Dating Tips - The Pros And Cons Of Online Dating

Internet online dating is not a new fad in the market, but rather in recent years it has evolved into a popular alternative for singles to look for their other half.

There are many reasons why singles, young and old, find joy in meeting new friends through online dating.

Pros of online dating:

1) For the young and single who spends a lot of time at work, online dating provides an opportunity for them to screen and meet someone they might click with. Very often, these young professionals are married to their jobs and do not have the time to meet new friends outside their social circles. Online dating is a quick and easy alternative to get out of their comfort zone and widen their social network.

2) For the mature group, age might be a barrier to knowing new friends. Their social circle and lifestyle would have been quite established and most of their peers would have been married or attached. Online dating gives them an avenue to meet someone close to their age, but probably resides in a different town or city.

3) Online dating involves reading the profiles of others before you decide if you wish to make friends with them. This can save some time as you can filter friends you would like to know based on their age group, interests and other aspects that appeals to you.

4) Online dating profiles also include a picture of the person you are writing to. This is better than a blind date where you have no idea of how the other party even looks like!

5) Shy people find online dating easier to deal with as they might be better with their writing than with their words. Being anonymous initially actually empowers them to say things that they possibly might never have the courage to. These people might have few friends in person, but many admirers on cyberspace!

Cons of online dating:

1) Online dating can get quite addictive, as it is so convenient to log on and find someone new to talk to.

2) Some people join online dating to find short term solutions for their loneliness and boredom. The person on the other end may not be serious in going into a friendship or even relationship with you. You may find yourself being taken for granted only after spending some time corresponding with them.

3) Online profiles only provide you with information and photos that others put about themselves. They might not be truthful in all aspects and you might get an unexpected surprise after you meet them in person.

But still, internet dating is here to stay and it's only going to grow. It's another option one can choose to meet new people, especially if you have exhausted your current social or business circles. Give it a try, and take it as an opportunity to make new friends. Who knows? You might find the love of your life there!

Authored By:
Angela Tay

Dating Tips - How To Deal With First Date Jitters

You may have dated before, but it has been quite some time since you last went on a date. Now that you are back in the dating scene, are you feeling first date jitters again?

These are some ways that will help you overcome the fears of going for that first date again.

1) Have a friend set you up to go out with his or her group of friends

Instead of a one to one date, probably you can start off hanging with your friend's friends. At least you won't need to worry about what to say in a bigger group as conversations are usually kept flowing spontaneously. There is no pressure or awkward silence even if you do not speak much. If there is someone who catches your eye, you can then try asking them out personally after a few gatherings. By that time, you won't be total strangers anymore, and both of you will feel more at ease.

2) Engage in phone conversations or at least emails before you meet for the first time

Starting out with emails and proceeding to phone conversations is a good way of knowing each other before you plan for the first date.

3) Keep the first date short and simple

Make it as casual as possible. If you do not like the idea of having to talk too much, catching a movie or going for a bowling game would be quite suitable. If would like to find out more about the other person, a date at a café is relaxing enough to allow both of you to engage in small talk. Plan for a short first date as well. 2 hours is probably enough for you to decide whether you feel comfortable with the other person. At least if you can't wait for the date to end, it will be over in a short while.

4) Learn how to small talk

It takes two hands to clap, so if the conversation is single sided, it could get quite difficult to pass the time. Running out of things to talk about? Try to small talk. You can talk about your hobbies, the things that interest you, and even something that catches your eye at that moment.

It could be that book on the shelf that leads to you sharing what you like to read, etc. But do not plainly recite your entire life's autobiography on the first date; it could bore your date to bits. If your date is the shy and quiet type, probably you can prompt them by asking them some questions about themselves or what they think about a certain issue. Do not stray to a topic too personal like religion, as you may say things that are offending to the other person.

5) Be polite and respectful, smile often and just be yourself

Relax and be yourself. Treat the first date just like any outing with your friends. Be genuine and sincere in your conversations. Smile a lot and have fun!

Authored By:
Angela Tay

Our All-Time Favourite Love Quotes

Some famous love quotes of the century...

"There is no remedy for love but to love more." Henry David Thoreau

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." Anonymous

"Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresisitibly desired."

"Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop." Anonymous

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Lao Tzu

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." Anonymous

"It is best to love wisely, no doubt; but to love foolishly is better than
not to be able to love at all." William Thackeray

"If you love someone, let them go. If they return to you, it was meant to be. If they don't, their love was never yours to begin with..." Unknown

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." Franklin P. Jones

"Men always want to be a woman's first love…women like to be a man's last romance." Oscar Wilde

"Love does not dominate; it cultivates." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love." Leo Buscaglia

"People who are sensible about love are incapable of it." Douglas Yates

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity." Albert Einstein

Haha. This last one by Einstein is cool.

Which is your favourite love quote? :)

What Is Love?

Falling in love is a complicated process. It is usually a natural progression through four stages: attraction, connection, intimacy and commitment.

When you meet someone new and you are physically attracted to him or her, this is the first hint that love may be in the cards. Of course, this is too premature to determine as you are most likely to be attracted by the overall appearance of the person. What he or she wears and talks all play a part in stirring that emotions in you.

When two people are mutually attracted, it paves the way for the second stage of connection. As they communicate and find themselves exchanging ideas or opinions that they both agree with, there is an amazing connection which brings their relationship to a very comfortable level. Sometimes, the connection is so strong that they can complete what each other wants to say or know what the other party is thinking about.

When both parties are able to connect, the relationship gets to a higher level. The intimacy both shares cannot be easily substituted by someone else. Emotional intimacy is achieved through nonverbal signals, such as prolonged eye contact, incidental touching, self-disclosure (in which you share your true self with another). As both of you reveal more, it makes you feel that you are not alone anymore. When you are happy, you would want to share the good news with the other person. When you are sad, you know there is someone who will lend you a listening ear. The feeling of unity and oneness comes into the picture and you can see a future with the person you are with.

From here the shift into commitment with the other person comes naturally. You feel responsible for him or her in whatever decisions you make about your life and your work. A monogamous relationship does not sound scary to you anymore. Its when you can see yourself spending the rest of your life together with that special someone. It's when you are confident in saying he or she will be your one and only.

Having someone special is important to humans as there is a need to express ourselves emotionally and intellectually. We want someone whom we can share life’s pleasures with and someone who can give us feedback. When two people communicate openly, express feelings and emotions, there is reassurance and hope and connection to a future.