Do you think it's impossible to find a dating introduction that works? I must say, I've been around the block a time or two myself, and I can understand where you are coming from. I was never into the bar scene anyway, and I lived in a small town, so the singles scene was pretty limited for anyone who forgoes the party life. I got lucky and met my husband at work. However, in this politically and socially sensitive era, more companies are endorsing strict HR policies to prevent fraternising among co-workers. The simple act of flirting with a colleague could potentially be construed as sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct or some other such nightmare.
So what's a single guy or gal to do? I recently had time to catch up with my Uncle out west, who told me he met his current girlfriend of over a year via an online dating sight. He swears by it. This got me thinking, and I realized that my husband's brother met his wife through eharmony. Said wife joined eharmony based on the recommendation of a friend of hers who had experienced romantic success on the site.
Well, maybe there is something to this online dating thing…?
It's a great big modern world. We download, text and email our way through friendships and family relations. Thumb typing is soon to rival keyboarding in popularity, and if you can't find it on Google, it probably doesn't exist. We have e-mail, e-commerce, e-banking, e-shops and e-careers. It's really not that surprising that e-dating has taken over the singles scene.
It's a testament to our revolutionary embrace of the world wide web, that online dating has hit the mainstream in such a profound and meaningful manner. The old stigmas and notions that were at one time associated with newspaper classifieds and personal ads are rarely associated with online dating sites. In fact, just the opposite is true. People are proud to tell anyone and everyone how they met their sweetheart through sites like eharmony. Moreover, they give ringing endorsements and encourage non-believers to give it a try!
So what's up with online dating? Clearly, it works. There are dating sites catering to every religion, race, special interest, career or geographical region. These websites offer more than just a 60-word description to attract potential dates, they offer a place for the single guy or girl to introduce themselves. Clearly one of the biggest advantages to online dating, is you get to fill out your profile according to what you are actually looking for, rather than the qualities your friends and family think you "should" be looking for.
Another great thing about the online scene: you can meet all kinds of people without ever saying hello. It's true. Browsing profiles can be compared to chatting up strangers in a bar. A little banter to find out the basics, and if nothing strikes your interest, you merely move on. Online profiles for singles give you the basics to review without any awkwardness or shyness. No need to politely disengage from a boring conversation about the opera, if you prefer Nirvana. When you do find that special someone you just have to know more about, the next step is just a click away!
The simple fact is this, happy couples would never brag about meeting through online dating sites unless they've had a great experience, which, in the case of singles looking for love, means a dating introduction that works!
If you are looking for a date, you likely don't have to look very far. Casual encounters are around every corner…at the water cooler, in line at the grocery store, even at the coffee shop. It is a myth to believe you can only look for a date at singles clubs. Potential dates are everywhere; you only have to open your eyes to the possibilities.
My sister once went on a date with a guy whom she met waiting for an ABM to be repaired. My cousin met her husband when his dog got off the leash and dug up the flowers in her front yard. Circumstantial meetings are all around us, and those willing to seize the opportunity go from looking for dates to finding dates.
- Make Small Talk Count: How many times have you been standing in line and casually chatted up the person next to you? This is especially true of women, who are quite comfortable striking up a conversation in line. How much information can you get from small talk with a total stranger? Usually, quite a bit. References to work, social activities, or family usually dominate the conversation. (Gentlemen, take note: if a nice woman is engaging you in conversation, be pleasant and responsive.) Before you rush off, why not get your new friend's name and phone number; maybe arrange to meet for coffee sometime?
- The Friend of a Friend of a Friend: Everyone's had that twenty-second introduction while on your way to or from somewhere else. The funny thing is, once you have been introduced, you may notice that person from time to time within your circle. Perhaps at the mall, the diner or even the gas station. This gives you the perfect chance to expand on the introduction so you have more than just a nodding acquaintance. Openers are easy, even if you forget the name (which, in this case, is perfectly excusable). Therefore, the next time you see that "friend of so and so", reintroduce yourself properly and get that small talk going.
- Stop Saying No to Everyone: Believe it or not, there are single men and women out there right this minute, who complain that they cannot find a date, and then reject every possibility. These people find fault and excuses not to date absolutely everybody. Too thin, too short, too old, too young, too tanned, too rich, too poor…it's always something. If you are one of these people, you need to learn how to take a little risk once in a while. Why not fill out an online dating profile and have at least one date with everyone who is a match to you! Seriously, once you get past your own insecurities and stop making excuses, you will be amazed at what a good time you can have and what fabulous people are out there for you! Not every date will be perfect, but at least you'll have plans for Saturday nights.
When it comes to looking for a date, the best thing you can do is keep an open mind and be proactive. A positive attitude is all it takes to turn a chance encounter with a total stranger into a fun filled evening for two!
How to find your true love and soul mate is quite likely, the single most sought after desire for men and women the world over. We all want happiness in love and in life. We are all seeking that one true love that will complete us, grow old with us and see us through the many phases of life both good and bad.
A soul mate understands, empathises, encourages and guides you. True love brings a calmness and security unparalleled by any other relationship you may encounter. Through the ages, history has recorded great sacrifices, gallant victories and noble deeds, all in the name of true love. There is absolutely no person on this earth, who is not in search of his or her soul mate. We simply were not meant to go through this life alone.
Understanding this basic genetic need for a partner, we embark on a mission of romance, determined to find our one true love and soul mate. Unfortunately, finding that person is easier said than done, and we often acquire a few bumps and bruises on our journey, which leaves us wondering if that special someone is really out there.
YES, THEY ARE!
The only thing stopping you from finding your soul mate is you. Now, before you launch into a redirect of broken hearts and unrequited love sagas, keep in mind, I am referring to your one true love and soul mate. Just because you have not found that person yet, does not mean he or she is not out there, waiting for you. However, if you give up, and resign yourself to a life of solitude, then that is exactly the life you will live. However, if you really want to find that special someone, step out of the loneliness of single life and open your heart to the possibilities all around you.
Learn from your past: Past relationships that did not work out, speak volumes about your potential soul mate. Each relationship is a stepping-stone of discovery on your journey to true love. Rather than beat yourself up about the ones that got away, learn from the experience. Perhaps you have discovered that meeting someone at a club is no good since you do not like the party life. Maybe you've realized that having someone who looks good on your arm is not nearly as satisfying as someone who can honestly make you laugh. Perhaps you decided your perfect mate is not the one who enjoys five star dinners, but a backyard barbeque complete with burnt potatoes.
If you really want to know how to find your true love and soul mate, the secret is finding yourself first. Once you have done that, "the right one" will be able to find the true you. So don't be shy; but certainly give up on being coy. Once you know who you are, never be afraid to put yourself out there. Try an online dating profile, and fill out who you are and what you like candidly. Learn what you can from your past and then leave all the baggage behind as you continue down the winding road to true love and happiness.
