I avoided clicking on the message at first because I wanted to see what kind of information got loaded from my profile. It was rather sparse since I hadn’t updated Facebook in a while. The details about Ian were limited as well—neither one of us seemed to be fans of social media. The app seemed to be protective of personal details. It was limited to first names and a few rather broad details. It listed my occupation as a college student, which was true the last time I updated my Facebook profile. Ian worked in software development, but it didn’t expand on his career beyond that. My finger moved to the message—and I hesitated for a moment—but finally decided to click on it.
Ian: Hi, it seems that there has been a mistake. I wasn’t supposed to have a profile on this app.
“Well, we’ve got that in common, don’t we Ian?” I laughed to myself and started typing a reply.
Elly: No problem. I’m deleting the app anyway.
I let out a sig
h of relief. It was going to be one of those no-harm-no-foul situations with a side of dodging bullets. I didn’t get matched with someone that was going to be disappointed when they got immediately turned down. That would have been a blow to anyone’s confidence, and while I wasn’t looking for love, I also didn’t want to be cruel to some guy that was legitimately trying to find his happily-ever-after wrapped in holiday cheer. I shut the app down and prepared to hit delete—but before my finger could land, my phone lit up with another message from Ian. I considered hitting delete anyway—but I clicked the message instead.
Ian: You don’t like the app?
“Odd question.” I narrowed my eyes.
Elly: I got signed up by mistake as well.
Ian: Oh? You didn’t download it?
Elly: My cousin was supposed to be using my phone to order dinner and decided to download it.
Ian: I see. Two mistakes!
Elly: Well now I’m curious. How did you end up with your profile on this app?
Ian: My company designed it, and they created some dummy profiles for testing. This was one of them…
Elly: Ah, okay. It was just a glitch. :)
Ian: Technically, yes.
Elly: Okay, well thank you for clarifying. I’m going to delete the app now.
Ian: Wait…
Elly: What is it?
Ian: You don’t have to delete the app. Once I remove my profile, it should match you with someone else…
Elly: I’m not interested in being matched with anyone, especially not on a holiday-themed dating app.
Ian: What’s wrong with the theme?
Elly: I’m less interested in being someone’s Secret Santa than actually going on a date with them.
Ian: Why not? Do you not celebrate Christmas?
Elly: I’m just not a fan…
Ian: But it’s the most wonderful time of the year! :)
“Oh wow…” I shook my head and laughed.
Elly: Hardly, but that did make me laugh. Christmas is just an annoying time of the year for me.
Ian: You shouldn’t say things like that. You’ll end up on the naughty list and get coal in your stocking.
Elly: Are you just trying to make me laugh now?