I’m often asked what the advantages of online dating are over real world dating. In brief, there are a lot, but first I’d like to clear up a common misconception: that online dating ISN’T the real world! The only way to find out if online dating will work for you is to go ahead and start. Statistically speaking, your odds of finding someone who you can have a long term relationship with is pretty good – better than traditional dating, in fact – and that’s the important thing to remember.

We’ve probably all been with someone who we think is the perfect match. We thought this was the one relationship which would last for the rest of our lives – but of course, that’s not usually how things go. As the relationship goes on, we learn more and more about how we may not be compatible at all!

What can online dating do to keep this from happening? While there are no guarantees, one of the biggest advantages of meeting people online is that you can learn a little about them before you even say hello. When you meet someone out in public, you know basically nothing about them other than what they look like.

Looks are important, but when it comes to a successful relationship, there are a lot of other factors to consider. When you’re using an online dating service, you’ll be able to find out not just what someone looks like, but their interests and other details about them. Some would say that this takes the fun and mystery out of dating and there may be something to this, but it can also save you a lot of time spent chasing after someone only to find out you have nothing in common.

There is a different kind of fun and excitement to be had with online dating. It’s getting to know someone on a more profound level more quickly rather than trading pleasantries and mild flirting for days, weeks or months. Since you’ll know a little about each other already, you’ll be able to converse easily about interests you have in common. Whether you meet someone online or in real life, the first face to face meeting is always exciting and surprising.

Another advantage of online dating services is that they give you access to possibly millions of other singles looking to meet. Even if you live in a smaller city, chances are that there are plenty of people out there who you may never have met otherwise. With so many people online, you’re sure to at least make some new friends, if nothing else.

If you’re on the fence about online dating, it’s time to try it for yourself. Other than a modest fee for signing up at a reputable online dating service, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain!