This chapter of Say Goodbye to Sparkleland has a backstory.
It was fun for me to write Mitchell's reaction to dating apps, which for all intents and purposes are hookup apps.
As a person in a long-term relationship, I have not had the need — or interest — in such apps. But that's me. Not everybody. There are many gay apps out there with millions of people on them.
In a slight way, this chapter is true. Last summer, friends and I were sharing a hotel room at a resort. My other half and I were arriving later. By the time we got there, a close friend was at the bar, saying his day had started out well. He was able to check into the room first, and he said he had already hooked up with someone. When I inquired where, he said in a matter-of-fact way, "Our room."
I was astonished. He hadn't been able to check in that much sooner than our arrival. He said it was some guy at the resort who "didn't have much time" because his wife and kids were at the pool. That, too, blew me away. But again, that's me. Not everybody.
My reaction to it convinced me that it needed to be in a chapter at some point. I thought it fit Mitch's book perfectly.
So what about you?? Do you love these apps? Did you actually find someone you were looking for? Nightmare situations? Do you dabble or are you a frequent visitor? I'd be fascinated to hear your stories. Email me or post in the comments. I'm an advocate for love stories, so this isn't my wheelhouse. Teach me.
Stopped using them just before 19 hot. Game playing,
ReplyDeleteI think in an age when just one misstep or different opinion is enough to make old friends cut you off completely – it’s important for gay men to know that the sequinned ghetto is not a perfect place. Wires get crossed, agendas can be both synchronous and antagonistic. The community which became a safe place to the newly ‘out’ young man has its share of predators and morons just like any other community – and one has to learn to navigate these things.
ReplyDeleteE.
I credit God for being born when I was. When younger and married, if I had had an app available, I could have been tempted to be that married man. Maybe not in a hotel room with my family down at the pool but I did travel because of work and could have easily taken advantage while being out of town. I wouldn't want to be that guy.
ReplyDeleteAnother great chapter Tim!
K.