The Pros and Cons of Online Dating

Single Parent Dating

You’ve probably heard it a couples of times in the past: a friend was able to meet the man of her dreams via the internet, or another acquaintance just can’t have enough of this charming cutie who is apparently living in another continent. Yes, this is indeed the modern age and virtually everything is already possible given the power of the internet. Are you looking for a romantic, personal or even sexual relationship? For some people, online dating websites are the answer.

Simply put, online dating is a way for individuals to be able to connect to others regardless of the distance. Thanks to a computer, a stable internet connection and an attractive dating profile, you are only a connection away from meeting someone with similar interests and desires.

Despite its great promise though, online dating does have its dark side; the media has done a thorough job of featuring a lot of stories which show various scenarios of online dating gone wrong. Also, despite the growing acceptance of online dating, a small amount of stigma still exists—some individuals still harbor the(mistaken) impression that online dating is for the desperate. This article attempts to examine the various pros and cons of online dating.

The Benefits

There is always a room for the hopeful and hopeless romantics. There are always going to be some people out there who are betting that luck and a little perseverance is the key to meeting their perfect match online. While people may be cynical about the concept of virtual dating, a lot of people do attest to finding love via the net.

It’s free to start—if you don’t like what you are getting, simply cancel your subscription and walk away. You need not pay anything if you wish to test the waters. There are free dating sites to keep you started and as for those which need you to be subscribed, there are trial versions.

A user has the privilege to dish out what he wants. In case you don’t want some personal information to show up in your profile, you are definitely not required to disclose it. These precautions have greatly improved the safety of online dating.

The Downside

Online Dating has been accused of being exploitative. As online dating sites require a membership fee, some construes this as having to pay for the privilege of dating.

There are many gory pictures in the internet that show people (especially women) attacked and brutally killed as a result of some connections made through online dating services. Online predators that stalk or engage in sexual violence and fraud are still fairly common, although several actions have already been made to curb their existence.

Some dating websites have been notoriously reported as under-reporting the actual number of their subscribers, especially with regards to gender distribution. This means that the actual chance of a user to meet someone is sometimes overrated by the said sites.

A sea of white lies is expected in dating sites. Simply, a lot of users do not really tell the truth about their height, age and other basic information. White lies may be fine, but gross misrepresentation is something you do not want to encounter yourself.

As of 2008, statistics showed that in the United States alone, close to $960 million have been generated because of services such as online dating, and the trend continues as the industry is becoming even more profitable. It is then up to the individuals concerned whether they will take advantage of the benefits or sulk at the risks involved. When it comes to dating though, remember that each person is ultimately responsible for exercising good judgment and being discriminating in making connections—whether online or offline.

The author is a freelance writer. He writes about fax comparisons and online faxing services.

Dating Tips for the Unlucky in Love

Christian Singles

If you have been searching for that perfect partner for some time now but to no avail, you may be feeling frustrated by the single life. Whilst many people embrace the freedom of being without a significant other, some simply want to share their life with their perfect match; with this in mind the following tips have been created to help you tackle your love life with a fresh and positive approach.

Tip One: Assess your Unsuccessful Dates

There is a fine line between understanding the reasons why your date wasn’t so great and over analyzing every little detail of your time in their company. Whether it was you that put a stop to a second date or them, have a think about why you might not have been suited, such as different interests or beliefs and try to steer away from those sounding similar in character the next time around.

Tip Two: Keep it Casual

A formal setting for a date instantly sets both of you on edge and creates an uncomfortable environment. Most dating experts normally advise you to avoid a lavish dinner on the first couple of dates and it isn’t hard to see why; panicking about what fork to use, getting food stuck in your teeth and worrying about slopping dinner down yourself are just a few reasons why you won’t be able to relax! Organising a coffee date at a café is a much nicer way of getting to know a person  as you can sit in comfy chairs and just have a chat without the waiters intruding and a stiflingly formal atmosphere.

Tip Three: Research Star Signs

Those who are intrigued by astrology may be interested to learn that certain star signs are believed to be better matches than others. Understanding your star sign and theirs could give you an idea of how compatible you will be together, although this is of course not conclusive evidence of whether you are a good match or not! Take a little time to understand what star signs are often best suited to yours and if you are part of a dating community perhaps take this into consideration when arranging another date.

Remain positive by taking a fresh approach to dating through using these top tips and you could be enjoying the company of someone special during those summer events and beyond. Finding love can seem like a daunting task so take each day as it comes and enjoy your freedom in the mean time!

Sophie has written numerous articles on the subject of dating and firmly believes that reading horoscopes together with understanding star signs and taking stock of unsuccessful dates is a place to start when searching for a meaningful relationship.

