of wisdom? Safety tips? Experience? Would you do this? Open to all suggestions...Peachy

[Angel Christine]

Oh, Peachy. Yes, I've done Craigslist. Met about 25 guys and there were all terrible! I could write a book about my CL experiences. But, I'm sure it works for some people, so hey, I say "go for it!"

[John]

Hey there, be very careful (as I'm sure you are) with ads on CL...anything that is free attracts alot of freaks and wierdos...this guy might be awesome, married or who knows what...do the normal things before meeting in person and you should be fine....

John

[Mr. Green]

Oh the CL....I have met some interesting gals responding to and posting.....

Its like going to a local tavern: you will meet some nice folks and have a good time, will you meet the one??? You could get lucky.....

Just do what your doing, setting up an email and myspace or something with limited personal info (ie, no pictures of your house, car, or kids, or even what part of town you live in), just for the purpose of meeting folks online.....

[JustPeachy]

Thanks all. I've got the email he can't trace, no names on my part, no pictures, no discussion around kids or locations other than in very general terms. No phone #'s. I don't know that we'll ever progress to meeting in person...and it's going to be another long-distance thing for a while. Wee hee. I wonder if that was part of the appeal?! Laughing at myself...

Angel - if you write the book I will buy it & read it! John & Andy -- freaks & "interesting gals". Wow, maybe you should add chapters to Angel's book!

Any other things to watch out for? Peachy

[Leah]

I just posted a thread about a random CL connection I made with someone I met IRL :)

[Leah]

Oh I would be wary of someone whose photo I have never seen.

Maybe I am just shallow, but people can misrepresent themselves, even with a photo. I have gotten into fantasy relationships that totally fizzled when we met in person so just a word of warning :) Otherwise have fun and sounds like you are being smart and safe!

[McKessidy]

Well, now, I've been there. I had ONE terrible experience, but other than that it's been a positive venture. Although, I'm really picky about who I would respond to (and don't have the need anymore).

Still, something to be said for being able to say I found my couch, car, and boyfriends on CL. Ha!

[JustPeachy]

See, now I would never buy a CAR on CL!!! That I am too picky about! LOL!

[Lisa]

That is so funny!! I have done Match.com met 2 intersting guys that I was attracted to, and I also got a stalker, x prisoner, and misc weirdos but I would do it again its just like going to a club or bar you may meet one nice guy out of the crowd! Good Luck, have fun and be careful!

[JustPeachy]

Update:

Well, chatting with the CL guy was fun in an odd "I don't know why I'm doing this" sort of way. (Well, I DO know why I'm going through this exercise but I hate to verbalize it.) He also followed up with a very nice "thank you for chatting" kind of sweet, appropriate email late last night -- so that I would see it this morning and feel comfortable. That was rather sweet and unexpected.

We will be chatting again. He's offered to send a picture of his face so that will be helpful. Thanks all -- you are such a great group of supportive people. There are lots of houses in my neighborhood -- don't you just have the urge to move to TX?! LOL!

[Gabi]

I just had to post this...it was in our paper today!!!

MIDWEST: Craigslist Ads Lead to Prostitution Arrests

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/37337469.html

[Rich]

I got my dog for free on CL, he's an awesome chocolate lab!
I've replied to a few listings with photos just for the heck of it and they were all bogus listings. I got a replies back giving me a story about not replying to their email, but to go to another online dating site to look for her, basically a spam sales listing. I just figured most are spam now or at least the ones with photos.