Adventures in Dating By Gigi Flores and Helen Obispo

Here is the latest guest article sent in to us, by the staff at e-harmony.com

Not so long ago, meeting someone online was looked upon as an extremely risky business. Dating sites were the absolute last resort for singles, and any success stories were often covered up by the couple. ‘We met at a dance class’ or ‘at the supermarket’ – any cover-story was more acceptable than the dreaded cyber-world truth. However, dating online is now very much in vogue. With 140 million users in China and 40 million in the US, as well as many more across the globe, meeting online is becoming more and more fashionable.
 
So, why have some refrained from joining this new and exciting movement? Many still have reservations about the service, probably residue left over from its previously murky reputation. If you fall into this category and are still unsure about online dating, here are four things that shouldn’t stop you trying it:
 
1) Looking desperate
 
So many people use online dating nowadays that using it yourself will hardly make you look desperate. In fact, you’re in the minority if you don’t know someone who uses the service. 40% of US singles are members of dating websites and the success stories just keep racking up. The people you meet online won’t be desperate – they will be normal people, carefully matched to your interests and passions. Look at it as a time-saving way to meet new, compatible and – most of all – normal people.
 
2) Your Age
 
If you’re a bit put off by meeting on the internet and see it as the place for a younger generation, you might be surprised to learn that dating sites are used most frequently by an older age bracket. The average user’s age is actually 48, so both old and young can find matching singles from a similar age group. With the age preferences, which appear on most sites, you can also pick the age range that you are willing to date. This means you won’t be matched with anyone who is too old or too young.
3) Technology
 
Again, if you’re from an older generation the sheer complexity of the technology might be putting you off. However, the sites are incredibly easy to use. If hundreds of millions are using them then they have to be! If you’re stuck, ask someone to help you out and you’ll soon get the gist of it. As with everything, practice makes perfect.
 
4) Safety
 
The most pressing concern about online dating is safety. Obviously there are certain risks involved but by using the service with caution you can escape from these. Not giving away too much information, getting to know someone before you meet them and taking things very slowly are all advisable. The sites usually have privacy features meaning that you can block unsavoury people and report any abusive behaviour. People are also concerned that they will be lied to about age, weight or appearance on the sites. However, seeing as people on dating sites will meet sooner rather than later, there is little point in being deceitful about these things.
 
Whether you’re in London dating or in Lisbon dating, don’t be afraid of the cyber-world. The horror stories which surround online dating are often fabricated myths. Just look to the evidence of the millions who use the sites on a daily basis – it really is the new way to date.