By Darlene Vazquetelles
Edited by Julia Boylan
When it comes to cyber relationships, I must say I’ve never been skeptical. Because it is essentially a “cyber relationship” you have the power to say no, so why be scared? By using social media outlets such as My Space, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, I’ve been able to develop and maintain a ton of relationships with people from around the world! Online dating allows individuals to communicate and connect no matter how far the distance is between them. Below are responses from a ton of my friends that have met their significant other through an online dating website...
1. "I met a really attractive girl through one of the websites. After chatting for a week, we then started several nice phone conversations, which led to scheduling our first date. She looked just as the pictures she had posted so that was a relief. But the chemistry was gone. We sat there with not much to say and we both came to the conclusion that it was not going to work out. The next day she called me to tell me she had a friend that she wanted me to meet and I did end up dating this friend for some time." Michael, 38, Los Angeles, CA
2. "I dated someone I met online for six months. It was becoming serious as I even met his family. There were plenty of ups and downs but the worse came at the end when I found out that he had been lying to me all along. Without even knowing it, I was dating a Hugo Boss underwear model/actor/lawyer who ended up being a waiter. I did not care that he was a waiter. Not at all. I was upset that he had lied to me about who he really was." Jessica, 26, Miramar, FL
3. "I met my husband through online dating so I cannot complain about the system. Nevertheless, I did have some bad experiences and they all had to do with men posting old pictures of them. I remember having a first date at a Starbucks. When I saw him and saw how different he looked I turned around and walked away. Later that evening I told him what happened and that if he wanted to stop wasting his time or other women's, he had to start being more sincere with who he really was, both physically and personality wise. He did lie and I wanted no part of it. Still, I did meet my husband online and I am extremely happy at this time." Raquel, 40, Miami, FL
If you do decide to try it out, here are some tips:
PROFILE: Take time setting up your profile because it’s your first impression. Be HONEST about who you are. Also, make the headline fun. This is the first thing people will read.
PICTURE: Post recent pictures. Avoid too many people or props, especially in the profile picture. In the other pictures, try to post ones where you’re doing fun activities.
STEP BY STEP: Take it easy. Don't say too much too soon.
SECURITY: If you decide to see each other in person, make sure to meet during the day at a public place. Make sure one of your friends knows where you are going to be at...just in case.
There are so many websites to choose from if you decide to try Online Dating. Here are a few:
Match.com: Since 1995, this site has resulted in more relationships and marriages than any other dating site. You can browse and find matches at no cost, but there is a fee if you want the full package.
Zoosk: This is more like a social networking site, such as Facebook. Unlike Match.com, there is no actual matching system. You search, browse, send all types of messages, flirts, virtual toys, and even link Netflix accounts to see common interests.
Tinder: This application is notorious for hookups. People evaluate if they want to talk to you based on your appearance. When both people like what they see, a connection is made and then you are eligible to chat on the messenger site.
Grouper: Here you meet your match through a mutual friend. You decide who will be tagging along and off you go! Because it’s a group date, you won’t experience any of the first date awkward jitters.
PlentyofFish: With this dating site, you a chemistry test and then are matched up with people who have similar personalities and emotional needs.
ChristianMingle: Solely for Christian singles looking to find friends, relationships, or marriage.
DatingForParents: This website is for single parents who share an understanding of the challenges and joys of having children.
JDate: This online dating destination is specifically for Jewish singles.
You really don't lose anything by trying online dating. It’s important to keep an open mind so that you can get the true experience and meet as many people as possible. As long as you keep your security as a first priority, you can’t go wrong!
My confession: I did meet my boyfriend through My Space, lost touch for years and then reconnected through Twitter!!!
Follow me on Twitter @darlenevaz
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