Internet Dating - Its Not For Geeks

Six months ago an old school friend and I were chatting over coffee, putting the world to rights as women do. She was bemoaning her lack of success in meeting the "right sort" of men. I asked her if she had tried using an internet dating service, and the look of horror that quickly appeared on her face gave the instant answer ? of course not! Internet dating, she informed me, was for the sad, desperate, geeky or freaky.

Sadly this type of response is typical of people from all walks of life. Why sadly? Because those who instantly dismiss such services are missing out on a great opportunity.

The traditional argument for not using the internet to meet someone is that it is not natural. So what is natural? Where have people traditionally met their husbands, wives, lovers, and friends? Statistically, over the past 50 years the most common place for meeting ones spouse has been the workplace. This is hardly surprising given the ever increasing amounts of time most people are finding themselves working. Other common meeting places include bars, nightclubs, and parties, and some lucky few meet their lifetime partner early in life at college or university. However, the workplace remains number one for long term relationships. The reason for this is simple; lasting long term relationships are usually born out of robust friendships, and strong friendships form over time. Spend eight hours a day five days a week with the same people and you will get to know them very well. It is not uncommon in the modern world to spend more time with your colleagues than with your family, an unfortunate but true fact of life.

The increasing amounts of time we as a society are spending working is leaving less time to spend in social environments outside of the office, which means less opportunity to meet new people. So if you don't meet someone at work, where else is there? Enter the dating agency.

Dating agencies are not a new idea, they have been around a very long time. The internet has simply served as a new medium for bringing people together in a tried and tested way that agencies have used for years. However, it offers some unique advantages for those seeking a partner. Firstly it has lowered the cost of running a dating service, and that means agency dating has been opened up to a much wider audience. Secondly, it has broken down geographical barriers in a way that off-line agencies could never hope to. This is an important point because not everyone is looking for their future husband or wife on their doorstep. Indeed not everyone is looking for a future husband or wife; the explosion in internet dating has made it easier than ever to find new friends and correspondents across the globe.

These two points mean that some of the bigger agency sites now have in excess of three million members, and literally thousands of new members joining every day. With that many people, if you are serious about finding a partner, lover, or a friend, then the internet is simply too big a resource to ignore. And 'net dating is safe too; there is no need to exchange real names or even email addresses until you feel you know someone well enough. All the services allow you to block unwanted communication and so there is no fear of being pestered. Used sensibly, internet dating can be safer than almost any other way of meeting people.

The internet has revolutionised the way we work, shop, conduct our financial affairs, and entertain ourselves. To use it as a medium for meeting new people is a logical step in our fast changing world.

After that chat six months ago I convinced my friend to post a profile on a dating site, she didn't even have to pay anything to do so unless she wanted to start sending messages to other people. Now I never see her because she is spending all of her time with her new man. She didn't find him in five minutes like some of the sales pitches would like you to believe, but then six months ago she didn't expect to find him at all.

About The Author:
Sara Blackmoore is a relationship counselor and regular contributor to http://www.dating-webreview.com
She lives in London, England with her husband and two children.

---

Let Women Talk and Help

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

Finding Compatible E-Dates

In the world of online dating misrepresentation is at an... Read More

Should You Consider an Internet Romance?

Carly's quest in finding a suitable partner for marriage seemed... Read More

Friday Night Fitness Dates

Close your eyes and imagine this romantic setting: an intimate... Read More

Fatal Flaws- How to Have a Happy Relationship and Keep Your Values Intact

If you are knee deep in trying to find a... Read More

Are You Making These Body Language Mistakes With Your Hands?

Unfortunately, what you do with your hands can be one... Read More

Is Somebody Interested In You?

How can you tell if a somebody is interested in... Read More

The Dating Game

Why is it some people look at dating as a... Read More

Finding Your Dream Date Sometimes Takes Guts!

My husband and I used to live in NYC. WE... Read More

Free Online Chat! What Are The True Costs Of Free

As you're surfing the Internet and coming across titles claiming... Read More

Mike?s Dating Story

(Black Couch Tales)Mike was completely stressed when he walked into... Read More

Should You Go on a Dating Hiatus?

Sometimes we need a hiatus from dating. A "hiatus" is... Read More

Online Dating

The online dating world today can be a confusing place... Read More

Dress for Dating Success: Clothes to Attract the Man of Your Dreams

In order to attract the man of your dreams, it... Read More

Still Single for the Holidays? Lucky You!

Oh, no! Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year's Eve are coming,... Read More

Creating An Effective Personals Ad That Gets Results: Dos and Donts

Creating a great ad means selling your strengths and attributes.... Read More

10 Secrets to Online Dating Success

Online dating is a new way to find friends or... Read More

The Right Dating Site For You

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

If You Really Need A Dating Quiz, Maybe You Shouldnt Be Dating

Q. My boyfriend failed a dating quiz. Should I dump... Read More

Dating ? What to Do on Your First Date

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

Revealed: What Women Want When It Comes to a Guys Looks

As part of my research for a guide to style,... Read More

Ways to Say I Love You in Another Language

Have you been looking for romantic and provocative ways to... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Get Yourself Ready for Dating

1) So what's it gonna be?Decide on your attitude ?... Read More

Online Dating Makes Searching For a Partner Fun

Some have said that online dating is an impersonal relationship.... Read More

Healing the Midlife Love Crisis

All I wanted was to fall in love and live... Read More