It’s official – everyone is dating online. When I saw the news that Brad Garrett was trying out online dating (albeit for a reality show), I realized that online dating had finally found legitimacy.

Sure, we’ve all known about it for a while now, but once a celebrity decides to go for it, then you know it’s something you should try it too.

True, Garrett isn’t the first one to give online dating a whirl, but it seems like everyone who is anyone is hopping online. What does this mean for you? It means that more people are going to try this effective form of dating, which will up your chances of finding someone of substance.

At the same time, many people might wonder if online dating is just being mocked by those who could get a date with anyone – that’s a viable thought too.

But honestly, online dating is not a joke.

• It lets you screen potential dates before you spend money on a movie and dinner.
• It lets you scope out the competition.
• It lets you be picky.
• Online dating is cheap.
• It lets you be creative with your profile.
• You can meet anyone who is into anything.
• It’s growing everyday.

Online dating used to be a way for people to stalk each other and to flirt with people they had no intention of meeting, but now, matches are made, marriages are planned, and families are the result.

Get on the bandwagon – and maybe you can date Brad in the process. Too bad it’s not Brad Pitt.

News & Views Celebrities, Marriage, Money, Stalking, TV

Admit it. You have a MySpace page because you’re hoping against all hope that your old flame is going to try to find you. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This unconventional way to find the love of your life isn’t something new, but it is the modern day equivalent of stalking someone without leaving your home. Instead of following them from work to home and then calling them only to hang up, you can follow around your old flames with online dating sites.

And what’s even funnier about it is that these sites aren’t actually set up to be dating sites, as such. But they’re working out what way.

But does it work? Sometimes, it certainly does. If you’re single, why not try to message your old flame to see what he or she is up to? It can’t hurt and if they never respond, that’s no loss to you. But if they do respond, you might be able to restart an old conversation.

Chances are high that one of you is going to be in a relationship, making something new a bit tricky or even impossible, so you need to be ready for these situations as well. But when you’re both single, online dating through networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, and others is a good way to find out just who else might be looking for you too.

Rejection, Self Confidence Exes, Facebook, Love, MySpace, Old Flame, Relationships, Stalking

Breaking up is hard to do, isn’t it? No matter if you’ve known the person for three days or three weeks, we just don’t like to hurt someone else’s feelings, even if we’re not interested in them or attracted to them. When you’re online dating, you will want to follow some different rules when it comes to breaking up with someone so that you remain safe as well as in good standing with other singles on your dating site.

• Only date people that you’re really interested in – When you date anyone and everyone that you meet, you might get a reputation for simply dating anyone that breathes. As you continue to break up with people, other singles might not want to meet you as it seems you’ve already determined their fate.
• Never give out personal information – This can not be stated enough, but if you’re dating online, don’t give out your personal information or you might end up with a breakup that results in phone calls and emails that you just don’t want to receive.
• Be honest and clear – When you’re breaking up with someone, be sure that you’re clear about what you are saying. If you’re unclear in any way, you may just be enticing a person to continue to pursue you.
• Lie if necessary – If you can’t seem to be clear to the person that you want to break up with, lie. While this seems a bit cutthroat, you want to end the relationship, right?

Dating Essentials Breaking Up, Hurt, Love, Meet People, Online Safety, Stalking