You've seen the ads and you've heard the glowing testimonials. But is online dating really for you? It might be right for you...but then again, it might not. Read on to find out!
Think you might be interested in meeting your true love online? You're not alone. Every day,
millions of Americans use online dating sites in an effort to find their soul mate. The ads and testimonials all make it seem so simple. But how do you know if online dating is right for you? Before filling up your social
calendar, use these guidelines to help you decide.
Online dating would be good for you if:
You have an open mind
You'll find all kinds of singles on Internet dating sites. In order to have the best experience, it's wise to think outside your usual 'type.' Sometimes the right person for you doesn't come in the personality or package you'd expected.
You have thick skin
The world of online dating can be unintentionally cruel, so it's important to not take things personally. Many online dating subscribers try to meet as many people as possible before their membership expires. So if the person you've got your eye on only communicates with you sporadically, you need to decide if you're ok with it, or just move on and meet some different people of your own.
You don't mind wading through players
Just as in the real dating world, the virtual dating world is filled with people who are less than honest, aren't really looking for a serious relationship, or just enjoy playing the field. If that's your goal as well, great! If not, you'll have to learn to spot the serious relationship seekers from the riff raff.
Your social circle is limited
If your job, church or circle of friends doesn't give you much opportunity to meet potential dating partners, online dating is a great way to meet a wide variety of people.
On the other hand, online dating is probably not for you if:
You're not patient
Instant gratification is rarely the outcome of simply connecting with someone online. It takes time to get to know each other. Usually, people spend some time chatting online, and then may move to talking on the phone before finally meeting in person. This all takes time. And sometimes, people are communicating with numerous people they've met on a dating site.
You're stuck on one particular type of person
We all think we have our type, and maybe we do. But it's difficult to tell if someone's really your type simply by reading a profile and exchanging a few emails. While everyone has certain characteristics and values they won't (and shouldn't) compromise on, you owe it to yourself to keep an open mind about who you'll meet, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
You're the jealous type
Most people get jealous from time to time - that's natural. But if you're the type of person who gets bent out of shape when you see that someone you've been chatting with online just happens to be online and not chatting with YOU, you'll never make it in the world of online dating. At least not while maintaining your sanity.
You can't handle rejection
It happens to nearly everyone: you read someone's dating profile and think you'd be perfect together. You construct a witty and interesting email, eagerly send it, and...nothing. You never hear back from that person. Sadly, that happens a lot with online dating. Your best bet is to just move on. You're fabulous, right? Don't worry, there's someone else out there who's just right for you.
There are lots of pros and cons to online dating. For some, it opens up a whole new world of dating opportunity, but for others, it just causes a lot of angst. Before joining the countless singles who peruse dating profiles everyday, stop and ask yourself: is it really for me?
