Modern living is full of pressure these days, taking its toll on relationships. It is not just the fact that it causes so many relationships to break up these days; it's also a double edged sword in that the same pressure means we have little time to spend visiting those places where a suitable partner may be found.
Indeed, if one is over 35 years old, where does one actually go to meet new people outside the workplace? Clubs and bars seem to be dedicated to those under 25, leaving those of more mature years with little in the way of entertainment.
That's where internet dating comes in. Some people still think there is something a bit desperate about internet dating, but this is often simply because they perhaps don't have the courage to try it for themselves, or just feel it's strange.
The fact is, most people can point to other couples they know who met through the internet. In fact, the internet is possibly, if you take certain precautions, about the safest way to meet people on line, given that you exchange emails and later telephone calls before you meet up.
However, women do need to take care. Here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable internet dating experience.
Tip 1. Choose Your Site Carefully.
If you can, get a recommendation from a friend as to which site to join. If this is not possible, look at those that are advertising on TV.
Tip 2. Your Profile Picture.
You will get much better results if you out up a picture. However, some people worry that someone they know will see them, causing embarrassment. In this case, use a site that masks your picture, and enables you only to show it to those people on the site to whom you want to show it.
Tip 3. Make Your Profile Interesting.
Filling out a profile can be daunting. Most sites have a series of pre-written answers that you can use. However, I would strongly recommend that you write your own answers to the profile questions. When I was internet dating, about 80% of women all said that they wanted to take their children to walk the Machu Picchu Trail! This is boring and uninteresting, even though it's meant to sound worldly and sophisticated!
If you are struggling, just use one word answers, like "chocolate" (as my now wife did), which arouses interest.
Tip 4. Security.
The great thing about internet dating is that, if you are sensible, it is a gradual process. You see someone you might be interested in and email them. You both then exchange emails for a while, then exchange telephone numbers and chat on the phone. It is much harder to pretend to be someone you are not on the phone, because one has to respond immediately, so this will give you a good idea if the other person is genuine.
The point here is, if he is a gentleman he will offer his number first. If you feel comfortable, by all means give them your number, but buy a sim card for all your internet dating. That way, if by unlucky chance you find them pestering you, you can simply throw the sim card away, and they then have no way of contacting you, and you still have your cell phone number.
Always meet at a well lit and busy location.
