The FastDay Forum

What do you all think about online dating?
A good way to meet people? Especially if circumstance means you don't get much chance.
Or do you think it's lame?

I used to think it was pretty lame but it's looking more promising these days!!

I know at least two happily married couples that met through online dating.

I don't think it's lame, but there are some dodgy people and you would be well advised to ask plenty about them before meeting in person and to check it up via other resources.

Hi Sophie, we have some friends who met on line and they are very happy together several years later.

I think it is worth a go as long as you are careful when arranging to meet people etc.

Good luck, let us know when you meet the person of your dreams!

Hi speaking as the older generation I think it is a way forward just be careful where you meet him perhaps meet for a daytime coffee at first just use your common sense

[carorees]

Yes, meet in a public place and have a friend be at the same venue "undercover".

I think it's a fantastic idea as long as common sense safety checks are done.

I've never online dated (been married for years) but various of my friends are cyber-chums and I do go on to meet up with people. In fact, having lunch on Sat with a nice lady!

The first time I met up with a friend my OH took the mick for days before, saying she would turn out to be a bloke called Les, who was after me...

If I was single, it's the first place I would turn to for meeting people as I'm not really one to go out to pubs and clubs. You do have to be a bit careful as a lot of people can already be attached, just looking for "fun".

Hey Sophie

Go for it! I met my fiance online and we've been together for 11 years now! It really doesn't have the stigma it used to have. I think once upon a time it was thought of as for people who couldn't get a date any other way but now it's seen for what it is - a really convenient way to meet people. I also like that it gives you a chance to really get to know people, through exchanging emails, before you actually meet them - almost like the old-fashioned way of 'courting'! Good luck, have fun and stay safe!

OT: Like your blog, also know where you live just from your food description, yum! I used to live the other side of Princes Street and catch a bus up that road then walk back. Nice blog.

I've done it, and let me tell you, it's a real eye opener!! Some dating sites (particularly the free ones) are full of riff raff - for want of a better phrase, so it's definitley worth paying to join a decent one. Not sure whether I am allowed to call them by name but in my experience Match.com is full of players, EHarmony is better if you are looking for a long term relationship....of course, just my opinion.

And I agree with the others, meet in a public place, preferably drive there so you're not tempted with a little drinky to calm the nerves, which rules out beer goggles later in the date! I used to compare 1st dates to job interviews!

Good luck!!

Kim x

[Tracieknits]

I've been married for 15 years to a guy I met online He's fantastic and I don't see how we could have met otherwise.

Do take all of the safety advice. I knew he wasn't an axe murderer when he agreed to meet me in the bar of a nice restaurant where I was going to have dinner with my parents and sister. I did go on a few different dates with guys I met online, and I *always* made sure a friend was "undercover" in the same coffee shop or bar. You just never know.

Been married 4 years to my lovely husband wot I met on the now-defunct-but-free Love@Lycos.

Had a few interesting experiences - met one very nice guy who owned a beautiful lavender farm (and tea room!) but physically he didn't do anything for me, and have lots of friends that have met their long-term partners through online dating.

Definitely go for it!

Have to agree, I have loads of friends who have met partners and great friends on line. it is definitely not lame any more, back in the day there were matchmakers who got people in contact with each other, this is just the modern equivelent

OT: Like your blog, also know where you live just from your food description, yum! I used to live the other side of Princes Street and catch a bus up that road then walk back. Nice blog.

Thanks! Really glad you like it. It is a great place to live if you're a foodie, but very dangerous if you're just greedy like me!

@shrinkingrose - it was Love@Lycos where I met my fiance too!

I met my boyfriend that way we spoke over the phone and text for 2 weeks then we met up. he lives 40minutes from me so we just met up once or twice a week at first. we've now been together over a year and hes over here when hes not working, he's looking for work where i live so we can move in together best thing i ever did never been happier xx