In this digital age, does it come as a surprise that people use the internet as a form of interaction in the dating world as well? Just as that Match.com television ad states, “1 in 5 relationships begin online”. Reaction to this can vary from the negative to the positive. Most likely people think that there may be something ‘wrong’ with the people on these sites because they cannot find someone on their own. However, isn’t it safe to say that most interaction is done online these days?
I would like to say that I am a part of that “1 in 5” statistic. I never had much luck with just walking up to people and starting a conversation, I find that completely weird and awkward. Also, I am very busy and I do not go out to places where I could actually meet new people. So, one day I decided to give this online dating a try. I was not completely serious about it, actually used a free site rather than pay. To those who do not know, sites that say that conversations are “free” usually mean that you can peruse the website and get messages, but you cannot send a message back without having a membership and those cost a pretty penny. So, I decided on the free site for obvious reasons.
My experience with it is not one that can provide a reasonable recommendation for it; mostly because I was on the site for about three days or so and online dating can be a long process. During those days, I encountered people who I would most definitely avoid, but also some very nice people. One person I met did not actually get matched to me, but he messaged me anyway and the conversations came very easily. So, these conversations moved onto AIM and after two weeks of this, the actual meeting was planned. To wrap things up, I have been in this relationship for about a year now and I am very happy about my random decision to try online dating.
Also, I know of a couple that have been married for two years now and are expecting a baby any day now. They met online as well. My best friend signed up for online dating herself and while she has not had the sudden success that I have had, she is going through the process of chatting online with a bright optimism.
Online dating comes with fears, confusion and hope. While it is true, there are some weird people out there, this should not discourage you because those are easily blocked. If you are a shy person with a busy schedule, than this is an option for you. There will always be a taboo about online dating, but my experience has certainly been a positive one.
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