Cyber Relationships: The Risks and Rewards
of Online DatingMillions of people are
"e-dating" in the hopes of
finding that perfect someone. Online dating services such as Match.com are thriving as men and women
post ads and photos of themselves in search of the perfect mate.
1.
пустоDating Site Options Dr. Ellen Kriedman (also known as Dr.
Ellen) says online dating is an advantage for people who are uncomfortable
about meeting people in public places, or who are new to an area. Online dating
services also can be a good option if you frequently travel for work or have children
or other responsibilities that make going
out to meet people difficult.
What's more, you're not confined to the
area where you live. You can search the
world, since you have international access via the Internet.
And you can meet people without fear of
commitment. Online dating services provide chat rooms that allow you to get to know someone before you exchange
photos or phone numbers.
2.
пустоThe Advantages of Online Dating In addition, most sites allow the user
to place a photo along with a personal ad, and some even have audio capability
so you can listen to your potential soul mate's voice. While this may sound a
bit superficial at first, Internet dating actually takes the whole "meat
market" aspect out of the dating process because it allows you to weed out the players.
3.
пустоChoosing an Online‑Dating Service
With so many online dating services out
there, picking one can be difficult. Dr. Ellen advises people to do their
homework. Shop around until you find
one that best suits your particular needs. Narrow your search by looking at
services that specialize in matching people with similar interests. While
e-dating is a dream come true for some, The Rules Girls warn that an
e-courtship has more dating hazards than ever — and they're not what you think!
Whether you meet online, at work, or in a bar, email has become an integral
part of most relationships, so you need to be prepared to handle a cyber relationship.
4. пустоThe Pitfalls of Email Courtship Fein and
Schneider say email is just like a phone call if it leads to a date. But there
are pitfalls unique to the medium. For one thing, it's very easy to be seduced
by the informality of email or instant messaging.
Remember the
scene in Bridget Jones' Diary when
Bridget (Rene Zellweger) gets lured into
sexually charged email banter initiated by her boss (Hugh Grant)? Conducting
e-relationships can be tricky because, as Bridget found out, email often allows
people to become too casual too fast. Fein and Schneider advise that "less
is more" when writing a personal ad, email or instant message. Too many
intense feelings can scare men and women
away.
And online
dating can make it more difficult to weed out the "undesirables."
Fein and Schneider counsel many women who become involved in "fantasy
relationships" that never materialize. Fantasy men typically chat up a storm and never ask the woman out.
5. пустоSeeing is believing Finally, don't
believe everything you read. Most online dating services ask participants to fill out long questionnaires about
themselves. Women usually put a lot of thought into these, but men don't. A man
may indicate that his favorite movie is When
Harry Met Sally and he loves romantic
walks on the beach. This will certainly attract women. But, in reality, most
men would choose to watch basketball on TV over the beach walk, If you feel uncertain about someone, get offline.