Why Online Dating Sites are So Popular

If there's one thing the Internet has introduced us to that we love, it's online dating. If you think about it (I mean, really think about it) it almost makes things too easy. In fact, you can browse profiles, short list the ones who interest you, and even lurk on chat rooms to see how they interact with other people before you even have to make any overtures in direct communication. No struggling for an opening gambit, no long silences when you struggle to come up with an answer to their comments dissing something that you feel strongly in favor of – none of that crap. You don't have to worry about the weirdos who buy you drinks or the last call scramble to find someone. Better yet, if your potential hunk or babe du jour is secretly dissing you behind your back, you are unlikely to ever know.

One thing that baffles me about online dating, unlike dating, is how brash and open the profiles are. I mean, sure, honesty is what you want in a guy/girl. But sometimes I'd rather wait until at least a few dates in to find out about their fetishes, their ex-wives, their baby momma drama or their invisible friends. Maybe its just me, but I think that these people are putting too much on the table up front. It actually leaves you with not that much information to find out about each other later, and quite frankly, a lot of it ends up looking like a crying jag in some cases. Some people just do not get that they should be putting their best foot forward, not their worst.

There is another aspect that you need to consider, and that is your personal comfort with meeting people in person for the first time.  There have been a few instances of problems with meeting people on dating sites, but probably much less than what happens when you pick up someone at a bar. It is sensible to take precautions like keeping the venue in a public place and keeping it public. Meet for a drink or a coffee the first time you get together rather than for a full date. The same thing your parents would have insisted still works, folks. I am stressing here to meet in a public place the whole time, like a restaurant, a movie theatre, and a crowded street, whatever. If it's appropriate, I'll even bring a friend along and encourage them to do the same. To be doubly sure, stay away from totally free dating sites like OKcupid or Plentyoffish. Not that they are bad in themselves, but if you stick to sites where people have to pay to join, there is less chance of running into a molester. Paying just leaves an easy financial footprint for police to follow, so predators tend to avoid paid sites

Aside from this normal "Mom" precautions, Online Dating Sites are likely the safest way that you will find to meet new people. There's also the added mystery: what do they sound like (unless you have already seen them via anonymous video chat), what will they be wearing? I am also nervous too. After all, this could be the love of my life that I am meeting, so I tend to get into a bit of a nervous sweat. From my perspective though, this is nothing more than I experience when walking up to a hot somebody in a bar and introducing myself.

I find that meeting people online is a lot easier, and from my perspective, better. Dating sites tend to be less about looks and more about compatibility of interests and thinking. Most people will meet someone for the first time within a window of 2 to 6 weeks or so. Going to fast is dangerous, and waiting too long will likely result in never meeting them at all. Personally, I really like the conversations when you first start talking to someone online. There is just so much to learn about them and there is so much for them to learn about you. This is also a good time to look for inconsistencies in what they say, because that is a sure sign of someone to be wary of.

I've actually met more friends online dating than actual dates. Maybe it seems odd, but I've always personally valued a friend with common interests than a date, any day. No matter what sex, sexuality, race, religion or age range that you may be targeting when you first join up, you will likely find your match on an online dating site.

Dating sites are just a natural offshoot of what it is that the Internet does best, and that is to connect people and keep people connected, even at a distance. The Internet is not going away any time soon, and as a consequence, neither are dating sites. Just go for it!

If you are interested in online dating sites, but are not sure where to start, then check out this link:

Online Dating