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Online Dating: Why and How to Do It
Anna Hennings and Tania Khadder
July 16, 2009
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The once super taboo, let’s-come-up-with-another-story-about-how-we-met form of meeting people is becoming ever more popular in a culture that has less and less free time and fewer real opportunities to be introduced to the right people. We do everything else online — so why not meet people there, too?
To all you single-and-looking ladies out there who might think, “Uh, I’m not sure if I’m ready for that,” hopefully we can help ease you into it. Because as weirded out as our parents (and even our own friends) may be by the idea, the Matches, eHarmonys, and OKCupids of the dating realm will only become ever more prevalent in the coming years, especially for working — and over-worked — professionals.
What’s more, your pool of singletons has grown even larger in the past year, thanks to an economy-in-shambles. With less money to spend on entertainment (and let’s face it, more time at home for those unlucky enough to have lost their jobs), people are spending more and more time online than out and about. Instead of their local watering hole, singles are perusing the online personals for dates.
What does this mean for you? It means you’ve got more talent to choose from than ever before. And when it comes to finding your match, choice means the difference between swooning and settling.
Sold yet? You will be.
We’ll tell you why you should get online, which sites to use, how to maximize your success, what we’ve learned from our experiences, and how to date safely… we’ll even give you a sneak peak at what men think about all this!

sdcg76
about 1 month ago
16 comments
Cool article, though unfortunately in my "circle" people still frown upon online dating as a form of "desperation", even my 15 yr old son,which is why I totally say nothing about it to anybody anymore because I got tired of the labeling. As for dating in general, IMO it's all about taking a risk since you never really know who that person is. I met a guy in real life at work who got fired because he turned out to be a sexual predator. You just have to tread lightly and don't jump head first and fast in any situation,online or in real life, IMO.
teddy3590808
11 months ago
2 comments
Just wanted to say this: I met my boyfriend because I was friends with his sister! Online! And I met HER playing a game of Yahoo! Chess. Can you believe it? I know. It's so awesomely weird. :] We've been dating for 3 years now. :] <3
bpaula40
about 1 year ago
94 comments
I like the idea of Online Dating, but i have some concerns about my particular situation. I am totally blind. I have done the "Online " thing before and actually met up with someone. afterwards, i realized how dangerous the situation could have been for me if i didn't have my sister and a few of her good friends looking out for me. I set up a date and told my family all about it with details. My sister was a bit concerned so unknown to me, she sort of kept an eye on the guy as we met up, she and a co-worker of hers. they told me about it after the fact and i had to laugh and was grateful. the date turned out to be a wonderful experience. the guy treated me like a precious jewel, in a way i had never been treated before. and even though we didn't last, it was the best experience of my dating life. I was glad somebody had my back though, just in case. so, i'm a little ambivalent, but mostly optimistic about the whole "Online dating" thing. It is, after all, the best way someone like me can meet others.
misscindy
about 1 year ago
4 comments
86 year-old Zella Case from Dallas, TX has been a matchmaker for over 40 years. Interesting lady: http://www.chicktalkdallas.com/blog/?p=588 (sometimes you need guidance on your dating journey from a pro) http://www.dfw.com/209/story/150899.html
- @cindyolivera
lmandel
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I definitely recommend online dating if you work too much and have trouble meeting people outside the workplace. I don't know how much I believe in the ones that say they match you with the right person, but I think its a great way to look around and browse. It's like shopping for shoes ladies and then you gotta try em on.