The Importance of (Not) Being “Irrelevant”

First of all, I can’t get enough of the “Improve Matches” questions! Instead of having to document my opinions on sex, religion, and other hotly contested issues, I can just pseudo-anonymously choose a radio button and BLAM! I’m matched up. Plus, some of the questions are so ridiculous that amusement is only a click away.

Today I’ve been rather useless. Recovering from last night if you will. So I started to get into the questions. In fact, I even navigated to the explanation of matching! Boy was THAT an eye opener. I have totally been approaching these questions the wrong way. I thought that when I marked one “Irrelevant”, I was essentially saying that all answers are acceptable, and that it’s not important to me if anther person has a view different from mine. WRONG.

The way the system works is each “Level of Importance” is assigned a “Point Value”. That value is used to generate a percentage satisfaction for each person who answered the question. Then, the two percentages are multiplied and the square-root of the product yields the match percentage. So what does that mean for my “Irrelevant” answers? A big fat zero in the match. Whoops.

Furthermore, on the topic of questions, MAN there are a lot of absolutists among us! With knowledge of the true significance of “Irrelevant” in mind, I hesitate when facing a question I perceive as too black and white. I.e.: Would you date an atheist? (Yes/No)

My answer would be “Yes”. However, since I’m not an atheist, it doesn’t matter to me how everyone else responds. If they choose “yes”, cool beans. Maybe they’re an atheist themselves or just simply open-minded about religion. If they choose “No”, also fine. I’m not an atheist and I respect the beliefs of others. A similar topic is smoking. I’m not a smoker, but I’m not bothered by smoking.

Worse yet, what if you think an argument can be made for either side of an “Either/Or” question? I.e. Which makes for a better relationship? (Passion/Dedication)

Personally, I don’t think relationships can survive without both (so neither “makes for a better relationship” independent of the other). I can pick one if pressed (passion) but what am I supposed to mark for the ideal response?

Now call me a wording-Nazi, but if the phrasing of the question is super general I get skittish. I.e. When is suicide ok? (Always, In special cases such as to present suffering, Never)

Suicide is not something I’ve personally considered. Since I never presume to know what’s best for others, my inclination is to mark “Always”. However, since it’s not something that applies to me personally, what to I mark as the ideal mate response? Shouldn’t there be an, “I personally haven’t/wouldn’t consider it, but I believe it’s an individual choice” button?? Same with abortion questions. I’m 100% pro-choice based on the exact same reasoning.

I could go on and on about this topic, but you’re all probably yawning and want something juicy to snack on. While I work on that post, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

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