Lauren Kempton, 36, of Portsmouth, Hampshire, was so fed up of online dating, that she wrote a post on Hinge requesting anyone who wanted a date send an application first.
The mother-of-one asked suitors to write a 500-word essay on ‘how you will not waste any time’.
Although she said it was a ‘bit of a joke’, she got several responses – including a stand-out application from one man who made an accompanying PowerPoint presentation.
Despite going on a date with the ‘winning’ match, she said it never took off and she remains single – and is now taking time away from dating apps.
Lauren, who works for a skincare clinic, said: ‘I’ve had mostly really bad experiences with the dating apps – the culture of dating online is shocking.
‘I’ve had some awful dates but mostly it’s boring – the same old conversations.
‘People might think asking for an essay was full on of me but it was really a bit of fun, I didn’t expect someone to make so much effort.
‘At the time, it restored my faith in men – but I’m not really using apps any more these days.
‘I’m putting my energy into other things and thinking if it will happen, it will happen.
‘But asking for an essay is definitely a good way of weeding out what you don’t want.’
After growing sick of being ghosted and chats going nowhere, Lauren decided to set potential dates an essay challenge.
She put the application request on her Hinge profile in May last year – but was shocked with the responses.
At the time, Lauren had been single for two years after the end of her ten-year relationship with the father of her daughter, now four.
She said she got a few responses – but one was a stand-out reply.
The man asked Lauren for her email address and wrote her a detailed essay – promising to ‘reply swiftly to messages’.
He also promised not to waste each other’s time if there ‘is no spark’.
A portion of the essay read: ‘I would start by ensuring that any plans we made were kept to.
‘This would also include indoor and outdoor date plans depending on the weather, time, cost etc (this includes agreeing to a Harry Potter Marathon).’
He added that he would ‘ensure that communication was prioritised, this includes contact methods such as, text, call, FaceTime – all of which can be done depending on Lauren’s preferred method of contact.’
In his 500-word response, he also said: ‘I am a big fan of knowing where I stand with people, if you like me, let me know, if you don’t, let me know.
‘This would ensure that Lauren’s time is not wasted on dating someone that there is no connection or spark with.
‘This obviously works both ways, but the focus of this essay is regarding Lauren’s time.’
It came accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, so Lauren met with the hopeful suitor.
But unfortunately the date didn’t go anywhere.
Since then, Lauren has ditched dating apps and is putting her faith in the power of the universe.
She said: ‘It got a few different responses at the time but I’ve been single for three years now and I’ve not found something I’m ready to settle down for.
‘At the time, the request did elicit some good conversations – because you’re already saying you’re not going to put up with time-wasters.
‘It’s a good way of getting people to show their humorous side, and spend a bit of time making an effort.
‘It shows you who they are and that they have read your profile and understand your humour.
‘But I needed a new tactic so I’m not really on the apps any more.’
She added: ‘If I cant get what I want out of the apps, I figured it will happen when it’s supposed to.’
