The world is becoming increasingly more dependent on technology. We use our computer to do our banking, shop for gifts, keep in touch with our family…and find people to date. Online dating has seen a huge leap in popularity over the past ten years. Huge databases of singles’ profiles exist on some of the biggest dating sites like eHarmony.com and Match.com.
But do these dating sites really work? Can you expect to meet someone special online? In a word: Yes. Consider these statistics:
- 31% of adults in America say they know someone who has used an online dating service. (Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project Report: Online Dating, March 2006)
- Online Dating Magazine estimates that more than 20 million people visit at least one online dating service a month. (Online Dating Magazine - 2007)
- Online Dating Magazine estimates more than 120,000 marriages a year resulting from online dating. (Online Dating Magazine - 2007)
If you are sitting on the edge of the pool debating whether or not to jump in—now is the time! There are hundreds of dating sites; some of which are general purpose and others cater to people with specific interests—religion, ethnicity or income level, for example. Take your time to explore some of the sites and find the one that looks most comfortable to you.
Take care to fill out your profile as honestly and completely as possible. Many people have fallen into the trap of lying on their profile, putting old pictures of themselves before they gained 20 lbs., or making claims about their job/education/goals that turn out to be untrue. This is just setting yourself up for failure. You must have the confidence that there is someone out there who will love you for who you are.
Once you make a connection on your dating site, try chatting with the person online and on the phone before you commit to an in-person date. When you finally do make a date, be sure to meet the person in a public place. Do not give away anything personal like your address or financial information. And be sure to let your friends and family know who you are meeting and when you’re expected back.
Online dating is easy and fun. Take the leap and try it out…you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.