If You are Single and Over 35 (Or Over 45, Or Over 55), Now is the Time to Give THIS a Try ... 
by Rachel G. Baldino, 
MSW, LCSW for www.SixWise.com
I don't know about you, but these days I'm hearing more and 
     more online dating success stories.
      As a matter of fact, in my own social circle, I know several 
     people-including a close family member-who have met their 
     significant others online, and who are understandably thrilled 
     that they "took the plunge" into the world of online 
     dating.
      After all, if you are over the age of 35, do you really have 
     a huge interest in going out to singles bars? 
      I'm guessing probably not.
      Many people like to meet potential partners through mutual 
     friends, and this remains a very viable option for some. But 
     there is always the danger that it might not work out, which 
     can sometimes cause problems.
      Of course, you can always hope to meet someone at work, or 
     in an adult education class, or at a hobby club; and once 
     again, these are very viable options for some people.
      
      
       | 
 There are now many online dating services specifically 
        designed to serve clients over 50. | 
      
      But more and more people of all ages (including many people 
     over the age of 50) are turning to the Internet as a highly 
     effective tool for meeting potential mates. And fortunately, 
     there are now many websites that cater specifically to this 
     age group, such as: 
      
      Online Dating Is a Great Option for Shy 
     People
      Susan Dunn, MA, is a Life Coach and the author of the ebook, 
      Midlife 
     Dating Survival Manual for Women. In her web article, 
     "Midlife Dating: Where To Meet the Men," posted 
     at an online dating community called www.Spicy-Senior-Singles.com, 
     she points out that "The Internet seems to have been 
     created for introverts. For dating, it allows a slower pace, 
     in writing, that introverts love."
      She also mentions that one reason that women in particular 
     should consider online dating is that there are currently 
     "many more men seeking online."
      Ms. Dunn recommends that you: "See 
     them face-to-face. No one really looks like their photo, 
     no matter how current, and while appearance isn't the deal-breaker 
     for most of us, that illusive thing called 'chemistry' is, 
     so get it over with. This is the best way to check out their 
     health, as well."
      Online Dating Is Both An Emotional AND A Financial Investment
      Not only will you be putting your heart on the line with 
     online dating, but another factor to keep in mind is that 
     virtually all of these services charge a membership fee. This 
     means that you will need to closely examine all of the features 
     and offerings of each site before you decide which one-or 
     two, or more-that you would like to join.
      
      
       | 
 When it comes to online dating, your true love may 
        be just a few clicks away! | 
      
      Considering the financial and emotional investment involved, 
     if any of your friends, colleagues, and/or acquaintances are 
     currently exploring the online dating arena, ask them for 
     their totally honest feedback about each of the online dating 
     services they have tried in the past or are using right now. 
      
      Four Basic Online Dating Safety Tips
      
     -  
        NEVER give out any personal information to a new online 
      acquaintance, such as your real email address, where you 
      live, your phone number, or any of your business or financial 
      information. (Once you sign up, many online dating services 
      will provide you with an anonymous email address exclusively 
      for use on their site). 
-  
        ALWAYS meet in a public place for the first time, and 
      inform the person that you have told a friend that the 
      meeting is taking place. 
-  
        If someone does not send you a photo upon request, or 
      keeps canceling that initial face-to-face meeting, that 
      person may be engaging in some sort of deceptive dating 
      practices and probably ought to be avoided. 
-  
        Proceed with "cautious optimism" once you 
      start exchanging email messages with someone on a regular 
      basis, and remember to keep all of your personal details 
      to yourself until you are absolutely positive that the 
      person is trustworthy. 
Maximize Your Results with a Dating Profile 
     
     That Truly Stands Out From The Pack
      Virtually all online dating services provide their members 
     with space to post their "dating profiles." Remember 
     never to write anything in your profile that is too personal 
     or too revealing. Safety always comes first!
      
     -  
        Consider including a recent photograph that is flattering 
      and well-lit, but that also accurately represents your 
      current physical appearance. (People who include photos 
      of themselves almost always get higher response rates 
      than those who do not). If you prefer not to post a photo, 
      you will still get responses, just not as many.  
-  
       Ask a friend to proofread your profile for stylistic, 
      grammatical, and/or spelling errors. Potential dates are 
      more likely to respond to carefully crafted and well written 
      profiles.  
-  
       Include every single one of your interests, and don't 
      leave any questions blank. People might think you are 
      being evasive. The more descriptive you are about your 
      likes and dislikes, the better your chances are of hearing 
      from like-minded people. 
-  
       Be aware of exactly what you are looking for-something 
      serious, or something more casual-right at the outset, 
      and be as clear as possible about what you are seeking. 
      People deeply appreciate 
      total honesty in this area. 
Recommended Reading:
      The Powerful Influencing 
     Effects of People's Faces On Your Behavior
      The Top Seven Signs 
     That Someone Is Lying To You
      The Top Six 
     Signs That Someone Is Physically Attracted To You
      Aging Gracefully: 
     Enjoy a Vital, Fulfilling Life Regardless of Age
      How To 
     Make All Your Relationships Work
      
      Sources
      Spicy 
     Senior Singles
      Life Coach 
     Susan Dunn
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