by JustDanny

Created on: July 18, 2008

With most things in life, when we want to find something, we search.

Does the same apply for love? Can getting down and dirty, on hands and knees, eliminate the seemingly endless pool of potential suitors, and find The One?

I'd lost my car keys the other day. Given that my initial panicked flurry around the house achieved no more then an imminent headache, I resorted to a more strategic sweep of each room. Frustration levels were blown to an all time high when my foolproof scientific approach still left the keys hidden.

...Long story short, my niece had smuggled the keys into her newest doll's pram, and successfully imported the goods into her bedroom, what seemed like a continent away. In this case, my beloved niece was the unknown factor in my search.

In dating however, the unknown factor is not so cut and dry. People, by default are inclined to hide flaws, and present an alternate image to the world. Then there's perspective's. One person's joke is another person's insult, as we all know.

Sometimes these issues are discovered on a first date, both parties are aware of the obvious mismatch, and call it a day. Some other times, however, it can be years into a relationship before a pivotal moment can swing the balance of the relationship success scales.
It's a wonder people dare to date at all.

So back to the question at hand: How to find someone. With an array of options ranging from Facebook to fate, where does today's single & searching person begin?

The Internet
With the development, popularity, and increased reliance on the World Wide Web, it's only natural we should look here as a means to find Cinderella or Prince Charming. We all know the deal - setup a creative eye-catching profile, choose your most flattering photo, flirt like crazy, and wait for cupid to place aim on you.

Everyone on these sites are generally looking for the same things, and it's often easier to express initial thoughts through an email rather then in a nervous first date.
There are a few flaws I've always found with internet dating, which I feel need to be discussed in order to raise awareness. First of all, the virtual reality of it all. When people send emails/messages/comments, they have time to think about the questions and answers the recipient wants to hear. Everything is perfect, because, it's in both party's interests to keep each other happy at this point. There are no point blank true belief indicators.
Secondly, I've always found the gender imbalance on these sites, and misaligned

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>