Online Dating
The internet has irrevocably changed the way we all live today. There’s inevitably an online solution to every dilemma. From shopping to schooling to working options, there’s now an option with the word “online” attached to it. While I’m a big fan of everything electronically done – banking, shopping, even working online – there’s one online thing I find disconcerting. Online dating does not sit well with me.
Let’s face it. The anonymity of people online poses one huge obstacle to dating – the question of sincerity. With every resource available at your fingertips, how can you be sure his profile is not just a copy-paste from someone’s? Is he really quoting Shakespeare or did he just Google those lines up to impress you? Is the prince charming really a prince or is he an axe-murdering circus freak pretending to be one?
I’m always as honest online as I am offline. I figured there’s no use pretending to be what I’m not to someone I may never even meet. But alas, few people share that view. Last I’ve heard, 419 scammers now populate Craigslist and dating sites looking for prey. Okay, so maybe I think too much but can anyone really be too cautious? I’m allergic to cigarette smoke so smoking is a no-no. But how do I know he doesn’t have stash on a cigar flask somewhere? How do I know he’s not fond of Zippo Lightersand actually own a collection of them? While he types away spinning his wonderful tale, how do I know he’s not firing up a cigar with a personalized zippo?
There are many who have found success with internet dating. Good for them. But these success stories don’t necessarily mean you’d be as successful. Everything is a risk, true. But there are far more complicated complications involved in online dating than in traditional, in-person social contacts. For every success story you hear of, there are thousands of horror stories to match. This is not to say you shouldn’t try it. By all means, please do. The only thing I’m cautioning you is for you to be extra careful. Keep your wits about. Trust is an issue in any kind of relationship. Remember not to give it freely; let him or her earn it. A sincere guy would be happy to work for it; a scammer will use the issue to manipulate you. Just remember: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
