Is Online Dating Right For You?
By David
Kamau
script
Negative
news sells. This might explain press penchant for nightmare
experiences with online dating, or internet dating if you
prefer.
Added
to this are negative views and stereotypes such as, "online dating
is for geeks" and "online dating is for the desperate". This article
is about dispelling some of the common negative views and
stereotypes by presenting facts.
Common Fallacies and Truths about Online
Dating
Fallacy:
"Online dating is not safe; I've heard too many nightmare
stories."
Truth:
Nightmare stories you've heard are actually rare and more likely to
occur in bars, night clubs and free chat rooms. They only appear
common-place due to publicity they get from the press.
Reputable
dating services go out of their way to ensure safe and secure dating
environment for their members. Plus, the cost commitment eliminates
many practical jokers and lowlifes.
Fallacy:
"Online dating is for geeks."
Truth:
Surveys show that the majority of online daters are normal people
with at least a college education, a career, above average income
and are socially active. Most are interested in a serious
relationship.
Fallacy:
"You have to be good with computers."
Truth:
If all you can do is click a mouse and send an email (which you can
learn in a few minutes), you are ready for online dating. Popular
dating sites make it easy for you and will guide you
through.
Fallacy:
"Online dating is for liars, losers and the desperate."
Truth:
Online dating sites indicate their members tend to be significantly
higher educated and earn above average incomes, are sincere and
honest people in search for serous relationships.
Fallacy:
"It's not safe to meet strangers online."
Truth:
It's never really safe to meet strangers anywhere, least of all bars
and night clubs. Online dating lets you remain anonymous till
comfortable enough to reveal more to the most suitable
prospect.
Fallacy:
"It takes/requires a huge time commitment."
Truth:
Online dating is the only medium right now that allows you to go
mate-hunting at your convenience. It is open 24/7 and you can do it
in your spare time.
Fallacy:
"People lie and misrepresent themselves."
Truth:
People lie and misrepresent themselves in person too. With proper
checks, some online dating education, and good old guts you can
learn to uncover deception easily and quickly.
Fallacy:
"I'd be too embarrassed if someone found out."
Truth:
What are chances of someone who knows you stumbling upon your
personal ad among millions in one dating site among hundreds? And
what would they be doing there in the first place? If they are
surfing, they are on the same boat with you.
Fallacy:
"I'd be embarrassed to tell friends and family that we met
online."
Truth:
But you wouldn't be embarrassed to tell them that you met in a bar?
What's important is that you find someone who makes you happy, not
whether you met in a bar, church or through a modem. Look around and
you'll find couples who met online and are happy, even proud to say
so.
Fallacy:
"You have to be good at writing."
Truth:
Actually, conversation-style writing works better as it has a
personal feel. Just write like you talk and you are good to go. Use
a spelling checker, which comes with most word processing documents
such as Word or WordPad. Some of these do check your grammar
also.
Fallacy:
"Online dating is for the young and restless."
Truth:
Surveys indicate that the fastest growing segment in online dating
is 40 years plus. This is partly due to other methods not being as
open to this segment, and the fact that career and other commitments
tend to peak at around that age.
Fallacy:
"Online dating is for old, naughty or desperate people."
Truth:
Older people are the fastest growing segment in online dating,
simply because it provides them an easier and quicker way to meet
potential mates. But younger people still make the majority,
especially those who are busy in careers.
Fallacy:
"It's for people who are not social and have trouble finding a
date."
Truth:
At the risk of repeating, online dating membership is mainly
composed of professional, sincere and romantic people who are also
socially active. Internet dating simply offers them an easy and
time-saving way to meet like-minded people.
Fallacy:
"It's too impersonal. There's no real chemistry doesn't feel
real."
Truth:
If you've ever read a story that drove you to tears you know that
writing does convey emotions. Also, top dating sights now offer
voice chats and video conferencing. You can look and talk to the
other person, making an almost personal date.
Fallacy:
"It's too expensive."
Truth:
How much is the (potential) perfect partner worth to you? Online
dating actually costs much less than traditional dating that
involves costly dinners before you even find out if you have
anything in common.
Dating
online allows you to find out if you have something in common, and
to know each other to a reasonable degree before the actual meeting.
Conclusion:
Online dating is one of the most wonderful, healthy and appealing
ways of finding a companion or even a lifetime partner. If you have
not tried it, you owe it to yourself to do so. Top-rated dating
sites offer free trials before you commit, so why not try online
dating today?
==================== About
the author: David Kamau owns http://e-datecentral.com. Sharpen
your online dating skills and check out top online dating picks:
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