Online Dating:  What Will People Say?

In the 1990’s the idea of online dating was in its infancy, and it was commonly perceived as somehow sleazy, dishonest, or a place for real-world dating failures to hang out.  As the industry has grown and thrived these social perceptions have started to change.

While some people still do not consider online dating an “appropriate” way to meet someone, more and more people are beginning to understand that online dating is just another tool to use in the search for a compatible mate or significant other.

Old misconceptions

For many years society viewed online dating as the realm of geeks, older men looking for younger women, pedophiles, and people who were just plain desperate.  While not everyone who dates online is honest, forthright and has honorable intentions, the vast majority of online daters are simply regular people using a modern communication tool to expand their dating opportunities.

Changing reality

The changing reality of online dating is that more and more people lead busy lives and turn to the internet as a way to easily and conveniently look for other singles.  In a world that is increasingly internet-savvy and that thrives on electronic communications, it only makes sense that the age-old search for a love relationship should move online.  Most online daters are legitimately interested in meeting others with similar interests, aspirations and lifestyles.

How did you meet?

When you use an online dating service to meet others, you will undoubtedly end up going on dates and then talking about those dates with friends.  The inevitable question that you will be asked is “How did you meet?”  This question can strike terror into the heart of even the most confident online dater as he or she starts to worry about what the other person will think or say.

How do you respond?

The way you respond to the question has a big influence on what the other person will say.  If you are sheepish or apologetic you send a subtle but important message that you are somehow ashamed or embarrassed to be dating online.  Instead, be confident and very matter of fact about the fact that you date online.  This sends the message that online dating is a perfectly acceptable and legitimate way to meet and get to know people.

The bottom line

The bottom line when it comes to online dating is that it does not matter what other people think or say about your actions.  If they choose to look down on you or doubt your sanity in some way then the problem lies with them and not you.  Go ahead and enjoy your online dating experience and make the most of the dating opportunities that you find.