Because Debra had just bought a new laptop , she decided that she must start cutting back some expenses if she could. Her long distance bill was one expense that sprang to mind. was paying almost $30 a month to Horizon, local phone company. That $30 covered her residence and various taxes, surcharges, funds, fees, and services. also covered her local phone calls—those to locations 12 miles.

But she was paying another $40-$80 month talking to her best friend and to boyfriend, both of whom lived more than 12 away from her. But how could she not to her best friend and to her boyfriend? she tell them she was having budget problems, could they please call her in the future? she just call them less often—a lot less ?

Fortunately for Debra, she found the solution a later, when she tearfully discovered that her boyfriend her best friend were seeing each other behind ’s back. Debra saw them kissing in his car of a restaurant that all three of them to visit occasionally. Debra immediately called Horizon to her long distance service. The female customer service asked if she was sure she wanted to this. Debra said, “Yes, I’m sure. All men jerks.” The representative agreed enthusiastically with her.

Debra only on her new computer for a week she discovered Computer Dating, a service that promised: “, you will get to choose from hundreds of in your own ZIP code area. New selections day. Only $29.95 a month!” As much as hated her boyfriend, Debra knew that not all were alike. Maybe Mr. Right was waiting for on her computer screen. Maybe he was living a block away. And she did happen to $30 available.