Computer Love

There was once a time when online
dating was seen as a last resort for creepy people who couldn't find
a way to meet mates in ‘real life’. Now much of the taboo is gone from the online hook-up; as the popularity of social networking
sites grows, online dating is now seen as normal for the most part.
It's not a big deal. It's also big money, with countless dating
websites jockeying for the memberships of those looking for love and
liaisons. A quick Google search will turn up dating sites for all
kinds of folks, from cat lovers (http://www.datemypet.com/) to cooks
(http://cooksdating.com/). If you decide to dive into the online
dating pool, here are few things to keep in mind.

Perfect your profile. The upside of
online dating is you have access to a much larger group of
potentials, but it’s very easy to get lost in the masses. So when
completing your profile, you have to do it with the aim of standing
out from the all the other fish in the cyber-sea. Sounds like you’re
about to submit a job application doesn’t it? But don’t worry,
it’s not as hard as it seems, and you’ll most likely have fun
doing it. Many dating sites make it real easy by giving you
pre-prepared forms where all you have to do is select the attributes
that best describe you and the mate you’re looking for. Some make
you fill out questionnaires that will tabulate all your answers into
a personality assessment which will then be matched to other members
who may be compatible with you.

The whole process of setting up a
profile can even illuminate a few things about yourself that you
didn’t know. How often do we get a chance to sit and write down
what we’re specifically looking for in a mate? Not to mention
having to analyze yourself and pick out the qualities that you think
make you a good catch. Would you date someone like you? But I
digress...back to the profile. So you’ve filled out your age,
height, body type and profession, now it’s time to get that profile
poppin’. Here’s another ‘P’ word for you: picture. Yes, the
one that’ll say a thousand words. The pics you put on your profile
will say alot about you, so be sure to post up the ones that not only
show your good side, but your personality. Action shots are great
but don’t be too staged with it, unless you’re going for the
comedy effect, and hey, everyone likes someone who can make them
laugh.

Now comes the write-up. That’s where
the challenge really comes in; how to be interesting and appealing
with your words, how to make that impression that will prompt a
potential date to click your link? This will take a bit of time, but
again, it can be fun. This is where you make your wish list, your
declaration of standards and expectations, and what kind of adventure
someone can expect to have should they choose to get on the love
train with you. If you browse other profiles, you’ll get alot of
great examples of what can appeal and what can repel. Everyone has
their own writing style so I’m not going to tell you how to do
that, but my advice is to just keep it positive, specific and
uniquely you.

Online dating can be a whirlwind of an
experience; it certainly makes it easier to meet people, but once you
do, all the rules of dating still apply. You’ll have to get to
know the person, see if the chemistry online continues offline, and
whether things can go further than an instant message. If you’re
looking for a serious relationship, it’s still going to take work,
sorry! I have heard both happy stories (like getting engaged) and
horror stories (like getting stalked) from people who’ve tried
online dating. But that’s dating in general isn’t it? No matter
how you met, you’re dealing with a human being, and we’re much
more complicated than a computer. So if you’re surfing for love,
be safe, be selective, and be real.

Love,

Geena
http://www.geenalee.com