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More and more women (and men, too) from around the world are turning to Internet dating.
Despite the reality that the Net is full of psychos and weirdos out for their prey, online romance is flourishing and I can safely predict, will be here to stay.
Anyone who is single and looking knows the single woman’s reality: it is not easy to meet a man, much more to date, a man who fits her requirements.
The Internet, with all its romantic possibilities became a free, convenient and global alternative.
The question is: Can real people fall in love and build a relationship online?
As nearly as fifteen years ago, the answer would most definitely be, ”Of course, not!“ Today, this isn’t just possible, but is already a common reality.
How many people do you know have found love through the Net? It may not have been ”Net couple gets married“ kind of stuff but at least, the Net played a part in the romance.
Can you find good love online?
Despite its growing acceptance, meeting and falling in love with someone you found on the Net still carries a stigma, especially in conservative circles. The prevailing thought is that if you have to advertise yourself on the Net to get a date, then you must be a loser. You probably don’t have a social life and can’t get real-life dates. I must admit that I had the same sentiment before I tried it myself based on a friend’s recommendation. Since the day I tried it, I have met five people from friendfinder and everyone turned out exactly how they described themselves in their profiles. And not one of them is a loser.
A more enriching avenue?
More people are wary of Internet dating because of its ”unknown“ factor. But Internet dating is just another avenue to meet new people. It is no different from meeting someone is a club, in the gym, in the library, in the grocery, etc. It is true that it is easier to lie in chat rooms and e-mails. You have no visual clues that would give you a more studied perspective of the person you are e-corresponding with.
The main difference between meeting someone online and meeting in person is that you don’t know how he looks like and you base your opinion of him solely on the basis of how he projects his personality online. This feature of the Internet takes romance back to its purest form. You get to know someone through his thoughts and feelings. And the only way you sustain your relationship is through a strong communication – a skill that is very important if the relationship is to endure.
Realistically, though, there have been numerous cases where the cloak of anonymity that the Net provides has been abused. You have read of horror stories of men (and women, too) inventing a completely different person, or lying about their height, their features, their age. The danger here is that we fall in love with the image that they have created and when you discover that they fall short of the image they painted, your feelings falter almost instantly.
A friend of mine was corresponding with this guy who presented himself as a former rugby player, active, and athletic. She was starting to like him and was eagerly awaiting his e-mails. They have even progressed to calling each other regularly. After they have become comfortable with each other, they agreed to exchange photos. He was pleased but she wasn’t. He turned out to be almost 250 pounds on a short frame. My friend was devastated and disappointed, and her growing feelings for him instantly evaporated.
Another friend was corresponding with a guy who claimed he was 33. She found him to be sweet, charming, romantic and soon feelings developed between them. They became boyfriend/girlfriend even before they met. After two months, the decided to meet. She flew 12,000 miles to meet him and she discovered that he is actually 10 years older and 20 pounds heavier. But she looked at him beyond his age and waistline and appreciated his kindness, thoughtfulness and gentlemanly ways. They are now happily engaged.
The Internet is simply a medium by which two people can have a loving relationship. How you will deal with each other after you have met would all depend on you.
As with anything in life, Internet romance is not without risks, but it opens up a whole world of possibilities. I believe every unattached woman should explore it. It is easy, fun and a great way to practice your flirting skills without leaving the comforts of your home.
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