In recent years, numerous online dating sites have proven to be a successful resource for city singles to find friendship, sex, love and marriage.
Years ago, you may have thought that Internet dating was an outlet for the lonely, the desperate, and the socially awkward. But with MySpace and Facebook becoming a socially acceptable part of daily networking, so to are dating sites like eHarmony.com, Flirt.com, True.com, Match.com and many others. You've seen the bright colors of those banners blinking at the right hand of your screen. It's time to double-click and take a peak.
Why Try Online Dating?
Living in a big city with crowded bars, concerts, and amusements, shouldn't it be easy to find love -- or at least a date? For many eligible bachelors and single women, careers often get in the way. They don't have time to stroll through pubs and clubs looking for their so-called match. And so, when time is limited, efficiency is key.
Narrow your search and stay true to the following:
- Who you are and how you want to be perceived...
- Who is right for you and what you need from a happy, healthy relationship...
Finding the perfect mate is within your control, but keep in mind that not everyone out there is honest with themselves. In an effort to be desirable, it makes sense for all of us to put our best foot forward -- to include our best photographs, our wittiest commentary and most inspiring adventures.
Be wary of the person who only puts up one photograph (particularly if it isn't a good one). Be wary of someone who writes only a short parragraph because he "never thought he'd have to resort to such drastic measures."
If you're going to experiment with online dating, you might as well commit to it and give it your best shot. Shouldn't you expect this of your companion too? Your profile is your resume and you're selling a product -- a date with YOU --so your pitch should be sharp. Tell the world who you are. But more importantly, tell the world what you're looking for.
It's Okay to Be Picky
With online dating you can customize your search for love based on age, height, geography, race/ethnicity, or even lifestyle choices. If someone catches your interest, send a "wink" or start up the dialogue. Flirting online can inspire butterflies and smiles, and you should enjoy every second of it. But keep in mind that the way you feel while reading those emails may be quite different than the way you feel when sitting across from each other in real life. Will there be chemistry when you look into each other's eyes?
Manage Your Expectations
It's okay to get excited, just understand that how one sees himself isn't always in agreement with how others see him. When you make plans for that first date, consider suggesting afternoon coffee or early evening drinks. Save the Saturday night candlelit dinner for your second date, because if you're expecting Josh Hartnett, and Danny DeVito arrives at the table, your two-hour meal is going to seem a lot longer (even though you might be entertained nonetheless).
If you end up having the worst date you've ever had, or just another not-so-great date, there's no reason to get down on yourself. There are thousands of more prospects waiting to hear from you and they're just a few clicks away. So pick up your head, jump online, and try, try again...
