Online Dating: Getting Past the Hype

Online dating is a huge, booming business, having now reached the level of saturation advertising on radio and TV. Sure, these big companies show happy, married couples who met through a dating service, but with millions of daily users on their sites, won’t a few people fall in love and marry--just by random chance? The answer is certainly yes. So, is it all a lot of hype, or can online dating work for you?
From our experience, there’s a lot of value to finding your soulmate via the Internet. But there’s also a huge amount of smoke-and-mirrors. Indeed, research shows that most users disappointedly quit after a few months of subscribing to an online dating service. Why? Usually because they’re adrift in a bewildering sea of love possibilities. To increase your success in this domain, here are seven tips we advise at the outset:
Know what YOU are looking for. In this regard, the Big 12 traits are wonderful guidelines.

Develop things slowly, keeping matters light. Begin with mutual interests like movies, sports, and the arts.

Keep your expectations realistic. Know that he/she is human--just like you.

Be specific in asking questions: “Do you like going to sports events, the opera, the gym?”

Read responses carefully—-between the lines as well as with the lines.

Respond to a profile that truly attracts you.

As soon as you feel comfortable with a particular person, arrange a phone conversation. And, after that feels comfortable, definitely set up a face-to-face meeting at a public place like a café. Within a few moments, you’ll know if the mutual attraction is there. The Internet can be a wonderful tool for getting to this vital step of “live encounter,” but not a substitute for it.