  • The Sense dating online free (SEVENCUSTOMS.COM)
  • Zoe Saldana Totally Dating (brutusreport.wordpress.com)

Getting Your Girlfriend The Perfect Gift

Christian Singles

Shopping for one’s girlfriend can be a tricky and difficult task.  Women are notoriously hard to shop for since they’re pretty specific about what they want.  A boyfriend can buy a scarf but it might not be the right color.  Or a guy might purchase a blouse but it might be the wrong size or out of season.   In order to come up with good gift ideas, it’s wise to follow these guidelines.

Find out what she likes – This is maybe the easiest way to find a perfect gift.  Any attentive boyfriend will be aware of what his girlfriend likes.  This will help him to come up with great gift ideas for girlfriend.  Women aren’t shy about expressing what they like so all guys need to do is listen.  If a girl starts talking about the latest fashions, then she’s probably a fashion fanatic.  If she likes talking about the latest movies then she’s probably a cinema lover.  Being aware of a girl’s interests is the best way to come up with a present.

Find out what she likes to do – Just like guys, girls have hobbies.  They sometimes play sports or go out for yoga.  They might be big fans of knitting or have an affinity for collecting things.  A guy has to be attentive as to what his girlfriend does on her off time.  If a boyfriend is completely unaware as to what his partner is doing then it’s time to smarten up and pay attention.  Not only will this help a guy come up with present ideas, but it will also help him to become closer with his partner.

Find out what she does with her friends – A girl’s friends are usually a strong indication as to who she is.  When a girl talks about the people she hangs out with it is a good idea to really listen.  Find out what they do on a regular basis.  For example, if a woman and her buddies frequently go out to pubs then she is probably a pretty down to earth person.  Any romantic gifts that are given to her therefore have to reflect this down home nature.  Getting her a party pack to the latest nightclub probably will not be appropriate.  Or if a woman really likes to knit and have tea with her friends, then she’s more likely than not into the humbler things in life.  A woman’s social circle can be a clear indication as to the type of gifts she’ll love and appreciate.

If a man follows the above rules he will most definitely find a gift that his girlfriend will love.  Finding the right present is pretty simple as long as a man sees his girlfriend as a full person.  Gifts that are tied to who she is and what she likes will get a definite seal of approval.

Camping- The Ultimate Romantic Get Away

Single Parent Dating

When you think of romantic getaways, it doesn’t take much to guess what’s on our mind. Venice, Paris, five star hotels, maybe access to your own swimming pool. Even in these, more austere times, a camping trip probably doesn’t make it the top five of your fantasy destination. Well, today we’re going to change your mind, and prove definitively that packing up your camping equipment and heading into the great beyond can make for the most romantic weekend there is.

Reason One: Sleeping Under the Stars

Paris may have some pretty amazing night time views, but even it can’t compete with a clear night sky once you get clear of the light pollution. Think candle-lit dinners are romantic? How about curling up together under a blanket next to a campfire?

Then, when it gets cold and you want to get to bed, you can’t get much more snug than curling up in double sleeping bags.

Reason Two: No Itinerary

If you go on a city break you’re going to want to see all that city’s famous landmarks. If you go to Paris and don’t see the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc De Triomphe, and the Louvre, and Parc Asterix, then why go at all? The danger is, in your bid to cram everything you possibly can into your weekend, you can actually end up stressing yourself out, and not really finding the time to just enjoy yourself.

Getting out into the country for a few days is a great way to leave everything behind. With just each other for company, and few landmarks more must-see than the country pub a short walk away, you can really remind yourself just what it is about each other’s company you love so much.

Reason Three: Things To Do

On the other hand, despite city breaks being absolutely packed with must-see tourist attractions, after a day or two you may come to realise you’re not actually doing anything. You go to the thing, you look at the thing, then maybe take a picture of the thing. Afterwards you can get lunch somewhere.

Paradoxically, out in the middle of nowhere you can find plenty to do. While even the most basic activities like putting tents up or making a campfire can be great things for couples to do together, once you go further afield the countryside offers all sorts of opportunities for entertainment. Rock climbing and canoeing are both great fun and can give you a real sense of achievement, while if you can get a fishing permit you can have all the fun of just relaxing and watching view, with the potential bonus of free dinner at the end of it.

It’s one thing going somewhere together, it’s another thing doing something together, and it can give you memories to treasure.

Reason Four: You Can Let Your Hair Down

When you’re living in a tent, and only have access to the campsites bathroom facilities, it’s impossible to keep up the immaculately stylish outfits and perfect hair that you’re normally known for. This may actually be a good thing. Letting your hair down for a few days in each other’s company is a great way to build intimacy, and make yourself a bit more comfortable around each other.

