When I first started dating online, I would receive so many comments regarding my decision. The most common one was: “You’re cute, 23 and could pick up anyone in a bar. Why date online?”
The truth is that I wanted to be more selective about who I dated. I was tired of the night life scene, 
random hookups and tired of being set up with people who I was not compatible with. Online dating is great at allowing you to be more selective.
The only problem is that people, especially in the south, seem to give stereotypes to people who date online.
Below are a few of the topics that I’ve had to discuss with friends and family regarding my decision to date online. I hope they help you to choose to either continue on your dating journey or have the courage to give it a try for yourself.
Myth #1: Online dating is for _______ people
According to Statistic Brain there are 50 million single people in the US. 40 million of those have tried online dating. How many of those 40 million do you think compare to the word you placed above? Not many. You can’t say that everyone is desperate, a liar, a psycho, or a loser. You can’t say that they aren’t attractive. You can’t say that there isn’t anyone your age, or anyone who has the same interests as you because 40 million people cannot fit into the same classification.
Just like you consider yourself unique and against the mold of stereotypes—online daters do as well. Remember that with 40 million singles out there who have tried online dating, chances are you might know a few of them. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Myth #2: Everyone lies online
I will be the first to say that online dating profiles are an idealized version of ourselves. But what is your profile picture on facebook other than the photo that you think you look the best in. Yes, it’s easy to lie online. But that doesn’t just happen in the online world. How many people lie to your face every day?
We all are imperfect people…online and off.
Myth #3: There is no one who shares my interests
This is something that I’m going to have to disagree with. Not everyone shares the same interests as I me, but there are a few out there who do. The nice thing is that you are able to fill out interest specifications in your own profile and then do searches for a significant other based on location, age, personality, lifestyle, values, religion, etc.
Myth #4: Everyone who uses online dating is looking for a serious relationship
I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to about this. About half of online daters are on there for making new connections or just looking to date. The rest are looking for serious relationships … and probably only a small percentage of those also want to get married soon.
Myth #5: It’s too expensive
Some sites are, in my opinion, too expensive. But, before you sign up and pay their fees, I would recommend trying a free online dating site, just to make sure you want to pay for the bigger and more selective sites. There are plenty of free sites out there, just remember that their selection is going to be different than the sites that people actually pay for.
Myth #6: It’s embarrassing to say you met your significant other online
It’s only embarrassing if you make it embarrassing. Just think about how many other embarrassing ways there are to meet your significant other. Meeting your significant other online through a dating website or through social media is becoming more and more popular and the stigma is dramatically decreasing.
Myth #7: Online Dating Is Dangerous
I wouldn’t say that online dating is dangerous, but you still need to be wary of who is out there. A few months ago I had a stalker from online dating. Yes, I was stupid and gave away too much information, and he took advantage of that information to gain more. Now I am more cautious about what I share with members and who I meet up with.
The best advice I can give you is when you look at your profile: What gives you away? Do you mention your Company’s name or where you like to go out at night? Do you mention where you work out? Do you give your full name?
I do not mention any of the above. And I hardly ever give names anymore over emails with guys. The other suggestion I can give is make rules for yourself and the people you date, and stick with them!
So, there you go. My version of online dating myths debunked. If you have any more questions regarding why or why not to give online dating a try, email me at anonymouslydating@gmail.com
-Addie
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