September 24, 2010
Online Dating and Finding True Love

Remember when you actually had to leave your home to meet people in order to find that special someone?  You went out every weekend with your friends to clubs and parties, even blind dates were acceptable.

This was done with the hopes of finding that person.  It was as though you had a second full time job.  Your screening process consisted of phone calls and actual dates.

After a few dates you realized this wasn’t going to work out and ended it as quickly as it started.

Of course that meant you had to start all over again.  The good thing about those dates is that now you have good stories to tell. Nowadays meeting people is done differently.  You no longer have to go out all the time to find your soul mate, now all you do is turn on the computer.  There are many websites out there offering you the chance to meet new people.  Some of these websites charge you a fee and some are free.  You go into these websites, create a profile, let everyone know what you like and dislike and what you hope to achieve.  Not everyone that goes on-line is looking for love, some are looking for friendships.  Of course, there are those that are looking for a little fun, an affair with no ties.

On-line you will meet all sorts of people, every type of personality you can think of.  The good thing is that you get to talk to them first on-line before meeting them on person and wishing you had never left your home.  Now, keep this in mind, not everyone tells the truth.  Some will embellish just enough to get other’s attention.  Most of the time it’s harmless but there are occasions that it can’t be ignored.  Also, don’t think that everything will be scary; some of the things that may happen are kind of funny. 

For instance, a woman who went on-line to meet people in hopes of find a new love is contacted by a man.  She reads his notes and it all seems good.  A couple of weeks go by and they decide to share pictures.  Well, luckily she was honest and unfortunately so was he.  She about fell off her chair when she saw his picture because the man over did it.  He tried to present himself as a man of the world, a rich man who owns a mansion and top of the line car.  It was a single family home and a Ford Escort.  Nothing wrong with that but why say things that aren’t true?  But the funniest thing of all was his picture in a bathtub fool of bubbles, in his right hand a glass and left hand a champagne bottle, all the time his eyes were cross eyed.  It looked as though he was making a joke but no it was serious.  She did not laugh at what he owned only at how he behaved.

Then there was a situation that was the opposite.  She met a man that seemed fun, interesting and intelligent.  He knew the right words, was romantic but never obscene.  It seemed so perfect then out of the blue he began to show a sign of what he really was a pervert.   Luckily on these sights you can block people and report them, which she did.  However, he created a new profile, new name and started to stalk her.  It was scary there for a while but she finally got rid of him.

Does this mean it’s not worth the trouble?  No, it means you have to really screen the people that you are talking to.  A good thing to do is use a camera, this way you can see each other while on-line.  If they get disgusting, cut them off and block them, luckily this doesn’t happen always.  Also consider joining a site that has a good reputation.  Some sites allow anyone to join and don’t screen them at all.  After a while, talk on the phone, it’s a little more personal.  Once you feel comfortable set up a date.  Now remember you don’t know them completely so you want to meet somewhere public, such as the mall, a café, a restaurant, etc.  Even though you may feel comfortable, let a few people know, it’s the smart thing to do.

Also consider what you are wearing.  We want to dress to impress but don’t dress down.   Men can wear a simple pair of pants and polo.  Women on the other hand have to think long hard of what they should wear.  Here is a suggestion, wear a pair of nice pants, not too clingy and a pretty blouse that is not too revealing.  Some guys will think if she comes in a dress and it’s revealing, it means a good time tonight.

You want to make sure you know what they look like that way there are no surprises and it prevents you from asking everyone around are you so and so?  Also, find out if they have a sense of humor.  This woman finally found someone and scheduled a meeting but never asked for a picture.  She felt comfortable with this man and trusted him.  On her way there however she had butterfly in her stomach and she kept turning back but then would head again to the meeting place.  He mentioned what he looked like just to see if she would go.  The description wasn’t great but her instincts said no, he’s kidding.  It almost backfired on him because there was someone there fitting that description and she almost left running.

These on-line dates can be funny, scary and boring.  Yes, boring because even on-line they can put you to sleep.  Yet it’s a new experience and if they don’t turn into a romantic relationship, you actually get to find new friends.  This is perfect for those that just don’t have the time to go out and meet people.  There are a lot of stories out there of many couples that met on-line and they are truly happy.  So, if you’re tired of meeting duds in person and would love to screen them before going on a date, then join the websites.  There are more people on-line searching for their soul mate then you think.  Just be careful, don’t give too much information out at first, get to know them as much as possible and make sure to see them, preferably via a camera.  Who knows, next time you go on-line you may find true love or a good story.