Everyone has been there. That terrifying moment when you’re staring at your computer screen, OkCupid’s logo looking back at you and you’re wondering to yourself, “Am I really about to sign up for online dating? Have I stooped that low?
You go back and forth in your head on if you really want to do this, the questions swirling around and it all becomes too much until you toss your mouse away in frustration, grab a beer and decide to let your night be taken over by Netflix.
Exhausting, right?
Not to fear, your Personal Dating Assistant is here!
I’ve been where you are. Having been involved with online dating pros and cons for many years on the dating end, and the helping end; I’ve come to learn many things. I decided to take those mind-numbing questions out of your exhausted mind and compile a list of pros/cons to online dating and what it’s all about. If you decide this is for you, check out this casual dating site.
PRO
It gets you in contact with people you would never meet otherwise
I am a hardcore theater nerd. I’m talking “grew up in my mom’s theater belting out tomorrow from Annie with my bright red child fro” kinda nerd. The guy I’m dating races in Drift events on his weekends, lives a 30 minute drive from me, (And I don’t drive) and wouldn’t know a show tune to save his life. There is no way our paths would have crossed had we both not swiped right on dear ol Tinder. In fact, I was the first girl he met off of it. And yet now, a few months later our lives have been completely intertwined and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. If you need more concrete proof that it works – meet my parents. My mother is from Canada and my stepfather is from California. They began talking online (back when chat rooms were more the style) but after about a year of talking, my mother finally moved our family to California to find out if their love was real. Sure enough, she made the right decision. They’ve been happily married since 2002. And like me and my boyfriend, they could not be more different in their interests. My mom is the director of a children’s theater and my dad used to coach football. Online dating gives you amazing opportunities to meet people who are out of your comfort zone.
CON
It can be hard to talk about yourself
Women are lucky because they can usually talk about themselves pretty easily. We enjoy it. And therefore writing it all down to make us sound interesting is less stressful. (Again, this isn’t a rule, just a general thing I’ve noticed having stared at hundreds of women’s profiles) but men usually keep their profiles really short and simple, with little to no detail about themselves. The problem is, women like to see more than that. They want something there that really piques their interest. Get them wanting to know more, and you’re in business. Luckily, you can fix that by giving specific examples.
PRO
It gives you the opportunity to meet people with the same core values
Profiles typically state pretty clearly (not all, but most) the person’s religious views, their desire for children, political views, body type likes, etc. That girl sitting from you across the bar probably does not have a sign pasted to her forehead stating hers and if she did, well…I’d probably steer clear, honestly. Instead of meeting someone out and about who you get along with on a surface level, but later find out thinks completely differently than you on core values – online profiles act as a buffer so you don’t have to wonder. You can have piece of mind.
CON
Still Superficial
I hate to say it, but it’s true. A lot is based on your photos and how you represent yourself in your pictures. As it’s the first thing someone sees, it has to catch their eye and make them check you out. If you don’t have good ones, you might be screwed. That’s why I always recommend to my Members that they get pro shots done. And I’m not talking, “Cheesy-staring-at-the-camera-with-a-dumb-grin” ones. If you get a good photographer, they’ll be able to capture true moments, that have that candid feel, but put you in your best light. A Personal Dating Assistant can refer you to a competent professional dating photographer.
PRO
An Opportunity to be Bolder
I am not a shy person. I’ve gone back into a store after checking out to ask out the guy who helped me, but I know some people who have no idea how to approach someone they think is attractive. They get tongue tied, sweaty and suddenly lose all ability to speak. Online dating gives you the opportunity to get past that. Since all the initial attraction is through a computer screen, you get this sense of empowerment and feel bolder and sending out a message is really easy. Besides, if they don’t reply back, it’s not a big deal because a new girl is right around the corner – just click on that search button.
CON
Cat Fishing
It’s a scary reality. It can and has happened to people. There’s no sure fire way to protect yourself from it, but as long as you stay smart, you should be fine. Some key things to be wary of – Old photos, weird angles, only one photo on her profile, and not wanting to ever meet up in person. That said, there are some definite best ways to handle a possible cat fish.
PRO
The World is your Oyster
Have you ever wanted to find a genie in a bottle, rub it that right way and have her grant your every wish? Well, online dating is probably the best equivalent that you can find. You literally have access to millions of profiles. Want a woman who knows how to ride a horse? Giddeonup. Want someone active? Hikers, galore! Or maybe you want someone who obsessively watches Breaking Bad? Yeah, bitch. Bring it on! You’ll be able to find every single one, and then some. Not to mention, if you’re looking to move to a new city/state…you can already ease into the process and get to know people who live there. You’ll have a date lined up before your plane even hits the ground.
CON
Can be time consuming
Let’s face it – The online dating pros and cons of browsing profiles, and sending out messages can be time consuming and take up a good portion of your life if you’re really involved in your profile. It can feel overwhelming at times and make you want to give up. Luckily for you, that’s where PDA comes in. Call us up. Get a Personal Dating Assistant, and we’ll take care of all of that hard work for you! All you’ll have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a great date.
- Online Dating Pros and Cons – Is It Worth Your Time? - November 24, 2014