Let’s be honest, bad dates happen. If you’re active in the dating world — especially in larger cities — you’re bound to have had at least one bad date. Generally you can chalk it up to a lesson learned and hopefully a funny story to tell to your friends and colleagues over a drink or three.

Over the years I’ve accumulated a good number of these stories, which I’ll share here from time to time. Which brings us to today’s episode: "The Bait and Switch,." which comes in the form of a first-time meeting with someone from an online dating site.

This is actually a date, if you can call it that, which has happened to me on more than one occasion. I started out by discovering a beautiful woman on the website. From there I send a charming missive to the lady which, in turn, escalates to full-on e-flirting. At this point in the correspondence you make plans to meet in person. And that’s what happens.

In one particular instance, I remember waiting at the bar with a drink in hand, checking the door every few minutes. I’d had her stats memorized: 5′8″, red hair, green eyes, fit figure. In my mind’s eye, I imagine that lithe, fiery redhead (incidentally, totally my type, ladies) with a head on her shoulders sauntering her way over to me.

Instead, while looking the other way, I get a jab on the shoulder. “Um, excuse me. Are you Bill?” she says.