There's a difference between a totally blind date and a date with someone you sort of know. That's when you meet face-to-face with someone you've been texting, emailing and even talking to on the phone. You like their voice and their personality, and based on that you've made some assumptions about their appearance. What are the chances you're right?

BARRY: I left my wife because she put me in serious debt. One day I got a call from a female bill collector. We spoke for some time about making arrangements for payment. The more I spoke to her, the more I enjoyed speaking with her. I loved her voice.

She reminded me of a past girlfriend who I should've married. Every time I spoke with her, all I could imagine was my old girlfriend.

We had a lot in common, so we spoke again, and not about my debt. She said she liked my voice, too. The time came when we decided to meet. I'm no Brad Pitt, but I consider myself an above-average-looking man.

We met at a restaurant close to her job. I was quite disappointed that she didn't look like my old girlfriend. She was quite unattractive and very overweight. I'm sure she sensed my disappointment. But like a gentleman, I tried to have a nice conversation with her.

After a short while we hugged and went our own ways. I told her to stay in touch. Although she wasn't what I thought she'd be, she was still a good person. I really did enjoy speaking with her, but she told me she knew I didn't have any interest in her. I told her that I enjoyed meeting her and would love to continue speaking with her from time to time. She really made me feel good, and we laughed a lot on the phone.

I really did want to continue that, but she wouldn't answer my calls after a few attempts. I gave up and moved on.

ELLEN: He contacted me though an online dating service. He seemed very cool on the phone and in his texts. He had a very snarky sense of humor, which I appreciate. We didn't exchange much information about physical appearance because, in his words, "That's not important." We agreed to meet at a bar in his neighborhood, and I could tell by his expression that he was immediately disappointed.

Despite being incredibly chatty on the phone, he suddenly couldn't find anything to say, other than complaining about his ex, his job, and the bar and its patrons — which he had picked! He suggested moving to another location, which I knew was an attempt to shake me.

As we were walking to my car, I said: "Look, it seems to me that you're not having a good time, and I can tell you're not digging me at all. So, why don't we both salvage our Friday night and move on?" He touched my arm for a second, said, "Thanks!" and practically ran away from me.

I went to a familiar bar and washed him away, and that was that. I realize I'm not a model, but I'm not hideous either. His reaction was an indication that he was not only shallow but also completely self-absorbed.

Did a blind date turn out to be a disaster or a happily-ever-after?

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