In the age of the “Internet” many are finding love online.
By Lisa Kestenbaum / Special for the Malibu Times
From matchmaking to matrimony, the Internet has rapidly become the new spot for romance. Online dating communities have brought the dating scene to the screen, and with less time, money and energy to go out and find the perfect mate, many people are logging on for love.
Angie Szeman, a Realtor, decided to try online dating because she did not like bars and it was difficult to talk in dance clubs. Szeman started out on one particular dating site, but after a few months-and three “frogs”—she switched to Match.com.
“I decided that I would not seek out anyone but I would respond to those who were interested in me if I liked their profile,” she explained.
A witty e-mail from a potential match named Kevin St. Jean caught Szeman’s eye and she decided to respond to his e-mail.
St. Jean was a Match.com veteran. He had tried the site three times in Los Angeles and had met, in person, approximately five different people but had no further success. He decided to join Match.com one last time and within one month, St. Jean came across Szeman’s profile. After exchanging several e-mails, the two decided to meet in person for dinner.
Before meeting, St. Jean said he was excited. “I generally do not get nervous, but this time I was,” he said.
Szeman also remembered feeling particularly excited to meet St. Jean. “It was fun,” she said. “I had a feeling he was special, maybe even the one, but I would never admit it at the time.”
Dinner led to a movie, and 11 months later, the two got engaged.
Szeman was initially shy about having met her fiance online, but explained that now when she tells people they are usually blown away. “People always think we have been together for a long time,” she said.
While Szeman and St. Jean found love in cyberland, they both warned other online daters to be cautious, patient and to trust your instincts. “You also have to be safe. I never gave my address and I always met people in a public place. I also told friends who I was meeting and where,” Szeman said.
Meeting a mate online has become so popular that there are dating communities that cater to specific demographics. JDate.com, a popular Jewish singles community, boasts more than 15,000 members. FarmersOnly.com is geared toward farmers, ranchers and agricultural students, as well as all agriculture, horse, livestock owners, animal lovers, cowboys, cowgirls, rodeo fans and country wannabes. Founder Jerry Miller said that there have been at least 75 marriages since the site launched three years ago. ScientificMatch.com uses your DNA to help you find a partner with physical chemistry; DateMyPet.com provides a forum for pet lovers to meet.
If you think online dating might be for you, Dan Abelon, co-founder of SpeedDate.com, offered the following tips for creating a successful profile: Avoid posting a “fauxtograph” and instead choose a photo that not only shows your face but your individuality as well. Go with your gut-if you are not feeling chemistry, move on. Choose a creative screen name that captures your personality.
So, whether you are counting down the days until “I do” or just looking to meet someone new, surf the Web to catch the new wave of romance.