New app rescues people from bad dates

[Hum]

(Reuters) - Most people have been there, trapped on an awkward date that is going nowhere. But relief could be on the way with a new app that provides an incoming rescue call.

The Bad Date Rescue app, which was launched by the dating website eHarmony.com this week, lets usersad Date Rescue arrange for a call to appear on their iPhone to graciously allow them to bow out if a date isn't going well.

"There are all sorts of reasons for why people would want to get out of a date," said Arvind Mishra, director of product management at eHarmony. "We can all sympathize because we have all been on bad dates in our lifetime."

The free app includes several ways to set up a rescue. Users can pick a number from their address book for the call, for example from their mother or a friend. It the person's picture is stored on the app it will appear on the screen when the call comes through.

Scripts are available giving the reason for the call, such as a neighbor calling about a leaky pipe; a mother informing that a sister just had a baby; or a boss saying he needs help immediately. :laugh:

"It graciously allows you to play along and to get out of that situation," Mishra explained.

The free app can be pre-set before the date to call at a specific time and there is a quick rescue that can be triggered on the spot to ring in a few seconds or minutes.

"There are all sorts of reasons for why people want to get out of a date. We are helping them do it in a way that is fun and light and not abrupt," he added.

source

[DocM]

Where was this when I was dating and stuck with a loser?!?

[Twiddle]

For a christian dating service, this seems very un-christian. Lying to get out of something. Just be honest, if thing aren't going well, just let the other person know kindly, and leave.

Much harder to be an honest person, than to lie, but it feels much better in the end.

[linsook]

this is pathetic. if its not going well just end the date.

[sanctified Veteran]

Where was this when I was dating and stuck with a loser?!?

It was at the same place your balls where :p Just say "This is not working, I'm sorry", case solved.

[Hum]

Just say, "You're hands are cold". :p

[Colin McGregor]

Are there really that many spineless cowards that an app is required instead of just saying "this date sucks peace out"

[Farstrider]

What happened to the days when you just told the person sorry but I don't think this is going to work, be pleasant, finish you meal and say goodbye!?

[Southern Patriot]

If I'm not mistaken, this isn't exactly a new idea. I'm pretty sure I've seen apps like this before.

[Detection]

I used to just say something like "Right, let's get the bevvies in" or "Let's go to the bar"

Either they decided to call it off, or you get mullered and have a good time anyway

[Hum]

I've found that saying, "Do you go all the way on the first date", ends it pretty quick. :laugh:

[tsupersonic]

If I'm not mistaken, this isn't exactly a new idea. I'm pretty sure I've seen apps like this before.

Nope, my dumb Samsung Star phone, had something like this. You could set a time when it should call, and voila. There are already Android apps that do this, and probably iPhone apps as well, so seems very pointless.

[allknow]

sometimes it could be perceived as rude to just end abruptly. Even if it is innocent and you are just not interested, most people would feel slightly rejected and would feel bad about having it done to them. This app has its purpose.

[Charisma Veteran]

sometimes it could be perceived as rude to just end abruptly. Even if it is innocent and you are just not interested, most people would feel slightly rejected and would feel bad about having it done to them. This app has its purpose.

Life isn't always cushy, though. Besides, if the date is interrupted this way, the person is likely to be led on thinking maybe they'll have another chance later. It just drags things out. There is a way to respectfully say, "I'm sorry, you're cool but I'm just not feeling the chemistry" without being hurtful.

[Twiddle]

Life isn't always cushy, though. Besides, if the date is interrupted this way, the person is likely to be led on thinking maybe they'll have another chance later. It just drags things out. There is a way to respectfully say, "I'm sorry, you're cool but I'm just not feeling the chemistry" without being hurtful.

Exactly. It is much more work, and less honest, than just being honest in the first place and saving yourself future hassle.