Sunday, October 18, 2009

Is Cyber Dating Suited for You?

By Brad Morgan

Despite the success stories and immense popularity of internet dating sites, are you still hesitant to try? Besides being an effective way to meet and screen potential dates, there are other reasons for considering online dating. Take a look at the possibilities.

1. Online dating is easy! If you've ever put in all the effort of getting dressed, going out, and getting hit on by losers at a bar, you know it can be extremely difficult to meet your dream partner. Internet dating services, however, take a lot of the stress and negativity out of finding dates and relationships.

Would you rather find people that suit you or endure one blind date after another? Who you would like to date and who your friends think is a good match don't always coincide. Internet dating has the advantage of being entirely up to you. You can browse through profiles and contact people whom you would like to know better. There is so much less pressure on both parties.

It can be intimidating and even downright frightening to approach someone and ask him/her for a date. The internet gives you a great boost in confidence because it is easier to be yourself. It is easier to meet people online and get to know them because you have less fear of looking like a fool or being rejected.

2. You know more. One of the biggest benefits of online dating sites is that you are given information before any contact is made. When you meet someone in a more traditional setting, you may not know anything about him/her, even a name. When friends or relatives set you up, you may not have much more information than that.

When you use an online dating service, you have reviewed the other person's profile before you even contact him or her. Most people are pretty truthful on their profiles (while putting their best feet forward, of course), so you have at least some basic information before you ever make contact with the person.

You may look at a profile of someone who sounds perfect and then read that they are allergic to dogs. You train them for a living and have five living at your home. This is great information because you won't waste your time on someone with whom you are not compatible. You can always move on and continue your search.

3. You are safe. We have all heard terrible stories about the dangers involved with meeting people online. But if you take precautions and keep safety as the number one priority, you will be as safe (or even safer) as when you meet people in person.

There are common sense safe internet practices that you ought to take, like not disclosing your name and address to anyone you don't know.

Even though there are creeps and perverts on the internet, it is still at least as safe as traditional dating - probably safer. There are creeps and perverts in the real world, too.

Most internet dating services have safety protocols built in so that nobody can get at your personal information without your permission.

And again, you have the option to contact who you wish. Use the profiles to screen dates; if someone appears perfect but gives you an uncomfortable feeling, go with your instincts.

You don't always have the luxury of knowing anything about people who may ask you out in the physical world. With internet dating services, however, you can at least be armed with some knowledge before any contact is made.

4. You are not bound by geography or connections. Traditionally, people find dates through friends and family, through work, church, or the bar scene. Your choices are limited according to these things. Online dating, however, opens up the possibilities immeasurably. There is also more to choose from!

People the world over use internet dating services; you can meet people from across the country, on the other side of the world, or across town. The boundaries traditionally set on dating are eliminated.

Is internet dating right for you? Only you can say, but before you decide, take a look at the great benefits of these services. Love could be waiting for you!

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