by Akua Hinds

Created on: February 07, 2010

Online dating could be the best thing to ever happen to you.  Mr. Right could be right around the corner, but who knows if that’s true or not?  Joining an online dating website could give you the edge you need to be one step closer to finding the man of your dreams.  I personally know several people who mate their current spouses online, and they may never have met if they hadn’t pursued that option.  However, although it’s easy to fall dreamy eyed, when you choose to meet someone from an online dating site, it’s important to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground and stay realistic. 

As the owner of a successful dating website, I’ve read many success stories from singles who found true love from my dating site.  Both men and women are equally taking a gamble by advertising for love online, but women need to be a little more cautious in discerning a man’s profile.  Keep in mind, that not every profile will reveal a man’s true character.  Before I’d become a dating website owner, I had met someone from another site after having a few phone conversations.  I was instantly attracted to him and just thinking about him gave me the whim whams!  But after going out on few dates with him, I came to learn that he had misrepresented himself in his online profile, lying about his age and other information about his life.  When a man lies about his age or his birthday, keep your guard up.  After all, a person’s birthday is a part of them that NEVER changes and age is nothing to be ashamed about.  How can someone who represents themselves about their birthday ever be trusted in other aspects of life?  

Be cautious about the information you reveal in your profile.  Never lie, but don’t reveal anything that’s too traceable.  You don’t know who is on the other side of the computer and what agenda they may have.  When you find a man online who you want to connect with, give him your cell phone number only, not the house phone number.  When you arrange to meet each other for the first time, be sure to meet him in a public place like a coffee shop or a restaurant, for safety reasons.  If a gentleman you’re meeting for the first time asks you where you live, be vague and tell him the major intersection closest to the major intersection where you live, not the exact area.  This way, if you’re not keen on this guy, you find a way to prevent him from following you home or intruding on your life. 

Lastly, just remember that there are wonderful singles in the world, but you won’t get a chance to meet everyone on the planet.  Online dating websites provide you with the best opportunities to meet several different people and that really is the best way.  Don’t limit yourself to meeting just one person.  Make a concerted effort to meet a few people from your online dating site to give yourself a stronger chance at making the right connection and meeting Mr. Right. 

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