Online Dating: Perfect Plan or Recipe for Disaster?

<i><p>You've seen the ads and you've heard the glowing testimonials. But is online dating really for you? It might be right for you...but then again, it might not. Read on to find out!</p></i>

<p>Think you might be interested in  meeting your true love online? You're not alone. Every day, millions  of Americans use online dating sites in an effort to find their soul  mate. The ads and testimonials all make it seem so simple. But how do  you know if online dating is right for you? Before filling up your social calendar, use these guidelines to help  you decide.</p>

<p>Online dating would be <b>good for you</b> if:
<ul>
<li><b>You have an open mind</b><br />
You'll      find all kinds of singles on Internet dating sites. In order to have      the best experience, it's wise to think outside your usual 'type.'      Sometimes the right person for you doesn't come in the personality      or package you'd expected.
</li>
<li><b>You have thick skin</b><br />
The      world of online dating can be unintentionally cruel, so it's      important to not take things personally. Many online dating      subscribers try to meet as many people as possible before their      membership expires. So if the person you've got your eye on only      communicates with you sporadically, you need to decide if you're ok      with it, or just move on and meet some different people of your own.
</li>
<li><b>You don't mind wading through      players</b><br />
Just as in the real dating world, the virtual dating      world is filled with people who are less than honest, aren't really      looking for a serious relationship, or just enjoy playing the field.      If that's your goal as well, great! If not, you'll have to learn to      spot the serious relationship seekers from the riff raff.
</li>
<li><b>Your social circle is      limited</b><br />
If your job, church or circle of friends doesn't give      you much opportunity to meet potential dating partners, online      dating is a great way to meet a wide variety of people.
</li>
</ul>

<p>On the other hand, online dating is  probably <b>not for you</b> if:
<ul>
<li><b>You're  not patient</b><br />
Instant      gratification is rarely the outcome of simply connecting with      someone online. It takes time to get to know each other. Usually,      people spend some time chatting online, and then may move to talking      on the phone before finally meeting in person. This all takes time.      And sometimes, people are communicating with numerous people they've      met on a dating site.
</li>
<li><b>You're stuck on one particular      type of person</b><br />
We all think we have our type, and maybe we      do. But it's difficult to tell if someone's really your type simply      by reading a profile and exchanging a few emails. While everyone has      certain characteristics and values they won't (and shouldn't)      compromise on, you owe it to yourself to keep an open mind about who      you'll meet, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
</li>
<li><b>You're the jealous type</b><br />
Most      people get jealous from time to time - that's natural. But if      you're the type of person who gets bent out of shape when you see      that someone you've been chatting with online just happens to be      online and not chatting with YOU, you'll never make it in the world      of online dating. At least not while maintaining your sanity.
</li>
<li><b>You can't handle rejection</b><br />
It      happens to nearly everyone: you read someone's dating profile and      think you'd be perfect together. You construct a witty and      interesting email, eagerly send it, and...nothing. You never hear      back from that person. Sadly, that happens a lot with online dating.      Your best bet is to just move on.
You're fabulous, right? Don't worry, there's someone else out there who's just right for you.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are lots of pros and cons to  online dating. For some, it opens up a whole new world of dating  opportunity, but for others, it just causes a lot of angst. Before  joining the countless singles who peruse dating profiles everyday,  stop and ask yourself: is it really for me?</p>