It wasn’t very long ago that using an online dating service was considered scandalous. Cheap. Embarrassing. And yes, really desperate. Thankfully times have changed a great deal and online dating is no longer something you hide from your family and friends. Online is now mainstream, and there is more than just anecdotal evidence to prove this.

A major research study conducted at Stanford University recently shows very clearly that online dating is no longer something to hide in the closet, but is in fact quickly becoming the first choice for singles looking to meet other singles like themselves. Going online is not only socially acceptable now, but it is also the preferred way for more and more singles to connect with each other. The Stanford research, conducted by sociologist Michael Rosenfeld, revealed that significant numbers of singles now actively choose to go online rather than go out to offline venues to look for other singles.

According to Rosenfeld’s study, the groups most likely to prefer online dating are lesbians, gays, and heterosexuals who are middle aged. When you stop to think about it for a moment this actually make sense; online dating allows singles to search for a partner in a way that is more anonymous than going out in person, plus it gives singles access to a much larger pool of potential dates than going out in person.

There will always be plenty of people who prefer to meet other singles in traditional offline venues, but if you’re looking for that someone special it might be more productive for you to focus more of your efforts online.

Dating Essentials Desperate, Friends, Social Networking

You’ve made it through the holiday season and into the New Year, a period of time that is often quite difficult for singles and online daters. All of that pressure to “find someone special” can make what are supposed to be happy times into depressed and unpleasant times.

But now it’s February and those dismal, depressed times should be long gone, right? Wrong! Just because the holidays are over does not mean online daters aren’t still feeling the winter blahs. It’s still getting dark early, the weather is still pretty crummy, and it’s still hard sometimes to find yourself looking for dates and feeling quite alone.

So what can you do to overcome these winter dating blahs? As it turns out, plenty!

Keep to a routine – Establish a routine and stick to it because this kind of structure has a positive effect on your mood. The best routines include regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and getting enough sleep each night.

Keep your friends close – The winter blahs are all about feeling a lack of energy, so fight them off by keeping in contact with your friends who energize you. Talk regularly on the phone, set up regular coffee or lunch dates, and make sure you have regular contact with those people who are most energizing and fun to be around.

Practice optimism – It’s easy to get “stuck” in negativity during the winter months; it’s too hard to find dates, the weather is too ugly to go outside, and the like. Remember, though, that the power of positive thinking and optimism are real. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of what you’re feeling and experiencing, make a point of paying attention to the positive aspects of your life. It sounds silly, but it really does work.

Dating Essentials Depression, Friends, Holidays, Winter

So, where does that leave your new relationship?

Typically, this is the point of the year where couples bring home their significant others to meet the folks. And as a result, it’s a tense time of year, filled with arguing, discomfort, and often post-turkey breakups.

To avoid this kind of mood killer for your holiday, you have a few options.

• Go for it – That’s right, take your new online date to the table for turkey dinner. After all, you have a great story about how you met, assuming the dating site isn’t anything too risque.
• Go for part of it – If your family can handle it, take your date over for just a dessert plate. This way, your date will be able to meet everyone, without it being a full dinner situation.
• Go separately – If the relationship is still a little new, simply go your separate ways on this special day and commit to seeing and meeting the families at the next major holiday. No pressure, no tension – just more time to see if this person is truly someone you want to bring home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Conversation Topics, Family Family, Food, Friends, Holidays, Relationships