MatchMaking / Dating Sites? Your Opinions...

[Rebecca]

I know many people who have met their future spouse on the Internet... numbered among them is my own brother! (And yes, my sister-in-law is a wonderful woman! ;))

I'm curious to know what each of you think of online dating. Have you tried it? If so, what sites have you used? Were you happy with the results?

What are your opinions and experiences?

Rebecca

[lindenbooks]

I just wrote a tome of a reponse at the "Dating after Divorce" thread. Again, sorry for that! And, as I said there, I myself am not a divorcee, but all of my family members are, including my brother. Anyway, I think that online dating can be a good thing. I'd like to hear about this from some people here who know. My dad trys it off and on, although for him, he hasn't had any success at it. I know that the guy that started up eHarmony had a rift with his one-time friend James Dobson; the latter didn't respect the area his friend was going in, I guess. However, I know of two couples that met this way. One, a widow my age met her second husband on a widow/widowers online match up service. And the daughter of a close friend of mine, who has a rare physical syndrome, was able to have meaningful heart-to-hearts with a young man online, without her physical situation coming into play, and then they met in person and they've been inseparable since.

[Rebecca]

I've been doing the online dating thing on/off for about a year, and haven't much success. I think it's a mix of three things. 1) I don't approach men, I wait for them to approach me. 2) The photo I have up is dark and hard to see. 3) I'm very reserved on a date.

I don't approach men because I don't think I should have to. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I'd like the man to express interest first. I read somewhere that the person who takes the initiative is the person who takes more initiative throughout the relationship. Truth be told, I don't want to chase a man; I want to be pursued and courted (in a non-creepy manner).

With the photo, I figured any gentleman would be in for a very pleasant surprise when he sees me. I'm not thrilled when people have professional photos done that have been retouched a dozen different ways, so they look nothing like the actual person. I want my actual appearance to be a pleasant surprise, not, "who are you?" lol!

I'm very reserved (but friendly and agreeable) because I'm cautious of sending the wrong signals. I've had problems with overzealous men in the past, and don't want to lead anyone on until I'm confident the relationship has potential.

As I said before, I know SO many people this has worked for. I'm (personally) about to give up, move on, and resign myself to buying the big, creepy house at the top of some hill and populating it with the obligatory 200 cats. lol! ;)

But I was curious if anyone else had stories to share. :)

Rebecca