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Online dating: Pros and cons and how to make it last longer

“We met online” sounds strange? Well, it used to. The slightly shameful stigma attached to meeting a man on the Internet is perhaps gone, but does online dating actually work?
Today internet is flooded with online dating apps such as Tinder, Match.com and so on. Tinder alone sees some 14 million swipes a day in India (source: THE HINDU. We are in the age of social media where everything is centered around online communication. Whether you want to keep in touch with your family, friends or find a suitable partner for yourself. Finding the MR. Right never seemed such a task at is today. People find it hard to find the perfect guy in a bar or a party so for them online dating is a savior. Here are some pros and cons of online dating if you are planning on giving it a shot.
PROS

• The Convenience
  you get to meet around thousands of singles, all under one roof. This is perfect for those who don’t have much time or live in an environment where there aren’t many singles. Moreover, you get to choose your potential partner in the comfort of your home and further deciding to go on a date if they are worth it.
• Life savior for introverts

Online dating apps provide introverts a platform to express themselves fully who are otherwise shy, reserved, timid or socially withdrawn.

• More options
  one has a plethora of options to choose from. Having a guaranteed variety of choices is a wonderful change from the old days of dating when it used to be hard just to meet people in general let alone to meet potential partners.
• Getting a chance to meet like-minded people

These apps or dating sites matches you to the person who shares the same interests as you. This makes the conversation flow much easier thereby increasing the rate of compatibility.

CONS

• Can be dangerous

In virtual world it is likely that people put their best foot forward and to do they sugar coat things and give a false depiction of their personality. So one doesn’t really know whether the person they are talking to is fake or real. So be careful!

• Loss of true sense of communication

One can easily get into a habit of using online dating as a substitute to going out. Since in online dating most of the interaction is computer/phone mediated face-face interaction becomes difficult. It is likely one can become socially awkward.

• Time consuming and overwhelming 

Dating apps take too much of time and effort. It takes months to build up, whereas you can get a phone number in one minute by walking up and talking to a woman in person.

• Ignored and rejected

Expect getting ignored or rejected after a couple of dates. It happens to almost everybody at some point but expecting the consequence makes the impact less harsher.

How can one make online relations last long?

When you are in an online relationship with someone it is quite common for conflicts to arise. One of the most common cause is the difficulty in striking a balance between your virtual and real world. For instance, insecurity amongst your online partners when you meet a potential mate in real world. Secondly, there is anUncertainty and ambiguity. Sometimes you get mixed signals after first date and you’re not sure if you should invest in few more dates or not. Moreover since the relationship began online, you still dont know the person good enough to judge them. This causes uncertainty which can be overwhelming.

But what if you are really into this guy you met online and want to make it last, what do you do? Here are some suggestions-

• Mix of online and offline: Every relationship is a mix of both online and offline communication. Though it started online, it is preferable if you switch to offline means of communication as well such talking over phone or meeting in person more often. This will reduce the awkwardness and bring your potential partner much closer.

• Share common beliefs: Talk about common beliefs and ideas. For instance the last song you heard or the book you read. Engage in talking about similar kind if interests. If you share similar perspectives with your partner chances are the relationship will last longer.

• Talk about future : Online relationship can be too much work at times.  Sometimes it can feel like a drag or ‘going nowhere’. Discuss about your future, talking to your partner about where they see the relationship going.

• Effort counts: Much like any other relationships, you need to pour conscious effort for the bond to last. Choose to stay with your partner every single day.

• Taking precaution : Taking precaution in advance is always better. Before jumping into the ‘dating stage’ one should do a thorough research of their partner. Finding information about their friend circle, family or workplace on other social media platforms like Facebook or getting information via mutual friends.

Online dating has both pros and cons. These dating apps have become a game changer for conventional arranged marriage portals. Young Indians today are experimenting with dating and still trying to understand the dynamics of dating life.  But wanting to make it everlasting it is important to remember that it takes two dedicated people for a long-term relationship to exist.