For seven months last year, I engaged in an activity
that, ten years ago, was unthinkable mainly because the technology wasn¼t as
widespread then as it is now. I¼m referring to the practice of online dating.
I will spare you the details of my relationship (if I did this article would
quickly turn into a Vent), and instead focus on the specifics of online dating
and long-distance relationships in general.
The first step in online dating is to, of course, actually meet someone. A
number of avenues to do this exist, chat rooms being one of the most
accessible. You can also try online personal ads, such as Yahoo Personals. Or, you
can also try the Ýfind a friendÿ feature on your favorite messaging program
and try your luck that way.
Now that you¼ve found that special someone, you need to find a way to
communicate--the most important aspect in any relationship. Instant messenger
programs, such as AOL IM, MSN or Yahoo Messenger, are effective methods of
doing this. These programs include file transfer capabilities so you can send
pictures of each other over the net. E-mail is another effective method of
staying in touch, and, of course, there¼s no substitute for picking up the
phone and calling that person.
For the duration of my relationship, I heard stories that online relationships
don¼t work, and you know what? They¼re right. While communication is an
important part of any relationship, intimacy is too, and with online
relationships, you just don¼t get that. Even if you meet up with that person,
chances are it will only be for a short period, and the intimacy will only
last
as long as your meeting. Granted, there is cyber sex (which I didn¼t engage
in, by the way), but that¼s justàcreepy. There have been some success
stories,
but these are few and far between. And why waste your time with someone
online when there are plenty of wonderful people in your own community looking
for that special someone?
Responses:
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Name: Greg
Comments:
I'm glad to read someone writing about online dating (again). Recently I've met someone online. She's great and we're liking each other even though we're not trying to and never intended to, but it's happening. I'm kind of in a bind because I've also had bad online experiences.
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