Life in the Bondocks | June 18, 2022: When Facebook Feels Like a Dating Site (Annoying, If You Ask Me)

Joy Alosbaños
6 days ago
2 min read

Please note that this was originally posted on my Facebook account on June 18, 2022, and I've retrieved it from my timeline.

Why some Facebook friend requests make me question if the platform is turning into a dating app—and why it’s getting old fast.

I recently received yet another late-night Facebook friend request from a foreigner who clearly thinks this is some kind of dating website. Sound familiar? If you’ve been on Facebook long enough, you’ve probably encountered the same awkward, ghosting, and downright annoying connection attempts.

To give you an idea of who this person is (and he might have messaged you too), here’s a screenshot of his Messenger profile. I’ve penciled out his personal info to protect privacy and avoid any accusations of cyberlibel. I can’t even access his Facebook account anymore—he vanished as quickly as he appeared.

He messaged me at 1:53 AM PST (Philippine Standard Time), right in the middle of the night when I was sound asleep. Honestly, I’m not entertained by these odd requests—people wanting to connect and then disappearing without a trace. If you want to be friends, just say so. I’m friendly, not scary (though I might look intimidating at first glance).

Not Your Typical Filipina Trophy Wife

I suppose he quickly realized I’m not just some typical Filipina hoping to marry a foreigner to escape to the States. (Apologies if that sounds like a stereotype, but if you heard my gay friend Rommel’s comment when we passed a tall, burly American with his 4'8" girlfriend—he called it a “Pinoy success story.”)

For those considering “hitting on me,” here’s a quick intro to the real me—if you’re serious, that is.

A Little About Me

Educational Background: Industrial Psychology major from PUP Manila, a known hub for activists.
Professional Credentials: Certified HR Practitioner with over 19 years of combined experience in corporate, online, and consulting roles.
Specializations: Human Resources, particularly Compensation and Benefits and General Practices.
Other Roles: Blogger and subject matter expert.
Hobbies: I participate in Aquathlons (short-distance swimming and running) as part of my endurance sports regimen. My running could use some work, though!
Personality: Outspoken, opinionated, and emotional.
Pet Peeves: I adore cats, so if you have asthma or allergies, you might want to steer clear (unless you’re willing to overlook it).
Disposition: Sweet but don’t underestimate me. Approachable, well-educated, and neutral on political and religious issues.

A Friendly Warning

Next time you plan to ghost me after befriending me, please reconsider. Because next time, I might just share your profile on my timeline and advise everyone to steer clear of you like the plague.

Thank you for letting me share this sarcastic (or should I say vitriolic?) and humor-infused timeline analysis. Happy weekend!