Nah. I'm talking to you right now, see?

New stuff is hard. You'll get used to it. Look at it this way if you have a big piece of spinach on your teeth and you don't discover it until later, no one will be the wiser!

Isn't that awesome!?

Notup2it,

You are right, it's just different. Thanks!

I'm not a shy person, just new to the online thing. You can tell a lot by a persons reactions in person. I feel it is harder to trust and get to know someone online. Make sense?????

Makes sense. But, if you don't put yourself out there, it will be that much harder to move on. I find it alot easier to be vulnerable on DS than I do in real life. It's just an avatar, if I don't agree with their opinion, I let it go in one ear out the other. And the friends I have made here, in real life and just on the boards, are the most supportive friends I have ever had. You won't fdeel so strange about it once you get used to it.

Tambo, I have met some of my DS friends, in person, and that is what made me nervous! I was like, I hope we all get along in real life as we did online, and WE DID!

Just be cautious giving out personal information. Have fun!

I know it can be scary but I would highly recommend trying.

Over the years I've made some great friends online. Made my move from California to Illinois much easier. Ds in many ways was a blessing.

I strongly advise against dating online. There's a lot of married/committed people out there on those sites, and they can pretend to be whoever they want to be. Plus, you have to ask yourself WHY are they on those sites?

Fantastic way to meet people. It's the only way I've been dating for the last 5 years.

i met my first gf online... though it was a TERRIBLE relationship, I wouldn't say anything bad about the process as a whole.

if you're worried about the pressure of starting to date again, doing it online is probably a lot easier, considering you don't have to worry about face to face interaction right off the bat.

I am new to this site so I am a little nervous too. So I understand how you are feeling. Your nervous, unsure, dont really know what should be your next step. I would be very very care full whom you meet in person. After a lot of emails and pictures and then only then you feel comfortable meeting this person. Make sure you meet in a neutrual setting Star Bucks at a heavly populated mall or resturant. Don't meet in a bar for drinks this will send the wrong message to him that you want to hook up! I assume your a woman with the picture you have up. I would do this for quite a while untill you are comfortable in dating this person. Then on the first date bring your own car and meet at a nice resturant . Make him make the steps and make him know up front he needs to be a gentelmen. Too many creeps and weirdos out there. I cant say this enough care full! care ful!l care full! If your gut says this guys it a creep excuse your self tell him you have to get to work earlly in the morning and get the hell out! This is my take on this.

Tambo,

It does make sense, and I understand your reservations, but I do think it's possible to get to know someone via the internet, if you really take your time. Of course you should be careful, but that's always true!

I met my last girlfriend on Match.com, she broke my heart! So meeting people on line sucks! LOL!

Hmm..interesting question.

My advice, take it for what it is. Remember, until you get to meet someone, a profile is a bunch of fancy words and a pretty picture. Everyone online is a "fun" person, who "hate's drama", who "loves enjoying life" and is "looking for that special someone who can do with me, all those special wonderful things that make my life that total upstanding whirlwind that few can ever achieve". I mean, look at all those wonderful drunken bar pics of smiling happy people living life to the extreme. And, get real! They love their family and kids and are 100% totally dedicated to friends! They're totally dedicated to family except for that recently divorced spouse who was once family. Who could pass that up? However, if you can't hang with that, then step off!

Please remember, cheaters need not ever apply and if you ever lie, take a hike. In fact, according to most profiles, everyone is so understanding and compassionate and loving towards ALL people, until you contact them and don't meet the criteria of a hot match. Then, PUHLEAASE, don't waste my time *loser*, with you pursuing me!

Meeting people online is totally opposite of the usual way. You learn to know somebody from inside out. Normally it would be outside in. That is not bad within itself, but usually, when you finally meet them in person, you know RIGHT AWAY if you feel a connection or not. So even though the physical element is pushed to the back, it's still there and can be a deal breaker whether you like it or not.

Just learn to play the games and temper your expectations until someone is actually met. Then you'll know if you actually would like to see them again, and hopefully, they'll wanna see you to. Because after all, everyone loves hanging with a fun, hot and happy person who, loves family, loves pets, loves children, loves life type. Who wouldn't? But hey, if you don't qualify to this resume, then don't waste your time or mine. Life is too short.

Just sayin', IMO :)

our daughter who is in her 20's knows a few married couples (yes, they are presently and happily married) who initially met on eharmony.com

I know several people who have met their significant others through an online service and are quite happy. I've considered doing this myself when everything settles down from my emotions and I'm ready to get back out there again. It's an easy way to meet people - even if it's just to form new friendships.

As an example, my cousin met his wife through an online dating service and they are happily married with two children. His first marriage fell apart and he found more success through an online service than he did the "normal" dating route.

Good luck to you!