What is Internet Dating?
Say goodbye to the bar scene! Internet dating is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to meet potential mates. Many women and men in their late twenties and early thirties are getting tired of the bar scene and are ready to meet the special someone that they can build a long term relationship with.
Internet dating allows people to write a profile that describes their interests, hobbies, and the qualities they desire in a partner. Then, they will also have the opportunity to read the profiles of members of the opposite sex, and "weed out" anyone that does not meet their expectations. Some sights require members to undergo personality tests that will help to match them with potential mates.
Online dating sights, allow you to move as slowly or as quickly as you want to, when meeting someone your interested in. Some people may feel more comfortable emailing for a few weeks before taking the next step to exchange phone numbers with a match. Others, may want to exchange phone numbers and set up a date immediately so not to waste each other’s time if there is no chemistry.
In search of a testimonial? Last year I married the love of my life. We met on Match.com!
Here are some timely suggestions I’ve garnered from women I’ve met and the experiences they related to me, some not all that good.
1 Never agree to see a man who won’t give you his home phone number, (not just his cell phone); he may very well be married and searching a bed partner only.
2 Never meet with a man until he’s faxed an ENLARGEDcopy of his driver’s license to your fax at work. (If he can’t afford 25 cents for a copy at Kinko’s and $1.00 to fax you, he’s not worth your time and effort). That’ll give you an idea of who he is and verify the name. Be sure a trusted friend has a copy of that fax before you meet your date the first time.
3 Agree all first dates are held under the "20 minute/one drink" rule. After the earlier of 20 minutes or one drink, (coffee @ Starbuck’s or a drink, it’s the same thing), either party is "free to leave" without giving an explanation. (If he’s really bad, chug your drink). : -)
4 Have a friend awaiting your call NOT MORE THAN 20 MINUTESafter the date is to begin. Tell your date when you first see each other about that condition, and hold to it. (If he’s a total "crud", when you go to make the call someplace privately, keep walking into the parking lot and get in your car).
5 Whenever possible, have your new date send you a picture, (not just his driver’s license, as those seldom look like the real person), BEFOREthe first meeting. If you’re concerned about appearances, that’s an important item. It’ll also help identify your date at that first meeting.
6 If there’s anything you think you want to change about that person before the first date, skip the date altogether. People don’t change. If you find anything during that first date you want to change about that person, don’t make a second date. Again, people don’t change.
7 Don’t give a man your land line phone number, or let him get it with Caller ID. Unless that number is brand new, a quick trip to the library, or any of a dozen internet ID sites, will often provide your full name and address. Same thing applies to a fax at home. You can be tracked down that way.
8 Unless you’re POSITIVEyou can override it, don’t call your date from your home phone. Caller ID will usually pass along your phone number & bring #7 into play immediately. Use a cell phone. If he bothers you afterward, you can let his calls go to voice mail, (never to be answered), or report him to the security people at your cell phone provider. They won’t take his crap and he’ll lose his cell account if he doesn’t stop bothering you.
9 If your first date candidate seems too good to be true, he probably is. Ask him pointed questions in all important areas and make sure you get complete answers.
10 If your first date continues to mention "Monica" more than once, or whoever he just broke up with or divorced … in a good light or bad … stay away. He’s still not "over Monica" and you can count on her being a part of your life until the relationship dies because one or both of you is always talking about "Monica".
11 If you’re in a club or bar, even Starbucks or a restaurant, keeping in mind the kind of animals a woman must often deal with these days, neverleave your drink unattended for things like trips to the restroom or any extended absence from your seat. Too many women have learned the hard truth about "roofies" and other date rape drugs that way.
12 Don’t use a date’s cell phone to call your personal phone number, or to call your "safeguard person" after 20 minutes. That cell phone will retain the number you called and the guy can then call it at will. (See #8, above).
13 If, FOR ANY REASON, you feel worried or have any concern about your safety or personal well being when you finally meet the guy, get the hell out of there! Even if you’re wrong, and you lose out on what “might’ve been” a good relationship, it’s much better than taking an unnecessary risk. Again, the world is full of sickos; some of them even act like nice guys. (Can you say "Ted Bundy"?).
14 Once you’ve met this potential “Mr. Right”, try to learn more about him. “Little things” like a wife, as an example, can be discovered by a quick trip to the county offices. You can also use the internet, www.google.com, and see if he’s listed. One lady I know just did that and discovered “Mr. Right” did prison time for selling kiddie porn. Of course, if that’s the kind of guy you’re searching for, the above listed items probably don’t mean much.
Monica “Walk-aholic” L. says: My brother married his wife last year…..he met her online in 2000 (she lived in Alabama) and then they met in 2002 and she moved here in 2003. They got married last year and are great people and happy! So I have no problem with internet dating. I know tons of people who have met their spouses online.
Internet dating is a relatively new phenomenon that allows people from across the globe to interact and possibly form romantic relationships. Much of online dating occurs through matchmaking websites, where members are linked with those individuals that best suit their personalities. What are some common internet dating problems? • Liar, Liar: Catching someone in a lie is one of the most common internet dating problems. They may say they’re 35, but one day their remembrance of the moon landing may blow their cover. Without seeing each other face-to-face, trust is all you have over the internet. If they blow it, second chances aren’t really worth the trouble. • Neediness: Constant e-mails and instant messages are a surefire sign of desperation. Unless the conversation is really intriguing and flows magically, get out before they’re naming the kids you’ll have together! • Married: If his wife suddenly calls you one day to ask why on earth you keep calling her house-get out! Married men,
