The Huge Advantages of Online Dating

Imagine the joy of finding the love of your life, an exciting romantic liaison or a rewarding friendship when you are looking and feeling your worst. You had a hellish time at work the previous day, you feel as though you haven't slept a wink, your skin would be a voyage of exploration for a dermatologist and a crow would be more than happy nesting in your hair. You feel tired and fed up and your self-esteem is at an all time low. You long for someone special with whom to share your life, but right now you feel that even Quasimodo wouldn't consider you as a romantic option. In this moment of self-deprecation, how is meeting Mr or Mrs Right possible? By taking advantage of online dating, of course.

Helen is 38 and works for a prestigious law firm. Her dating track record since the tragic and premature death of her husband five years ago has been poor. Although the majority of Helen's work colleagues are male, she says, "The majority of them are married and even if they were available, I would not be interested. I also don't think I could cope with having a relationship with someone involved in the legal sector. I imagine that we would find it very hard to leave our work behind. Socially, where does one go to meet likeminded men who are genuinely interested in a relationship as opposed to a one-night stand?"

Helen went onto explain that she met her late husband whilst at university and, during the many contented years of her marriage, she had a fairly blinkered view of dating agencies. "I viewed them with suspicion, assuming that they were frequented by people who either had major personality flaws, or else had some ulterior seedy motive. I never once stopped to think about how difficult it is in this day and age to meet suitable companions in mainstream environments. Of course, about two years after Harry's death when I began thinking that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life alone, I realised that meeting other people was not that easy. Clubs and pubs really didn't appeal to me. I tried going with friends to wine bars, but found that I was largely on the receiving end of unwanted attention from men in whom I had no interest. It was also obvious that the majority of them were just after a quick thrill.

Helen quickly began to view dating agencies as an attractive option, but didn't really like the idea of being computer-matched with someone. After all, that removed personal choice and she made it clear that she was not the sort of person who liked having choices made for her! Her decision to try online dating as an alternative was made whilst awaiting a dental appointment.

"In the waiting room, I came across an article on online dating as I was idly perusing the obligatory stack of well-thumbed women's magazines. The article must have been particularly well written, because I was instantly sold on the idea. The concept of being able to peruse a database of potential suitors whilst still in my dressing gown was extremely appealing. At least I knew that when I did dress up, it would be because I actually had a date, rather than putting a huge effort into preparing for a night cruising around social clubs, with no guarantee that I was going to meet someone. After my appointment, I couldn't wait to get home and begin checking out some of the sites that were recommended.

Helen spent a long time researching the plethora of online dating sites before she found one that she felt catered for her needs, which of course included a level of security.

"I wasn't particularly drawn to totally free sites, because I felt that they were more likely to attract members who weren't particularly serious about the process, or whose intentions weren't entirely honourable. I was more interested in sites that allowed you to peruse profiles, but which required you to pay for full membership before allowing you to contact other members. That way, I knew that those I contacted were probably more serious about meeting someone special and not just after a quick fling. I wanted to sign up with a site where I felt totally in control and also secure in the knowledge that none of my personal contact details would be divulged to anyone unless I specifically chose to give out this information. I was also more impressed by sites that offered a range of relationship advice and articles."

Helen eventually signed up with www.DatingHappy.com and says that it was one of the best decisions she has ever made.

"At first I felt rather embarrassed admitting to even my closest friends that I had chosen this route, but when I did, I was amazed at how many of them had also considered doing the same thing. One of my friends, whom I assumed had met her husband at the gym, admitted that she had actually met him via an online message forum. Although this wasn't the same as a dating agency, essentially it was no different. She had found someone with whom she shared common interests, but whom she had not previously met face-to-face and that is exactly how I began broadening my male social circle, except via a dedicated relationship facility.

Helen says that she found the search process "exhilarating".

"It was like being an invisible fly on the wall in a room full of interesting men from all walks of life with their personal profiles attached to them I could look, analyse and weigh up the options in a way that would be impossible if all those men were in one room. The best part was the convenience and the fact that it didn't matter one iota what I looked like or how I behaved!

