Today, I was bombarded by a depressing view in a buncha profiles. It was one of those days when a meme gets stuck in front of your eyes, and now I’ve got no choice but to address it.

So, you hate online dating, do you? There are a number of variations on this theme – from the innocent, playful “We have to make up a good meet-cute story to tell all our friends!” to the “I hate everything about this but I’m so lonely and desperate that I’ll try anything but hate myself for even doing this.” But I paraphrase.

Look, ladies (and gents, I assume, tho I don’t check the competition too often), it’s 2011. This isn’t the ‘90s, the online dating world isn’t full of creeps and pedophiles and loners who have nowhere else to turn.

There are CEOs on sites. There are models. There are doctors and poets and lawyers and musicians and line chefs and Wal-Mart greeters and nurses and firefighters and incredibly insightful, cute, and witty writers.

In short, everyone. As a friend told me when he convinced me I should give it a try – it’s just like going to a bar, except everyone is single and looking to hook up. And, as a bonus, it’s easy to ignore anyone you don’t want to chat with. Best bar ever, right?

If you go into the eDating world with a negative attitude, not only are you going to reap what you sow – you also give a hint of desperation. If you hate it so much, why are you here? Doesn’t sound like someone who’s a big fan or their life, or themselves.

Rule # 56 Have Fun

You never know what you’ll find while eDating. I’ve made good friends – with no nookie. I’ve made nookie through the night as well, with no expectations. I’ve found love, heartbreak – everything you’d expect from life, really. Just go in with an open mind, and you have no idea what awaits you.

But don’t be scared to play. I’m meeting one girl next week, and we’re referring to each other with code names as we plan how to take down the TSA. She’ll know me by my al paca mating call.

Another lady went into great detail about the bone-crown she’d make and leave in my mailbox every Tuesday if I give her a kid with an overbite. Ok, yeah, she had some issues – but you get the idea. Be playful! Be open! Good things will come – maybe not what you’re thinking of, but good things. Have fun.