Internet Dating

by Benjamin Todd — November 16, 2007

She's my favorite person in the world. She's strong minded and strong willed and the guys she dates never quite meet her expectations. She's afraid she'll never meet her match. She's savvy, generally open-minded and aggressive, and yet she refuses to even consider online dating Web sites.

You'd think that after a few bad dates, or a few bad months (or worse), that an open-minded individual would at least toy around with a few alternative options. But my friend has decided that no matter how bad things get, online dating is not for her. And I don't get it.

My own experience with online dating is limited, but I'm a huge proponent of the concept. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we all have a pretty clear idea of what we look for in a mate -- and I don't mean financial status or ethnic backgrounds, I mean as far as moral scruples and personality characteristics are concerned. Yet so many extraordinary young singles are investing an awful lot of time on dates that don't fit into most of the categories that they look for in a significant other. Example: She wants him to be a well read, funny, wine connoisseur who likes camping. She settles for a sarcastic, beer drinking, Playboy reader who happens to like camping. I know that no one is perfect, but I certainly think that out there is someone perfect for you. Why settle for anything less?

Back to the online dating. If you haven't looked, you should. Allowing yourself to peruse pictures of dozens or even hundreds of potential suitors can help you clarify (or remind you) what you're looking for. Going online and weeding through the cute ones who don't have what you're looking for is so much easier than doing the bar scene or actually dating all of them. Why doesn't everyone have an online dating profile?

The excuses are there, but they're not valid ones. Afraid that someone you know would see you? Set your profile to private. The guys on the Internet are only looking for sex? Don't sleep with them.

Don't let yourself become someone who complains that there aren't any good ones left. If you know what you're looking for, then don't be afraid to look. Chances are the man of your dreams is not going to deliver your pizza.