Is online dating good for you?
Online dating may seem like a godsend for geeks, shy people, or anyone with social anxiety. If that’s you, I understand how you. I’ve been there. It’s hard enough expressing your interest to someone you know let alone someone you just met. In this sense, online dating is a very low risk alternative to traditional dating. You set up a profile, send out some messages, and hope people respond. It really is that basic. So, why would we question if online dating is good for you?
For all of its benefits, online dating does have some potential drawbacks, especially for those who are socially shy, if not downright awkward. So, lets go over some of the things that online dating sites don’t tell you when they tout their success rates.
Online dating is not a replacement for real dating.
Many people who online date forget that it is merely a segway to real life face-to-face dating. I couldn’t tell you how many people who date online are only in it for the self validation. To them, it’s just a game to boost their own self esteem. If that’s you, don’t do it. You know why its wrong. For everyone else, be aware that this does happen and that it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. Just remember that if you do meet someone, you should both strive to take the relationship into the real world as quickly as possible. I’m not saying you have to meet each other after your first email; however, if you haven’t even talked to them on the phone after a month of exchanging emails, something is up.
Women have the upper hand in online dating.
If you’re a guy and you’re asking yourself is online dating good? Be aware that the odds are stacked against you. This isn’t to discourage you, I’m merely being honest. Ask any woman who dates online how many messages a day they get and I’ll guarantee you that its exponentially larger than yours (except in rare cases). So, what’s the solution? Simple. You have to be unique, and you have to be on the offensive. You can’t sit around expecting a flock of women to come at you. You do this by setting up a good online dating message along with a solid profile and some decent pictures. If after this article you still decide that online dating is good for you, go ahead and read how in our other related articles.
Watch out for creepers.
This one is for you ladies. Remember how I said you have the upper hand? Use it. Online dating is filled with guys who just DO NOT know how to act around women. Even though it is my goal to try and help these fellas out, the reality is that not all of them want or think they need help. They will have no problem sending you mass messages if you ignore them. These same guys will have no problem stalking you if you give out too much information. And even worst, some of these guys will have no problem making you a statistic if you let them. Be smart, and use this upper hand to your advantage when deciding if online dating is good for you.
You may not find what you want online.
Just because online dating is increasing in popularity does not mean it is good for you. Even if you are a shy person, there are many places to meet people outside of the virtual world. Instead of investing tons of your time pursing online dating, perhaps you may be better off building your confidence in social settings. Not only will this help you in all aspects of your life, but if you decide to try online dating in the future, you won’t find yourself flaking because you got too nervous 30 minutes before the date.
Ask yourself how would you rather meet your next partner. By searching online dating sites in hopes that you find someone with your same interests and personality, or by having the confidence to strike up a conversation with someone during one of your favorite activities?
Is online dating good for you? That’s a question that only you have the answer to, but, if you’re a geek or a generally shy person, I think there are many benefits to online dating. The trick is to make it a tool in your dating arsenal and not the end all. Build your confidence, go out, and you may never think again about dating online. If you still choose to try online dating, which I certainly don’t advocate against, go ahead and check out our article on how to write a good online dating message.
Related Articles: Dating For Shy Men and Women
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