Who Says Online Datings Only For Losers?

I let that friend talk me into browsing some pictures on one of the more popular dating sites. I had to say, there were some pretty decent looking men on there. Their profiles made them sound like fairly mentally stable human beings. I had to admit that the single thing was getting really tedious. I had done the bar scene (as we all have), had friends try to 'hook me up' with some other dateless, picky single person (though, why some of them figured they had the right to be picky, I have no idea), with no success.

Online dating, here I come. I figured "What do I have to lose?" At the absolute worst, I'd meet more of the same losers that I'd been meeting. At best, I'd meet someone that I was actually compatible with who could also relate to me.

I had another dilemma with regard to the dating thing. I had been divorced for about a year at the time, and I have 2 children. Now, I know that you ladies (and gentlemen) who are divorced with kids can completely relate to what I'm saying here. Finding a decent man is difficult enough, add to that the fact that I'm looking for a decent man whom I can trust to be around my children. Finding a man anywhere on this planet, that I wouldn't mind having my son emulate, is like trying to find a pair of Manolos on sale at Sears.

Anyway, I signed up with my friend on one of the 'bigger' dating sites. I met one dude, who said in his profile that he was 5'10", with an athletic build. He had an attractive face, he was divorced, and he had 3 children who were presently in his custody. He sent me an email. We corresponded via email for about 2 weeks, after which time, we decided to meet for lunch at a local restaurant.

He arrived at the restaurant earlier than I did. Early enough to have been already seated when I got there. He barely stood up to shake my hand upon saying 'hello', which I thought was a little weird, but whatever. We talked from lunch time until the hour turned into dinner time. The conversation was going so great, that we decided to stay for dinner, after which time, we decided to take in a movie. When the waitress brought the bill, he paid it and as we stood up to leave, I saw why he was already seated at the restaurant when I got there, and why he didn't fully stand up to greet me. This dude was about 5'7" tall! Now, I'm 5'4", and in the boots that I was wearing, I was nearly taller than he was! I was so cheezed that I immediately lost my taste for the movie, made up some excuse about not feeling well all of a sudden (it must have been the fish), and boogied on atta' there.

On my way home, I thought, "Is this what this ist? Dating loser after liar, never finding that 'one'?" I'm not saying that this dude was a loser because he was short. The entire problem for me, exists in the fact that he LIED. I can't stand liars. If he lied about something as obvious as his height, what else would he lie about?

I learned very quickly that when it comes to online dating, one has to be extremely specific about what one wants, and one has to stick to her guns. Not that some of those who read those specifications give a hoot anyway. I put in my profile that I wasn't interested in dating anyone over 45, and I got mail from men well past that age on a regular basis.

I learned that I had to be assertive almost to the point of being aggressive when it came to dating online. I had to say what I meant, and mean what I said. As a result, I'm dating someone (8 months now) who meets every piece of the criteria that I set out to find in a man. He's physically attractive (Yes, it DOES MATTER), and Lord help me, he's as smart as a computer (brains makes me weak). He's also an amazing person inside, and he gets along well with my children. We live at completely opposite ends of the city, and if it weren't for bumping into each other online, I'm sure we would never have met.

Who likes to be approached by the lame dude with the 'flavor of the moment' pickup line? Not me. So think about online dating as follows; when you're in a bar, and some loser tries out his lame pickup line on you, you have to respond to him in some manner, right? When you're dating online, you don't have to respond at all! There are more men to choose from than those in your immediate circle of friends and associates, and you're able to choose from as far away, or as close as you want to. And those are just a couple of the perks that you get with online dating.

If you're thinking about doing the dating thing online, go for it! It's fun, and if you're smart, you have nothing to lose, and absolutely everything to gain.

Nicolette Arden was a regular online dater for four years, and writes regularly about the joys and perils of online dating. She will soon be a regular contributor with her own column at http://www.warnerdigitalmedia.com

---

Trick Or Treat - Is This Make-Believe Or The Real Thing?

"I'll call you this week". "Yes, I'd love to see... Read More

Male and Swinging Single

As a single male trying to enter into the lifestyle... Read More

Use The Fated Encounter For First Date Seduction Success

Every woman has a fantasy from the time she was... Read More

Ways to Say I Love You in Another Language

Have you been looking for romantic and provocative ways to... Read More

Personal Values and Christian Dating

Personal values is an important point when it comes to... Read More

A Date With A Stranger

Well, I have decided to move forward once again. I... Read More

Looking To Join A Dating Site?

Searching the web for a dating or personals site can... Read More

Faster, Cheaper, Better ­ P2P Online Dating Software

There is one thing we all know for certain when... Read More

Dating On The Internet Is Growing! See How Online Dating Can Help You Find Available Singles Today

Dating on the Internet is growing rapidly year after year,... Read More

8 Things That Maketh Not The Lady

1. Tattoos.Tattoos used to be the colouring of soldiers, sailors,... Read More

I Found Love On a Online Dating Site

Over the past few years, I discovered a few personality... Read More

Mike?s Dating Story

(Black Couch Tales)Mike was completely stressed when he walked into... Read More

Top 10 Photo Blunders

The following no-nonsense list was compiled from interviews with long-time... Read More

Life isnt Sex and the City

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a Sex and... Read More

Seduction Secrets For Men - How To Make Your Dates Effective And Unforgettable

You are on the first date with a girl you... Read More

Tips For Becoming Fluent In The Non-Verbal Language Of Dating

We are all too familiar with the term "body language".... Read More

Fatal Flaws- How to Have a Happy Relationship and Keep Your Values Intact

If you are knee deep in trying to find a... Read More

Why Settle?

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

Online Dating Service! Is Matchmaking On The Internet Right For You?

Online dating service! Is it right for you? That would... Read More

Gay, Single, & Loving It!

Introduction We live in a society that places high value... Read More

The Dating Game

Why is it some people look at dating as a... Read More

How a Blind Date Can Increase Your Psychic Abilities

So how can a blind date increase your psychic abilities?... Read More

Breaking Up

The first thing you should do is talk about what... Read More

Dating: How & Where To Meet Single, Alluring, Sexy & Beautiful Women Of Your Dreams

Are you a lonely man?When was the last time you... Read More

Why I Prefer Online Dating

The next most likely place to meet your match is... Read More

Find Reputable Internet Dating Services That Want To Earn Your Trust

Internet dating services are popping up online like dandelions in... Read More

Dress for Dating Success: Clothes to Attract the Man of Your Dreams

In order to attract the man of your dreams, it... Read More

How to Flirt and Never Get Rejected!

When it comes to flirting, you can get your point... Read More

Dating Mistakes

Are you dating or in a serious relationship? Did you... Read More

A Nice Guys Guide to Dating Success

Has it ever happened to you? Have you ever had... Read More

Bachelor Dream

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

Table For Two Please!

I recently heard a woman say that she would not... Read More

Dating at Midlife: Whats First?

More American women over 45 are single, than ever before.... Read More