If you’re one of the two people who actually reads this blog, then you probably already spend a great deal of time online.  So, why–if you’re SINGLE– of course, are you afraid to give online dating a chance?  Oh, that’s right… because you’ve heard of all the scary things that happen online.  You’ve seen the news reports informing you of the latest online scam to rob you of your savings account…or the latest teenager accosted after a rendezvous with a pedophile he or she met online…or maybe you heard that so-and-so met somebody online and he or she didn’t quite look like his or her profile picture…and hadn’t for a loooooong time.

Well, I ask you–are these outcomes really any different from any other meeting place or dating scene?  I mean, if you’re single, you probably have already encountered some face-to-face dating mishaps that you could have done without.  Scams, thefts, robberies…these can occur face-to-face.  And, if you’re a teenager, you should be focusing on studying and graduating from school rather than dating anyway.  Assuming you’re an adult, why should meeting someone online be given stricter scrutiny?

In fact, I would argue that you have more of an opportunity to weed through the rift-raft and only meet someone who has already passed your preliminary preferences.  You don’t have to worry about being hounded in public by someone who noticed you on the street and wants your telephone number.  From the privacy of your own home (probably better than romancing from the public library computer), you can read through profiles and respond at-will.  For anyone you find interesting, you can continue to communicate online until you feel comfortable conversing over the phone.  Then, as you feel more comfortable, you can agree to meet in BROAD DAYLIGHT at a heavily PUBLIC place for coffee or tea or whatever you like.  If you’re really squeamish, you can agree to invite a friend.

I’m telling you, besides your best friend setting you up with a Prince Charming or Princess Allure, this is the best modern day dating scene ever!  Instead of thwarting the advances of someone you’re not attracted to in a bar, you can learn about someone before you ever decide to meet them.  If you learn something you don’t want to, you don’t ever have to meet them at all.  If you happen to meet them and they make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, politely decline a second date.

I was just discussing this with my home girl yesterday.  Is it still cool to call someone your home girl?  Oh, well.  I digress.  My point is that she is a very busy woman who would like to meet a nice man who likes to travel.  No problem.  I reminded her that online dating is also good for very busy people who rarely have an opportunity to go out.  If you’re not visible, Mr. or Mrs. Right won’t notice you.  If you have a wicked schedule, you can  post a profile and respond to others who write you.  Seems easy enough?  If you like to travel, you can connect with people all around the world without actually having to be there to meet them.  You can always meet up later.

Now, you’re probably wondering–what if the man or woman I’m interested in online lies to me about who they are?  Well, first that’s still no different than any other dating scene.  You probably caught the last person you dated in a lie…or you were the one lying about something.  And, secondly, if you’re a REAL person, presenting the REAL you,  there are probably other compatible people online presenting themselves for REAL.  I wouldn’t let this deter you from a possible romance.  You could spend a lifetime worrying about all the things that could go wrong.  Step out.  Take a chance.  You may be glad you did.

Do some research on which dating sites have like-minded people.  If you’re looking for love and fidelity, Blackplanet.com probably isn’t the best place to start… Eharmony.com may be more your speed.  If you’re just looking to reconnect with a long-lost sweetheart, try Facebook.com, Myspace.com, Classmates.com or Reunion.com.  If you make a chunk of change or if this is one of your must-haves when looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right–you should probably check out Millionairematch.com.  If you want to meet someone with like interests, you can try Meetup.com.  Of course, there are many sites for those who just want to hookup for the evening, but I’m sure it won’t be hard for you to find those out on your own.  Bottomline–there are just sooooo many dating and social networking sites out there!

It’s too easy to meet people these days.  There’s no need to spend your time alone if you don’t want to.  There’s no reason to be more fearful about meeting someone online than there is meeting someone face-to-face.  Just exercise the same common sense precautions and you’ll be fine.

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