That is the question. There was a time when online dating was frowned upon and seen as an act of desperation, but in this day of modern technology it seems to be one of the most popular ways to meet new people. I sat a few of my single friends down to get their thoughts on the subject. For the most part they were over it, or against it entirely. Only a few seemed optimistic or open to it. In the 21st century it seems everything is done online, we pay our bills, work, attend business meetings, get a college degree, and shop all online. So why not date online too, right? There are hundreds of online dating sites, and even social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace are used to meet new people. The big question is, does online dating trump traditional dating methods.
I asked my friend Tina (she's an online dating pro) if she would continue dating on line. She snapped, "Hell to the no!" Tina has tried several dating sites, and she's been on quite a few dates. Some of her stories are so funny they sound like something from a movie. For example, she talked to one guy on the phone for three weeks. His profile pics were nice, he seemed like a catch. When she met him at the restaurant he was sitting in a nice SUV waiting for her. He looked just like his profile pic, she was excited. After 15 minutes she wondered why he hadn't got out the truck. Then he said give me a minute and proceeded to get into his wheelchair. Nothing against people with disabilities but how could he leave that out? It definitely should have come up in one of the many conversations they shared.
My favorite Tina story is the 6'5 entrepreneur that wrote her the most beautiful poems, and showered her with compliments and attention. He seemed almost to good to be true. Well he was, after lots of online emails he finally called, collect....from jail! He was serving a ten year sentence for assault and robbery. After listening to his story, she told him he should have been honest and hung up the phone. I could go on and on with the stories but I think you get the picture. Her experience with online dating was full of mirages. Men that were really 5'5 said they were 6'5, guys that worked at McDonald's as a cashier said they owned McDonald's, married men said they were single! Needless to say she's completely given up on online dating.
Not all online daters have bad experiences. Take my friend Gina for example, she's been on two dates and for the most part they went well. The men looked like their profile, they were honest about who they were. The first date traveled to see her from a nearby city, after five months of talking, emailing, and texting. He stayed at a hotel and they spent a great weekend together. The long distance posed a problem because neither of them wants to move, so for now he's a good friend. The second date was cool but there was no chemistry. Gina hasn't given up on it, but if she had to choose she prefers meeting men the traditional way. She says it eliminates the surprises, that tend to come with online dating.
Statistics show that 54% of men lie about their height and income, and 60% of women lie about their weight and age in their profiles. It seems that some people aren't completely happy with who they are and online dating is their way of escaping reality. It's a fantasy world where they can become who they want to be. Some are addicted to it because they get more attention online than they do in everyday life.
I personally prefer meeting guys the traditional way. There are still surprises, but I like to look a man in his eyes, check out his nails, teeth, shoes, and see what I'm getting into. The computer monitor doesn't show me all that. Back to the original question, does online dating trump traditional dating methods? Just like most things in life, online dating is a gamble. It works for some, but not all. If your thinking about trying it, be careful and have fun! If it's not your cup of tea be more social. You never know that guy/girl at the grocery store, gas station, at work, or at the gym may be your next hot date. Good luck!
I personally prefer meeting guys the traditional way. There are still surprises, but I like to look a man in his eyes, check out his nails, teeth, shoes, and see what I'm getting into. The computer monitor doesn't show me all that. Back to the original question, does online dating trump traditional dating methods? Just like most things in life, online dating is a gamble. It works for some, but not all. If your thinking about trying it, be careful and have fun! If it's not your cup of tea be more social. You never know that guy/girl at the grocery store, gas station, at work, or at the gym may be your next hot date. Good luck!
ONLINE DATING TIPS:
Ask to see several recent pictures.
Don't talk on the phone for weeks, make arrangements to meet them at a public place. That way you know exactly who your dealing with. You can meet for a drink and if you feel a chemistry make it dinner.
Be sure to keep all your personal belongings with you.
Don't talk on the phone for weeks, make arrangements to meet them at a public place. That way you know exactly who your dealing with. You can meet for a drink and if you feel a chemistry make it dinner.
Be sure to keep all your personal belongings with you.
Don't give them your address or tell them too much personal information, until you feel comfortable.
If they won't give you a home number and they seem secretive, go with your intuition their probably hiding something.
If they won't give you a home number and they seem secretive, go with your intuition their probably hiding something.
