by Laurie Miles

Created on: May 21, 2009

As a divorced, middle-aged woman, I was ready to date but didn't know how to get started. I entered into the world of online dating with optimism and a spirit of adventure. Little did I know it would be the beginning of the rest of my life.

I got profiles sent to me every morning of eligible men. I would weed through them, and only keep the ones that interested me. I didn't have to worry about offending anyone, I did not put myself at risk and I could do it in the privacy of my own home. I frequently reviewed them with coffee in hand and in my pajamas. Not a bad gig.

I became well acquainted with the delete button. That was the best tool I had for screening potential mates and I used it liberally. I was very picky because I was not desperate. I wanted to be an online dating success story, but I was not in any rush.

One profile was sent to me about a month after I joined the dating service. I saw the man's picture and was immediately going to delete but instead, read his profile. I was unsure if we had anything in common at all. I looked at the rest of the pictures he posted and was impressed. He was in good shape, obviously took care of himself and had a great smile. I don't know why his first picture was so bad, but since I consider myself terribly unphotogenic, I gave him a hall pass.

I kept him in my in-box and went about my day. When I got home from work that night, he had winked at me and requested that we begin communication. I agreed and we exchanged various questions and answers. After the third round of questions I cut him loose. I felt that we were not compatible. I told him this in an email.

He immediately came back requesting that I reconsider, so I did. I didn't even know why I agreed to keep talking to him, but there was something there. Finally, after two days of back and forth I told him I would meet him for a cup of coffee. He no longer wanted to email, but wanted face to face contact. It was more personal and he did not want an electronic relationship. Obviously, we also had to know if there was any chemistry.

I met him the next afternoon at the local Starbucks and the rest is history, as they say. I could not believe how much better looking he was in person and what a great guy he was.

Yes, I've heard the horror stories, but such was not the case with us. I met my soul mate, the love of my life and wake up every morning grateful for him.

Maybe it's because I wasn't looking for love that it found me. I, for one, highly recommend online dating for anyone with a spirit of adventure and passion for life and all that it holds.

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