THE LOVEZONE WITH GEENA LEE: COMPUTER LOVE

27 January 2011 40 views No Comment

“Could it be your face I see on my computer screen?” - Zapp & Roger

There was once a time when online dating was seen as a last resort for creepy people who couldn’t find a way to meet mates in ‘real life’. Now much of the taboo is gone from the online hook-up; as the popularity of social networking sites grows, online dating is now seen as normal, for the most part.

It’s not a big deal. It’s also big money, with countless dating websites jockeying for the memberships of those looking for love and liaisons. A quick Google search will turn up dating sites for all kinds of folks, from cat lovers to cooks. If you decide to dive into the online dating pool, here are few things to keep in mind.

Perfect your profile. The upside of online dating is you have access to a much larger group of potentials, but it’s very easy to get lost in the masses. So when completing your profile, you have to do it with the aim of standing out from the all the other fish in the cyber-sea. Sounds like you’re about to submit a job application doesn’t it? But don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it seems, and you’ll most likely have fun doing it.

Many dating sites make it real easy by giving you pre-prepared forms where all you have to do is select the attributes that best describe you and the mate you’re looking for. Some make you fill out questionnaires that will tabulate all your answers into a personality assessment which will then be matched to other members who may be compatible with you.

The whole process of setting up a profile can even illuminate a few things about yourself that you didn’t know. How often do we get a chance to sit and write down what we’re specifically looking for in a mate? Not to mention having to analyze yourself and pick out the qualities that you think make you a good catch. Would you date someone like you? But I digress…back to the profile.

So you’ve filled out your age, height, body type and profession, now it’s time to get that profile poppin’. Here’s another ‘P’ word for you: Picture. Yes, the one that’ll say a thousand words. The pics you put on your profile will say alot about you, so be sure to post up the ones that not only show your good side, but your personality. Action shots are great but don’t be too staged with it, unless you’re going for the comedy effect, and hey, everyone likes someone who can make them laugh.

Now comes the write-up. That’s where the challenge really comes in; how to be interesting and appealing with your words, how to make that impression that will prompt a potential date to click your link? This will take a bit of time, but again, it can be fun. This is where you make your wish list, your declaration of standards and expectations, and what kind of adventure someone can expect to have should they choose to get on the love train with you. If you browse other profiles, you’ll get alot of great examples of what can appeal and what can repel. Everyone has their own writing style so I’m not going to tell you how to do that, but my advice is to just keep it positive, specific and uniquely you.

Online dating can be a whirlwind of an experience; it certainly makes it easier to meet people, but once you do, all the rules of dating still apply. You’ll have to get to know the person, see if the chemistry online continues offline, and whether things can go further than an instant message.

If you’re looking for a serious relationship, it’s still going to take work, sorry! I have heard both happy stories (like getting engaged) and horror stories (like getting stalked) from people who’ve tried online dating. But that’s dating in general isn’t it? No matter how you met, you’re dealing with human beings, and they’re much more complicated than a computer. So if you’re surfing for love, be safe, be selective, and be real.

‘DJ/producer/host of ‘The Lovezone with Geena Lee’ (www.geenalee.com), Geena is also a voice actor, media arts instructor and freelance writer.’