NAS: Online Dating

So Online Dating. It used to be this big taboo thing but now I think they say 1 in 4 or 1 in 3 couples meet via online dating so more and more people are doing it. I was kind of skeptical of it and didn’t think I needed it and I had a free profile for years before I broke down and purchased a subscription. I know TONS of people that had a lot of success with online dating and are now married with a few kids. I’ve learned a few things in my online dating adventure that I’ll be talking about below.

Be Safe

One of the biggest concerns I always hear when it comes to online dating is SAFETY. That you’re going to meet a serial killer or insert some other form of “crazy person” on the internet. Okay so here is the thing you can meet a crazy person ANYWHERE – at bars, walking down the street, online, and even at church. Does this mean you should or shouldn’t trust everyone you meet? No but you need to go with your gut. You need to take risks.

Whenever I meet someone I do it in a public place. Depending on where and when we are meeting I will sometimes ask a friend to come with me and be in the general area or near a phone so that I can get out of it early if I need to.

Use the Sites Features

A lot of dating sites not only have tons of profiles for you to look at they also have community building tools. On Catholic Match they have a blog, forums, and a chatroom. I have made a TON of friends on the site by using the forums and the chatroom. The chatroom is like a family everyone knows each other and welcomes each other with welcome arms. People are rarely rude to each other and we all have a great time chatting about life.

Be Honest

When filling out your profile be honest about what you are looking for and what you are interested in. One thing I find interesting is that it seems like every guy says they go hiking every weekend. I have no idea if that is true but sometimes I find it bizarre that it’s in every profile I read and wonder if they are just saying that. So don’t say you like things that you don’t like because you think that is what guys want to hear. Be honest of your beliefs, and your interests.

Don’t Prolong Meeting

Once you start talking to someone try and meet within 1-2 months of talking. Or even shorter if they are local. I gave a big range because if the person isn’t local I know it’ll take awhile before you can meet up due to the need to make travel plans.

Don’t watch the TV show Catfish

I have only seen 1 or 2 episodes of this show but after I decided if I am actively online dating I can’t watch this show because it stresses me out and freaks me out! Maybe I’ll watch the official documentary after I get married to see the whole story.

Don’t Take Things Personally

One thing I have learned with online dating is I have to not take everything personally. If I don’t hear back from messages ever or for days it’s okay. Not everyone checks them often. If you have one bad experience take the time you need to heal but get back out there. Not all the people on the site are mean and duds. Just take it one day at a time.

Read the Success Stories

Whenever I am feeling down about my experiences in on online dating I like to read the success stories. They always lift me up and make me hopeful for the future.

I know online dating sometimes can feel like you are “Shopping” for a spouse but take it one day at a time. Head over to Morgan’s post for some more tips about online dating and stay encouraged! We’re in this together!