I will be completely frank. I am not a fan of online dating. Due to how the world around me now deals with the prospect of social interactions and meeting potential "soul-mates" I am forced to take part in this seemingly unproductive activity in the hope that maybe someday, yes someday my profile and some guys profile will strike each other as compatible and love will ensue. How this is ever to happen beats me. I think the planets have to align and cosmic forces have to collide and create super novas or something...at least that's how I see it happening.
On any given day on any number of dating websites men and women post pictures, descriptions of themselves with their likes and dislikes, and snippets of their personalities in hopes that that special someone out there will stumble upon them and desire to learn more. When a profile is found that seems interesting and that person takes a chance and finds your profile interesting some kind of chatting commences. Communication starts through chats, e-mails, and then in our day and age texts. Eventually a possible call will be placed or even a meeting will be planned. This is when it starts to get even more interesting because such a meeting can be daunting.
The first time you meet someone from online dating could be compared to a first date where you start to get to know someone, except that you have now thoroughly exhausted all your first date questions through non face to face interactions. You have completely used up all of your surface interrogating skills and are now left with nothing but the deeper aspects of a persons character to talk about. What a scary prospect. Yes, most people can still easily hide information about themselves behind their perfectly created profile that glosses over their quirks and flaws, but this is where you are left when first meeting someone that you have only communicated with online. You come to the table armed with an arsenal of basic information about a person without knowing how to handle it now that you are with them in person. Often you are left with their quirks, flaws and contradictions instead of the person that you have "imagined" while communicating in such an impersonal way. This isn't always a bad thing though because quirks, flaws and contradictions are what make up a person.
Learning to navigate these waters can be tough, but manageable. These are some of the things that I have learned.
1) Realize that no one is perfect and if nothing else you are learning about new people in a way that previous generations didn't experience.
2) Be hopeful. Never think that just because one person isn't a "match" with you that your "match" isn't out there. You are perfect for the person out there that is perfect for you.
3) While being cautious (never reveal too much personal information about yourself until you are sure someone is who they say they are) realize that you can't get to know someone if you hide behind a mask.
4) Have fun. After all isn't that why we do this online dating thing. To find someone to enjoy some time with.
5) Just be you and smile. This is just another aspect of life that makes it worthwhile and exciting.
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