Reason Five: It’s Just The Two of You

These days it’s rare that you’re ever really alone with someone. Even if there are just two of you in the room, there’s the phone line, your mobile phone, and through your mobile access to your emails and your twitter account and your facebook page.

Gear-Zone is one of the UK’s leading online retailers of outdoor clothing and equipment, ranging from men’s 3 in 1 jackets to rucksacks. 

Dating During a Divorce – Pros and Cons

Christian Singles

Can I date while going through a divorce?

One of the first questions that people want an answer to when getting divorced is whether or not they can date while going through a divorce. The answer to this question is not easy. There are many factors that are going to impact whether dating during a divorce is appropriate or not.

When You Have Children

If you are dealing with both children and divorce then dating during the divorce process may or may not be appropriate. The first thing that you have to look at is how much time you have available. Your kids are going to need more of your time during the divorce, you still need to keep up with your work responsibilities and you will have extra responsibilities related to finding a new place to live and getting your single life set up. Most people going through a divorce and who also have kids just don’t have the time to date.

Another issue you will want to look at is your pre-divorce situation. If you go from sharing a home with your spouse directly to the divorce process then dating during this process is most likely a bad idea. You need time to transition between married person and divorced person. On the other hand, if you have been separated for a while and already have separate lives established then dating during the divorce process is possible.

The final issue relates to how you want to be viewed during the divorce process. Some marriages have pre-nuptial agreements that can penalize you for having extra-marital affairs. While these terms may not apply to relationships that occur after a separation, it is generally a good idea to avoid dating in these cases until the divorce has been finalized.

Smart Divorce

When You Don’t Have Children

When you don’t have children the issue of dating during a divorce is slightly more simple. Since you do not have to worry about how your kids will respond to a new relationship and since you do not have to worry about spending enough time with your kids, dating is more of a possibility. However, you still need to think about your situation before jumping back into the dating pool.

Again you will want to look at how dating fits into your schedule and life during a divorce. A divorce is stressful even when you don’t have children together. Legal proceedings not only take your time and resources, but they also can have an impact on your personality.

If you have been separated for a while and you have the time and resources to date then it is up to you whether you want to date or not before your divorce is finalized. You may find that some people are not interested in dating someone going through a divorce, while others will not care as long as you are in the process of getting divorced. The final deciding factor will be your eagerness to date. If you are ready to date then by all means date, but do not rush the process.

Conclusion

Dating during a divorce can complicate things during an already complicated period of your life. Generally it is better to wait until your divorce is finalized before you start looking for romance. However, some divorces take months if not years to finalize. If you have established your new life already and are in the process of getting divorced, and if you have the time and resources to search for love, then this is a call that only you can make.

For more articles on dating while going through a divorce, look engage in conversation on our blog.

College Girls: Don’t Fall for a Player!

Christian Singles

When you are in college, you are probably faced with the decision to date someone. Dating is something that can be pretty hard. Once you’ve met someone that you like though, it can be very easy to get caught up in the moment and want to be with someone for the long haul. He might be perfect in every way, he knows what to say, what to wear, and you want him all to yourself. But, you need to be wary of a guy like that, how do you know that he isn’t just a player, looking to “get some”? Sure, it might a damper on your romantic thoughts, but you don’t want to be crushed by a guy because he is a player. Here are some signs that the guy you might be crushing on is a player.

  1. He has a lot of girl friends. It’s fine for a guy to have girls that are friends. Don’t you have guy friends? But, when he’s got so many girl friends that they seem to completely overshadow your relationship with him, you need to take a step back and evaluate.
  2. He’s different with his friends. Sure, everyone acts differently when they are with their friends, but if your guy is completely opposite, you need to understand why.
  3. He’s very cocky. It’s fine for a guy to be comfortable with who he is, but many players are extremely confident, it’s sign he’s a player.
  4. He doesn’t ask you about your life. Many players don’t seem to care about anyone other than themselves. If your guy isn’t asking about you, but is more interested in making out―you’ve got a problem.

  5. He texts you at all hours of the night. Sure, it might be cute to get a morning text from him, but if you are getting texts at 3 or 4 in the morning, chances are he’s out doing something. Ask him why he needs to text you at those crazy hours in the night.

If the guy that you like has these qualities, drop him like he’s hot! It’s better to get out of a relationship now rather than “waiting it out”. It’s only going to break your heart when he decides that he’s on to something new. Arm yourself with this knowledge and find a guy that isn’t a player and is a great guy.

 

About the Author
Neltje Anny is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is a great site for you if you are interested in getting enrolled in one of the many online MBA programs.