Alexandra Kirkpatrick - ONLINE DATING: Everything you need to know to find your m@te on the web

Introduction

The days of traditional families trying to marry off their children for convenience with juicy economic agreements and little romanticism are long gone. In addition, the age of dreaming about finding Prince Charming at a party has also passed. Although, for some people, tales of princesses still garner hope, current times lead us to reconsider the way in which we connect with others.
What if our other half is not around the corner? Do we have to resign ourselves to be alone just because we dont find someone compatible with us? For many people, technology, apart from solving many issues of modern living, has also become a way of entertainment. This silent companion is, even if we dont notice it, at our fingertips whenever we get bored -- for instance when it starts raining heavily and we feel melancholy or when we miss someone with whom we dont talk anymore. Without questions, our telephone or computer is there. That is why, even though it may generate many insecurities, getting to know a person through the different options offered by technology is not as crazy as it used to be. If we use telephone applications that indicate to us how the weather will be during the following weekend; if the first thing we do when we get home is to turn on the computer; if we can learn about the day of a friend living in another continent in a second looking at his photographs in Facebook; or if we exercise with an application for the iPad... why cant we extend the use of technology for those matters related to our love lives?

We live surrounded by a lot of devices that were created to simplify everyday life because we never have enough time, we always want to do more or because it gives us fear to slow down a bit. Being this hyper-connected can, instead of separating us, create bridges to make contact with kindred spirits that, perhaps due to shyness or feeling ashamed, do not dare to show themselves before others.

The question is therefore repeated: Can the love of our lives be behind a screen? We are here to offer several tips so that you, at least, might dare to try.

10 Advantages for a Virtual Meeting

Getting to know a person through the different choices offered by technology seems to be a good option for those looking to be part of a couple. There are many influencing factors: more and more people maintain that they are tired of dates set up by friends, others are bored of going out all weekend and not finding someone interesting and, the more anxious ones, dont want to wait anymore and want to meet someone as soon as possible. Luckily, there are many advantages of surfing the Internet and getting to know people that we find attractive. We are hereby giving you 10 reasons to try techno-dates.

Ideal for shy people

Modest people usual prefer virtual meetings. Many times, these systems help those that feel shy to show themselves, to get rid of inhibitions and to expose their real personality. Generally these types of meetings start on the Internet, in writing, and, only if there is compatibility with someone, a face-to-face meeting may be arranged.

Cheaper

Finances are a problem that affect many people. For techno-dates, the great amount of money needed for traditional dates is not required -- no restaurants, no movie tickets, no expensive bouquets of flowers. With just a good Internet connection, everyone can have a date!

Everyone has their own schedule

Virtual dates can be scheduled for the leisure time that one considers appropriate. These dates are ideal for people having complicated agendas for their free time. It is very important to remember that, in cyberspace, there is always someone willing to chat at any time!

Comfort!

It is not necessary to spend all day deciding what to wear or to set up an appointment with the hairdresser. The virtual world allows us to chat from the comfort of our houses, while travelling or even when we exercise. This allows us to think about what we are going to tell others, choose better topics for discussion and not to experience the fear that often appears in face-to-face dates.

Lies -- what for?

In cyberspace truth always shines through. There are many forums in which to denounce users that lie. Furthermore, faked profiles can be removed through a simple e-mail. So if you are afraid of having an unpleasant experience, the universe of cyber-dates allows you to take the necessary precautions to have a very pleasant experience online.

Variety is the spice of life

We usually have face-to-face dates due to the invitation of friends or known people. It occurs more or less the same way. They say, I know someone that is ideal for you. I think you two will get along great. What usually happens then is that they introduce us to people with a life very similar to our own. In the virtual world, on the other hand, diversity of audience is so great that we may never cease to be surprised.

An opportunity to practice languages!

In cyberspace there are no geographical limits. It is a space that allows us to get in contact with people all around the world. If you study other languages and want to practice them, there is nothing better than a virtual date! There are so many ways to connect so you can talk, write and read in the language you prefer -- all without leaving your house!

Compatibility

With high levels of departmentalizing, social networks allow us to relate to people having the same interests that we have, that listen to the same music or love the same writers. This is very different to what happens when one goes out to a disco at night and cant find people with whom to start a good conversation

Anonymity

For those who prefer to preserve their identity and have no problems with their work or family, social networks allow anonymity. This is an important advantage for many people that find it very difficult to reveal to their loved ones that they feel lonely and are looking for a companion. Cyber-dates seem to be a relief in these cases. In these networks, it is not compulsory to use real names or surnames. We can handle the matter with discretion and nobody will know our movements.

Travelers with more advantages!

Technological dates can take us to unexpected places. Many encounters that are virtual at the beginning are, over time, materialized. Why cant we find someone interesting on the other side of the world?

How to Prepare: Choose the Best Photo

It is always difficult to take the first step. All kinds of concerns may arise when it comes to jumping into the cyber-world to try ones luck. To avoid any kind of stress, we must bear in mind that the virtual world has its own characteristics. Understanding its codes is essential. Just as we choose our best outfit for an important work interview, your cover letter for a cyber-date will be the profile you show in the different networks. It is as if it were a resume, but of our own lives! Generally, one of the elements that usually give rise to more doubts is the picture we choose to let other users get to know us. There are many dos and donts when choosing a photo. Here are some unavoidable ones: