flow15 Posted February 21, 2011 Posted February 21, 2011 My ex broke up with me about a month ago, so I'm not ready to start dating again yet. But I wanted to know people's views and thoughts on online dating, I'm always reading on this site that people meet amazing girls/guys on online dating sites... but it kinda freaks me out! Maybe its because I'm still young (23) and I feel that I would only turn to online dating as a last resort.. (like if I'm 40 and still haven't met the man of my dreams) What age do you think you should start online dating? Is it safe? Do you not get worried that someone you know may see your online dating profile and think you're weird? (Sorry, I'm not calling anyone who online dates weird lol but I just find the whole concept strange, as I think it is somewhere you go as a last resort, or if you don't go out so you don't get a chance to meet people) Do you wonder if the people you meet online there is something wrong with them? (like i mentioned above, can't get anyone in real life so choosing to online date as a last resort, or they don't leave the house or go out so don't get the chance to meet anyone in real life?) How often do people actually have long meaningful relationships from dating sites? Thanks! (and I'm sorry if I've offended anyone)
GreenPolicy Posted February 21, 2011 Posted February 21, 2011 I've had two serious relationships from online dating. It's pretty mainstream these days. There's nothing desperate about it. Match, eharmony are probably the best pay sites. OKCupid and Plentyoffish are probably the best free ones.
pandagirl Posted February 21, 2011 Posted February 21, 2011 The best way, in my opinion, to approach online dating is NOT to take it seriously. Have no expectations, keep an open mind, etc. I think people who go into online dating with the mindset of meeting someone and finding a relationship are the ones who have the biggest disappointment and frustrations with it. It's just to meet people, simple as that!
Cee Posted February 21, 2011 Posted February 21, 2011 It takes time to learn how to do online dating, but as long as you don't get into a fantasy that each date could be "the one," you'll do fine. I haven't gotten an LTR from online dating, but I did learn to talk to strangers and get dating experience. I think what I learned helped in my current relationship, a man I met offline. I think online dating is something that is worth trying. However, it comes with risks. I got shattered by a couple of online guys who were using the dating site as their personal sex pool. Be scrupulous about safe sex. A lot of the people you will date are sleeping with other people, who are sleeping with other people, etc, etc.
Hules Posted February 22, 2011 Posted February 22, 2011 (edited) Hey Flow, I decided to try out online dating myself about a month ago. It's been interesting for sure so far. I had the same reservations as you about it thinking that it was something sort of a last resort (i'm 24). But then I thought about it like this nowhere else are you going to get as much exposure to people than online. You don't have to go out to bars/clubs hoping someone is there who you might get along with etc etc. It does have its downsides though. That been there is a lot of people who are not there for legitimate reasons, lying about who they are etc. It's pretty easy to weed these people out though. My advice is think of it as a tool to talk to people who you might of never been exposed to otherwise. Cee pretty much summed it up perfectly. but as long as you don't get into a fantasy that each date could be "the one," you'll do fine. I notice a lot of the people who don't have good experiences with online dating are the ones who expect it to be a silver bullet to their dating problems, its not, it is just another tool. If you do decide to meet up with someone you meet online, I suggest you keep the first date something short and in a public place (coffee meetup's are good for this) just in case the person isn't who they claim to be, you can make a quick exit without much fuss. I have been using OKcupid seems to be one of the better free dating sites I've found, Good luck! Edited February 22, 2011 by Hules
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