"I also liked the idea of initially being able to build the foundations of a relationship on friendship and mutual interests, before actually meeting someone and being blinded by lust, which of course never lasts with the same intensity as at the beginning of a relationship!"

Has Helen met her match?

"Very possibly", she laughs. "I've had tremendous fun and I'd like to say that I believe I have found a relationship with future potential, but you'll just have to wait and see......!!"

About The Author

Jan Andersen is a British Freelance Writer and Copywriter specialising in articles and features on diverse lifestyle topics and social issues. She has also participated in many TV and radio programmes. Jan also owns and runs five websites; World Writer, Mothers Over 40, Child Suicide, SACS (Surviving After Child Suicide) and Jan Andersen Writing Services. Until recently, Jan had four children aged 20, 18, 16 and 4. Her eldest son, Kristian, tragically took his own life on 1 November 2002. Whilst campaigning for depression, suicide and drugs' awareness, Jan is writing a book on child suicide entitled, "Chasing Death".

http://www.janandersen.homestead.com

---

Male and Swinging Single

As a single male trying to enter into the lifestyle... Read More

Let Women Talk and Help

Women love to talk (just think of how long they... Read More

Things To Avoid At Your First Date

Finally, after a year of mending a broken heart, you... Read More

Compliments - A Very Powerful Dating Tool!

Giving a compliment can be a very powerful tool when... Read More

The Right Dating Site For You

There are so many dating sites on the net these... Read More

10 Reasons to Use Online Dating Sites

There are many more reasons than just ten that I... Read More

Online Dating Tips - Five Steps to Creating Your Profile

Creating your online dating profile is an aspect often commonly... Read More

E-Love at Easter! Part One

Kiki sat on the park bench, staring ruefully at the... Read More

Online Dating Tips For Success

So the search for the perfect relationship is tuff. You... Read More

Online Dating Tips ? Creating Personal Ads

Creating a personal ad for online dating services is not... Read More

e-Matchmaking: Can a Computer Program Find Love For You?

I logged on to a dating site the other day... Read More

Reading People: Body Language Briefing

Body language is the meaning behind the words or the... Read More

Objections Are Signs Somebody Is Interested

The fact is, most people think they handle objections with... Read More

Dating Online in Safety

Dating online can be great fun, stimulating and exciting. So... Read More

Where Should You Go On The First Date?

One of the most frequently asked questions in the history... Read More

Filtering Values in the Dating Game

Ever noticed that when dating, no one really wants to... Read More

7 Tips to Dating Online in Safety

Dating online can be great fun, stimulating and exciting. So... Read More

Does Internet Dating Work?

What's the Number One Question that Everyone Asks About CyberDating?Everyone... Read More

Christian Singles: Questions To Keep Your Spirit Alive

With special events like Valentine's Day coming and going each... Read More

Dating ? What to Do on Your First Date

Dating at first is fun but as it goes on... Read More

10 Impressions on Online Dating

Are you a little uncomfortable with the idea of Internet... Read More

It Pays For Single Christians To Date Other Like-Minded People

Searching for the perfect mate can be one of life's... Read More

Dating Sites for You and Me

Have you seen a dating site? Would you want to... Read More

Am I Weird If I Date Online?

True story: A few years back I was working with... Read More

How to Attract Girls Even If Youre Short

Let me mention a few names and you can tell... Read More

Use Dating To Your Benefit

The easy way to date is really by empowering yourself.... Read More

Web Spinning

I've been toying around with this technique that I call... Read More

Dating Advice: Common Interest Results in Happy Marriages

How often do your married friends complain about husbands who... Read More

Dating Service Tools for Individuals Seeking Singles Online for Fun, Friendship and Marriage

If you're wondering what it means by dating service and... Read More

Four Dating Rules You Must Know To Transform Your Love Life

Dating is the first step to love. I am going... Read More

Your Online Personal Ad- Write For Success!

Where are all the good men/women? You go to parties,... Read More

Find Reputable Internet Dating Services That Want To Earn Your Trust

Internet dating services are popping up online like dandelions in... Read More

What You Must Know About Dating a Non Christian

Inevitably, when the topic of dating comes up among Christian... Read More