A woman who was fed up with having "horrendous" dating experiences decided to try to find potential suitors by getting them to send her a 500-word essay about why they wanted to date her.
Lauren Kempton wrote on her Hinge dating profile requesting anyone who wanted to date her send an application first.
The mum-of-one from Portsmouth, who had been single for two years after the end of her 10-year relationship with the father of her little girl, now four, asked men to "write a 500-word essay on how you will not waste any time".
The 36-year-old first wrote it as a "bit of a joke", but it did get several responses, including a stand-out application from a made who made an accompanying PowerPoint presentation. She even said it "restored her faith in men".
Lauren, who works for a skincare clinic, said: "I've had mostly really bad experiences with the dating apps - the culture of dating online is shocking.
''I've had some awful dates but mostly it's boring - the same old conversations.
"People might think asking for an essay was full on of me but it was really a bit of fun, I didn't expect someone to make so much effort."
She added: "At the time, the request did illicit some good conversations, like interviewing someone - because you're already saying you're not going to put up with time-wasters.
"It's a good way of getting people to show their humorous side, and spend a bit of time making an effort.
"It shows you who they are and that they have read your profile and understand your humour."
One of the applicants landed himself a date after making several "promises" in his essay, including replying "swiftly to messages".
A portion of the essay read: "I would start by ensuring that any plans we made were kept to.
"This would also include indoor and outdoor date plans depending on the weather, time, cost etc. (this includes agreeing to a Harry Potter Marathon)."
The man also said he would "ensure that communication was prioritised, this includes contact methods such as, text, call, FaceTime - all of which can be done depending on Lauren's preferred method of contact".
In the 500-word essay, he also added: "I am a big fan of knowing where I stand with people, if you like me, let me know, if you don't, let me know.
"This would ensure that Lauren's time is not wasted on dating someone that there is no connection or spark with.
"This obviously works both ways, but the focus of this essay is regarding Lauren's time."
Lauren was intrigued by his words and accompanying PowerPoint, so agreed to meet up with him to see if romance could blossom – but unfortunately it didn't go anywhere.
She remains single and is now taking a break from dating apps. Lauren added: "At the time, it restored my faith in men - but I'm not really using apps any more these days.
"I'm putting my energy into other things and thinking 'if it will happen, it will happen'.
"But asking for an essay is definitely a good way of weeding out what you don't want."
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