It all began with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in You’ve Got Mail. The notion that one could fall in love with a complete stranger through emails, chats and IM’s was a romantic, if not endearing thought to a technologically savvy audience. Considering the fact that dating and getting dates is very difficult for some people, especially shy or socially awkward people, online dating provides a king of safe haven and an experimentally safe place for people to figure out just what exactly it is that they want in a relationship without the humiliation and hurt that can occur in the real world. As with You’ve Got Mail one could be attracted to another someone on line but in real life they are business rivals, each seeking to have their own way. For the hopeless romantic, online dating can blossom into a long lasting and meaningful relationship.
Some facts about online dating, which make it so successful are that there are approximately 4o million users on dating sites throughout the world. There are hundreds of these sites through the internet and most of these sites have privacy policies which block unwanted posters, should the member of the site need such actions taken. Some sites boast free membership, some have a small monthly free, while others charge a year’s membership at one time. Serious and cautious users will take the time needed to investigate the sites and their privacy and protection policies. This information will allow them to make the online dating site choice that is right for them.
As with anything new there are some tips to remember when one embarks into a new world. For most singles, online dating is a new world at some point. When taking pictures for the online profile, try to have a normal smile in every day clothes with the usual amount of make up and hair that is normal for the profiler. Using a high school glamour shot or a completely faked photo is not a good idea. This is the image for which other members will decide about one’s prospects, so the more honest the picture the better the outcome. When communicating with potential dates keep the conversations positive and light. Refrain from negatively portraying any past lovers or friends. Remember that a positive attitude can be just as attractive as a model’s façade and sometimes even more refreshing. Also, when getting to know one another, do not share all the skeletons hiding in the closet. The fear of commitment which one feels after being jilted at the altar should not be the first topic of conversation on a first date. If the relationship progresses to the point that a conversation about past lovers is appropriate then have that conversation, but do not rush in to it.
Lastly, using a pet as an ice breaker could be a good way to begin a conversation but not a relationship. No one wants to chat forever about which dog food is better or how angry Mr. Whiskers gets when his owner brings someone new home. The great thing about pets is that, while they can provide comfort and friendship when one is lonely they can adjust to a new person in their owner’s life relatively quickly. Just do not allow Mr. Whiskers to call all the shots when dating or he will never allow a date to happen.
