The Myths of Online Dating

A few years ago, if you told someone that you found your true love or soulmate online through the internet, you would probably receive a surprised look and an interest in learning more about your experience. But these days, meeting your true love online no longer seems to be an anomaly. In fact, it is becoming quite common. If you haven't yet jumped on the bandwagon in search of your true love online, let's dispel some of the most common myths about online relationships which may be hindering your search online, once and for all:

Myth #1:

Because you're often not physically together, you won't truly get to know the type of person your potential mate really is.

Fact:

While there is some truth that you are never really sure who is at the other end of the line until you spend lots of time together, both online and in-person, the internet also has a strange way of opening up new depths of communication. There is something about being anonymous that allows people to feel safe enough to open up and reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings. Believe it or not, quite often, you can share an even more intimate relationship with someone online than you can in-person.

Myth 2:

Intimate communication with your date, e.g. eye contact, sharing conversations, touch etc., is limited in an online relationship, so the experience can never be satisfying.

Fact:

There are a variety of chat programs which have unlimited capabilities these days, including webcams, which allow lots of eye contact and intimate conversations, as if you were in the same room. As for touching, haven't you heard of virtual sex by now? It can feel like the real thing and evoke the same physical effects!

Myth 3:

The owners of singles' sites put up pictures of beautiful people on the home page but most of their real members are unattractive, fat and desperate people.

Fact:

Many singles' sites do indeed put up pictures of their most attractive members on the homepage (or even models) to lure singles. But the truth is, there are many attractive people who look for love online. Today's fast-paced busy world almost forces singles to turn to the internet as one of the quickest, most convenient ways to find a mate. You will therefore find a diverse range of potential mates. After all, it is a numbers game - with millions of singles looking for love online, your chances of finding someone would be higher.

Of course, there are also many interpretations of the word 'attractive', as in the saying, 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'.

Myth 4:

Long distance relationships arising from online dating never work out.

Fact:

This need not be true if both of you are determined to make things work out. This often means that the both of you would have to make a few sacrifices.

I've been involved in long distance relationships where we were only a three-hour flight away from each other, to those where we were separated by thousands of miles of land and sea. Yet, in my experience, it isn't so much of the distance that determines how successful a long distance relationship will be, but rather, how badly both parties want it to work out.

So there you have it: the most common myths of online relationships. Take note though: online dating is not for everyone. If you are a particularly 'visual' person, or are turned off by the possibility of having to manage a long distance relationship, you may not enjoy online dating. You can, of course, search for singles in your hometown or who live in close proximity to you. That way, you would still be able to have regular, physical contact if you wanted to.

As our social circles shrink with busier lifestyles and increasing commitments, you really should consider finding your true love online.