Online matchmaking

Online matchmaking options
You can use them too

Tim writes, "I am recently divorced after 22 years of being married. I have no idea how people date today other than what I read or watch on television. I am fairly active socially but have not had much success in dating. I hear a lot of buzz about Internet dating but have no clue how good it is for men like me. Do you think there is hope online for a man in his late 40s who has custody of two teenagers?"

My first reaction is that online dating is the best thing to happen to the relationship scene since the classifieds. With these new tools, not only can you be very specific about what you want, you actually have to do less work than otherwise. Let me explain. For instance, of course, you will need to contact potential dates, respond to emails, chat online and/or over the phone, and then go on dates, but insofar as searching is concerned the tools do it for you. Plus, women will approach you on their own too because they are also searching for that perfect match. In summary, it is a win-win for everyone.

How to take advantage of online dating?

While it is more efficient and effective form of dating, you must be committed to it. So select a few good dating websites, sign up for the paid options (good websites are not free or offer nothing much for the free option), get a nice profile (with a picture of yours that shows you informally - buy a digital camera and take it yourself at home), be proactive, respond promptly when others communicate with you, and be a gentleman at all times.

Be careful while dating. Remember you are in a largely unregulated territory. That is why it is important to delay the first date till you are convinced that it is worth your time and money.

Change your strategy if it does not work after three months. You can try other websites, redo your personal ad, or rethink what you are looking for. Trust me, there is someone out there on the web that is looking for someone exactly like you.

What do you think?