How Do You Feel About Catfish?

Catfishing is when someone sets up a fake online identity and uses it to trick and control others.

I pretty much assume everyone on SW is not who they say they are. As long as we're enjoying the conversation and you are not trying to control me, I have no need to find out if you are who you say you are. I feel like I am probably in the minority on this.

I am really me. It's 2024, there are a million ways to verify. I would have no problem setting up a video chat so someone could know that I'm me. But ten years ago, I was stuck in a straight relationship I couldn't be fully present in. I was overwhelmed and miserable. I needed an anonymous space where I could escape and pretend to be someone else. That became the catalyst for me figuring out who I really am.

So I get it. I have a TON of grace for people pretending to be someone they are not. But please don't confuse me playing along with thinking I believe you.

What do you think about SWeeps pretending to be someone they aren't?

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iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

I think it pretty 💩 behavior pretending to be someone else and stealing another person’s photos.

When those online dating websites first came out my friend got scammed and she was heart broken.

If I see one I will call them out. I understand wanting to be anonymous online and that’s okay but lying and manipulating someone is wrong.

It’s not even about stealing photos either. There are people who have made up complete lies about their whole lies, it’s so wrong.

I am who I say I am, I am verified and o do t have the energy to pretend to be anything I am not.

I am glad you found yourself.

ShadowSister · 46-50, F

@iamonfire696 You are very open about yourself here, probably more so than most. I appreciate your authenticity.

I used to have a friend who was a pathological liar. He was never malicious, he just liked attention. Whatever you were into, he would always tell a story about having met your idol or done something amazing. We all knew he was making stuff up. But also, he was just fun to be around. Once he grew up more and got out into the real world, he had to face up to his problem and apologize to all the people he hurt. But I liked being around him because he was always fun and had interesting stories.

I guess that's a bit of how I feel about SW. I protect myself by assuming they're not telling the truth until they prove otherwise.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@ShadowSister I am way more open than j should be 😂. Yah I get it in that sense when it’s just so ridiculous that there is no other way that you could take it then knowing that
Person is lying.

I feel the same way you do, I assume everyone is lying but I have seen people taken advantage of so when I see the lies I just show people that they are not talking to this person and then they can decide if they want to continue 🩷.

ShadowSister · 46-50, F

@iamonfire696 That is the saddest part, when a friend gets taken advantage of. I know what to do to protect myself, but not everybody does. That breaks my heart.

iamonfire696 · 41-45, F

@ShadowSister I am really glad you do 🩷