Neenah Pickett, a 42-year-old single woman, recently launched her Web site, 52weeks2findhim.com. As part of her New Year’s resolution, Pickett vowed to meet her husband in 52 weeks.
“I always come up with crazy, wacky and fun ideas anyway because I work as a media consultant, so that’s what I get paid to do. During a dry time of guys asking me out, I came up with the idea.”
“Marriage is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. If I never get married, I will have had an amazing life. Having someone be a part of [my life] has always been important. I don’t know if children are in the mix because of my age but [my future husband] might have children. I don’t want to just get married or just find a husband; I want to have a healthy marriage.”
“I remember going out with this guy who was an attorney and he just wanted to debate the whole night. I just thought, ‘Seriously, dude? We’re on a date!’ Plus, what he wanted to debate was religion and I thought that everyone knew that on first date there are topics to avoid and religion is one of them!”
Pickett says she’s not fearful of running into a few “looney” men here and there.
“I’ve talked to people about how to keep myself safe in this situation. I read up about it and I think I’m doing it in a safe way. I’ve been doing online dating for at least six years and I don’t think it’s any different. You always have to practice safety.”
“So far I’ve gotten over 100 e-mails from guys. To be honest, half of them I made ineligible because they’re 22 and I’m 42 or they’re old enough to be my father. But they’re all really great guys. I’m going to start going on dates this week.”
The webmaster suggests women (and men) try a different approach when it comes to dating.
“Try something different. If you’re feeling like I felt, and your hands are tied and you’re putting yourself out there but not getting a lot of responses, then up your game. I don’t mean doing anything unethical, inappropriate or unsafe, obviously. But really think about what you can do differently. I don’t advise everyone to put out a national search for a husband, but I do welcome people to do copycat Web sites. Go and start your own Web site.
Pickett warns that setting up profiles on online dating services can be one-dimensional.
“I think that’s what guys and females are really afraid of; we see a person’s profile and see their picture and then we go out on a date and they’re nothing like what they said they were. Video tells a lot about a person. It lets you feel their personality and see what they look like so you know what they’re in for.”
“Get your family and friends more involved. For me, that’s been one of the biggest lessons that I’m learning. My friends care about me, which means they care about what’s important to me—which is finding a husband.”
Pickett’s idea and approach may be a little idiosyncratic, but she welcomes the feedback.
“I love hearing from men and women who respond to say whatever comments they have. They’re not all gung-ho about this idea but I love getting feedback either way.”
