Am I Weird If I Date Online?

True story: A few years back I was working with a client who had recently moved to Los Angeles. She was single, did not know many people in the big city, and felt a little lonely. I innocently suggested she give online dating a shot. It seemed like an easy and pressure-free way to meet people, and I had other clients who enjoyed their experience and were in good relationships as a result.

"What kind of desperate person do you think I am?!?" she snapped.

She apologized, but explained that she felt "weird" about online dating. This perked my curiosity, so later I asked some of my other clients if they ever tried it. Some only confessed after their faces turned three shades of crimson. Since I am a strong proponent of online dating, I dispel any stigma or embarrassment when I recommend it to my clients. This is what I tell them:

For many singles, life moves like Richard Petty around the Talladega Speedway. We change jobs every few years. We relocate more frequently. We cannot remember the last time we answered a phone with a cord. Even if time is not the issue, some single people cannot shake the feeling that everyone else is happy while they are always alone. We may look at online dating as an act of desperation, because "normal people don't need something like that."

The simple fact is that you are not weird if you use an online dating service. We only feel weird when we think we are doing something outside the norm. Consider this: over 40 million people in the US access online dating websites every month. It is the fastest growing sector of online content. There is no reason to feel embarrassed, because if you date online you are actually part of a huge group.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to find someone special, or at the very least make some new friends, so why not use every resource available to you? You do not get extra points for meeting someone in a bar or while waiting for dry socks at the Laundromat. Does it matter to you how you met the important people already in your life? You probably barely even think about it.

By setting up a personal profile and a list of likes and dislikes, you invest time in yourself. More importantly, you are taking action by trying to improve yourself and your situation. You are putting yourself out there and taking control by refusing to be lonely and isolated.

I have found many advantages to the Internet. The anonymity of online dating allows you to roll out of bed, hair standing in ten different directions, breath smelling like Boston Harbor at low tide ? then click! You stumble on a person you will be dating in a few weeks. The cost compared to going out and searching is next to nothing. You can learn more about a person's interests to see if they mesh with yours. You do not have to deal with the harshness of rejection in person. You have a huge pool of people to explore (remember, 40 million!) from all walks-of-life, people you would never have the chance to meet within your neighborhood or small circle of friends.

There is also fraud and deception. You will probably come across a photo that looks eerily like Pamela Anderson ? right down to the copyright in the lower corner. Clients tell me about married people posing as single. Nevertheless, these issues of honesty exist both on and off-line, so do not let that stop you from finding the partner you want.

With 43% of the U.S. population being single and with so many single clients asking me about Internet dating, I began to put a guide together to help my clients use this service effectively and safely and avoid these pitfalls. I want everyone to find the happiness they deserve and want to make this Tool book available to everyone for Free! To get your free E-Book, "Tools To Internet Dating" go to TheRelationshipTools.com and get your copy today.

Don't be ashamed or afraid, learn the best and safest way to use the Internet to take control of your life and find the person you deserve!

About The Author

Devlyn Steele ("America's Leading Life-Coach") has been a public consultant and a private counselor for over 15 years. A Cognitive Therapist, Radio host and Columnist, Devlyn also developed ToolsToLife.com. Devlyn maintains a thriving practice in Hollywood, where he counsels famous actors, musicians and captains of industry. Soon his new book will be available, Relationship Tools. You can hear Coach Steele live every Tuesday on LoveBeat Radio 1310 KXAM.com 7-9 PM. Arizona Time

coachsteele@toolstolife.com

---

How To Choose a Dating Service

There are so many dating sites out there, hundreds if... Read More

E-Love at Easter! Part One

Kiki sat on the park bench, staring ruefully at the... Read More

How to Overcome The Fear of Rejection

Feeling uncomfortable in the stomach, cold sweaty palm, trembling of... Read More

The Avenger v/s The Angel

I'm writing this for women and for men. I have... Read More

Dating Tool: Confidence 101

I'm over it. "There's plenty of fish in the sea,"... Read More

Should You Consider an Internet Romance?

Carly's quest in finding a suitable partner for marriage seemed... Read More

10 Reasons to Use Online Dating Sites

There are many more reasons than just ten that I... Read More

Bachelor Dream

Step aside Hugh Hefner. Elvis King is back in the... Read More

Four Dating Rules You Must Know To Transform Your Love Life

Dating is the first step to love. I am going... Read More

Coming Out... As an Internet Dater

A few weeks ago I was having lunch with a... Read More

Is it Lust or Love -- How to Tell the Difference

Far too many people, both men and women alike, confuse... Read More

How To Have Sex On A First Date

Guys have all different motives for trying to be successful... Read More

Online Dating -- Facts About Your Online Profile

Times are changing and online dating is becoming a more... Read More

The Language and Meaning of Flowers

Sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealing Thomas... Read More

Blind Date

Very few singles have ever gone through life without having... Read More

Dating Tips: Share a Little More Personal on Yourself

Have you been dating for a long time but felt... Read More

Online Dating Tips ? Creating Personal Ads

Creating a personal ad for online dating services is not... Read More

Let Women Talk and Help

Women love to talk (just think of how long they... Read More

Dating Tips that Work- Which of the Three Types of Women Should You be Dating?

When most "dating gurus" and sex therapists spout their dating... Read More

Oops, I Did It Again

Oops! I did it again!So you are licking your wounds.... Read More

How To Find A Dating Web Site That Is Right For You Today Starting From Scratch

So at last you're sick and tired of the bar... Read More

Online Dating ? How To Avoid Faked Photos

One of the great things about online dating is the... Read More

Dating Relationships and Your Future

How Your Dating Life Could Affect Your MarriageIf you've ever... Read More

Three Keys to Wonderful Dating Experience

Forget the flowers and the scent. To improve your chances... Read More

90% of Your Dating Issues Solved!

A friend of mine recently exclaimed, "Dating is so complicated!"... Read More

How to Find True Love Quickly And Easily

How often do you find yourself wishing you could find... Read More

Why Online Dating is So Tough For Men

Online dating has become increasingly popular over the past several... Read More

Top 10 reasons to Find a Date Online

I'm often surprised by the number of people who are... Read More

From Friend To Boyfriend

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is... Read More

Dating Online in Safety

Dating online can be great fun, stimulating and exciting. So... Read More

Avoiding the Grand Manipulator

Let's face it...some women can be ruthless. There are certain... Read More

Are You Up For The Challenge

Back in 2004, I met a gentleman who was interested... Read More

Why Settle?

When dating we all too often settle for someone that... Read More