I Got Catfished in Paris
4Digest
Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy, takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride through her disastrous trip to Paris with a man she'd never met. The story begins with Alex's excitement for a fresh start after a recent breakup, leading her to accept an invitation to Paris from a man she met on Raya. Despite red flags, she decides to go, fueled by a desire for a whirlwind romance. However, upon arrival, she faces a series of awkward encounters, including a lack of communication, a disappointing Airbnb, and a growing sense of incompatibility. The trip culminates in an uncomfortable sexual encounter that leaves Alex feeling worse than before. Back in New York, Alex receives the news that she has contracted HPV from "Paris Man," leading to a period of fear and self-blame. She undergoes a series of medical procedures, including a colopscapee and a leap procedure, to address the precancerous cells caused by HPV. Throughout this journey, Alex grapples with shame and the potential impact on her fertility. Ultimately, Alex's experience becomes a catalyst for self-reflection and a renewed focus on seeking support. She emphasizes the importance of sharing difficult experiences and not carrying burdens alone. The story concludes with Alex reflecting on the complexities of womanhood and the need for women to support each other, particularly in the face of online judgment and criticism.
Outlines
The Paris Trip: A Story of Awkward Encounters and Self-Discovery
Alex Cooper recounts her disastrous trip to Paris with a man she'd never met, highlighting the awkward encounters, the emotional fallout, and the subsequent HPV diagnosis that led to a journey of self-discovery and the importance of seeking support.
The Infamous Paris Story: A Whirlwind Romance Gone Wrong
Alex reveals the untold story of her trip to Paris for a man she'd never met, highlighting her initial excitement for a fresh start and the red flags she ignored.
Meeting "Paris Man" on Raya: A Triggered Connection
Alex describes her encounter with "Paris Man" on Raya, a man who looked identical to her ex, triggering her emotions and sparking her interest.
The Paris Invitation and Decision: Yolo or Red Flags?
Alex recounts the moment "Paris Man" proposed a trip to Paris, despite barely knowing each other. Despite red flags, Alex, fueled by excitement and a desire for a fresh start, decided to go.
Arrival in Paris and the First Signs of Trouble: A Foreign Country, Alone
Alex describes her anticipation and excitement on the flight to Paris. However, upon landing, she couldn't reach "Paris Man" and realized she didn't have his address. Her initial excitement turned to panic as she found herself alone in a foreign country with no idea where she was supposed to go.
Meeting "Paris Man" in Person and the Airbnb Nightmare: Awkwardness and Disappointment
After a long wait, Alex finally met "Paris Man" in person. She was relieved to see a real person but was immediately struck by his awkwardness and lack of warmth. The Airbnb they were staying in was far from the romantic vision she had imagined, with a mattress on the floor and a shared bathroom.
Keywords
Raya
Raya is an exclusive dating app known for its stringent vetting process and celebrity clientele. It's often referred to as the "Holy Grail" of dating apps, attracting individuals seeking meaningful connections.
HPV
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause various health issues in women, including cervical cancer. Some strains of HPV are preventable through vaccination.
Colopscapee
A colopscapee is a procedure performed on the cervix to remove abnormal cells. It's often recommended when pap smears repeatedly show abnormal results.
Leap Procedure
A leap procedure is a more invasive procedure than a colopscapee, used to remove precancerous cells from the cervix. It's often recommended when HPV persists after a colopscapee.
Shame
Shame is a powerful emotion that can lead to self-doubt, isolation, and a reluctance to seek help. It's often associated with negative experiences, particularly those related to sexuality.
Q&A
What was Alex's experience like at the Paris Olympics?
Alex found the Paris Olympics to be an incredible and indescribable experience, despite her initial nervousness about live TV. She was particularly thrilled when her "Gluck, Luck" joke was embraced by the network.
Why did Alex decide to go to Paris with a man she had never met?
Alex was excited by the prospect of a whirlwind romance and a fresh start after a recent breakup. She was also encouraged by her roommates to "Yolo" and seize the opportunity.
What was the most challenging aspect of Alex's Paris trip?
The most challenging aspect was the awkward and uncomfortable dynamic with "Paris Man." He was snappy, uninterested in the plans they had discussed, and lacked warmth.
How did Alex's experience with HPV impact her?
The HPV diagnosis was a significant blow for Alex, especially as she was starting to get serious with her boyfriend, Matt. She was worried about the potential impact on her fertility and struggled with shame and self-blame.
What is Alex's message to listeners about seeking support?
Alex emphasizes the importance of sharing difficult experiences and seeking support from trusted individuals. She encourages listeners to not carry burdens alone and to recognize the power of having someone to lean on.
Show Notes
Join Alex for a special solo episode from the vault where she reveals what happened in the infamous, never told before Paris story where she flew across the world for a man she met on Raya. Daddy Gang, buckle up because this is a wild ride.
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United States
Thank you so much for your story!! You actually just helped me recover a lost memory of the LEEP procedure that I had to get when I was 19. I too went alone and it was THE MOST painful experience of my life that i actually blocked it out bc of the trauma. I’m now 40 and bc of your story I have recovered that lost trauma and I can rid myself of it. So thank you and know you helped someone bc of your story.