Debra Kunz

The myths about online dating are abundant, but before you dive in or give up, check out these answers.

1. The commercials of all the happy couples are fake.

Of course commercials portray the ‘happily ever after’ scenario though I know of real couples who have met and married through online dating so this myth of online dating is totally false.

2. It takes too much time.

If you are looking for love, it’s worth the time invested. If you aren’t, it’s a convenient excuse.

3. People online are not looking for a relationship, but I am.

Some are, some aren’t. You’ll learn to filter through the profiles and how to communicate to figure out who is who.

4. No one will want to contact me.

If you aren’t getting responses, tweak your profile and/or change your expectations about who will respond. You don’t need 100 people to contact you, you need the right ONE.

5. Everyone online is a freak.

Guess that depends upon your definition of ‘freak’ and if he’s your kind of freak or just a freak.

6. No one is honest.

That’s a big assumption. It might be true in some cases, though not for everyone. The key is to pay attention to the profile and learn how to read them to pick out the potential ‘fakes.’

7. I need a professional photo.

Nope. The best pictures are candid shots that one of your friends took where you are the only one in the picture. Choose something that shows you smiling, full of energy and happy, but not drunk, wearing a costume, sunglasses, mask, or a bikini. Including a professional headshot is great, but not the first priority.

8. All online dating sites are the same.

This myth about online dating couldn’t be more wrong. Each site has its unique profile, search method and focus. Do a little research or ask a coach for help to decide which online dating site might work best for you.

9. I’ll look like an idiot.

The reality is you can look like an idiot when you meet people at anytime, anywhere. Relax! I’m sure you don’t. My point is that it might take a little practice, but how you’ll probably look is ‘human.’ Get help from a coach or someone who has some experience with online dating, especially the myths of online dating, to help you navigate the searches, and get better at the online interaction.

10. It’s not safe.

Remember you can meet a wacko anywhere, including in person. You need to be smart, regardless of where you meet him, so don’t give out your address, last name or where you work.

Meet the guy in a public place and figure out if he’s for real or not. Always tell a friend where you are going and what time and schedule yourself a security call from your friend about 30-45 minutes into the date. It serves as the ‘get me outta here’ check point, or can be the ‘things are going well’ relief call. One note about pictures, please don’t post photos of your kids on the site. Yes, we should all be on these sites with good intentions though as a security precaution, do not post photos of your kids.

11. I don’t need help meeting people.

Meeting people and meeting people who have the potential to be your Mr. Right aren’t the same. Online dating gives you a chance to ‘filter’ people by your dating standards and focus on the men who might have potential.

12. I feel like I’m selling myself. It’s creepy.

Dating is about presenting the best version of yourself to attract the attention of a potential mate, or a potential fling if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s not about being something you aren’t, it’s about learning to convey who you are.

13. People online don’t…

For the rest of the 19 Myths About Online Dating click here >

Date Deliberately,

Debra

P.S.  You might want to check out 4 Tips to Prevent Online Dating Burnout.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net