Online Dating: Is It For You?

Technology has opened up so many opportunities for people searching for love. There are thousands of resources right at your fingertips. Society has changed through the years and lifestyles are getting more demanding. Time is becoming scarce. Trying to juggle a career and a personal life is next to impossible.

Lonely Saturday nights can cause a person to go to extremes when it comes to getting a date. Who wants to stay home on the weekend? If you are tired of the bars and the nightclub scene or you just got out of bad relationship and aren't sure how to start over, then you might be ready for something new. The latest trend is online dating. Should you explore this avenue?

There are definitely some pros and cons to this aspect of dating.

Advantages:

·Able to meet people no matter what your schedule
·You can talk to people on neutral territory and see if you have things in common
·You are under no obligation to meet them face-to-face, unless you want to see them. Most online services have your identity protected until you want to disclose it to someone
·Profiles can tell you about their interests, hobbies, education and expectations
·Pictures can be exchanged via the web
·Conversations are less awkward and you can be yourself
·Can be less expensive, most of the dating services requiring a small monthly fee, but it is free to email someone and chat online

Disadvantages:
·Could develop into a long distance relationship which is sometimes hard to handle
·People could simply lie about their identity; it is easier to lie when you are not talking face-to-face
·Might be talking to someone dangerous. Predators sometimes target these sites
·Someone could send a fake picture and mislead you
·People might think you are desperate

There are so many online dating sites that claim to screen their participants. Profiles are provided on each member and most of the time a picture is included. It can be fun listing what you want in a mate and seeing if someone out there matches your criteria. Having "Mr. or Ms. Right" come to you is a fabulous fantasy, why not try to make it a reality. If you do use a dating site make sure it is a reputable site. Some aspects of a trustworthy site are confidentiality, safety and size of membership. A small membership base would not offer a good chance of meeting someone interesting. The site needs to offer safety features as well as a large database so you have a big selection to choose from. Most sites charge a fee, but some offer a free trial. It is a good idea to take advantage of a free trial so you can explore the site and see if you would "fit in." You might want to focus on sites that have people who are interested in the same hobbies and values. Once you have found a site you like you need to set up your personal profile and explore the other profiles.

Here are some tips for setting up your own personal profile:

1.Pick a creative username something unique; but stay away from sexual innuendos (people might get the wrong idea).

2.Start your profile with an original opening line, maybe something a little flirtatious; but in good taste.

3.Be honest in your description of yourself. List your qualities good and bad (mostly good). Include your interests, education and values.

3.Take several pictures that portray your personality and show you in your environment.

4.Check spelling and grammar to correct errors. You want to make a good first impression.

5.Keep your profile up-to-date. You never know who might be searching for someone like you.

Profiles are the only communication you have with the person before the "first email" or initial contact, so you want to have an interesting introduction that attracts the type of people who are compatible with you. Explore all of your options and answer the inquiries you might be surprised with the people you meet.

Keep your online dating experience positive by using safety precautions. Never include identifiable, personal information (like your phone numbers, address, company your work for etc.) in your profile. Use dating services that have their own email boxes so you don't have to use your personal email. Always take it slow and don't let anyone pressure you into giving out information about yourself that you are not comfortable sharing. If you do decide to meet someone always take a friend with you just in case. Safety precautions should be followed in any dating situation. Protecting yourself should be second nature.

A dating site is not the only option when it comes to meeting a mate. Online chat rooms are another place you can strike up a conversation with someone and "hit it off." But again, any time you are talking to strangers you need to be careful. I have two sister-in-laws who met their significant others online. One is married to the man she met online just chatting in a chat room and the other is dating and serious with her online buddy. It just goes to show you never know what will happen when you are surfing the Internet.