Online Dating: Stamina Needed!

For anyone who's tried online dating, you know. It can be a rush. When you first discover it, you're like a kid in a candy store: So many choices!! Being anxious to get started, you threw up a blurry selfie that you snapped in the car or bathroom, made a few comments about yourself and what you are looking for ("I'm witty and like to laugh; like going movies or staying in to watch Netflix; I prefer casual but clean up well; I want to avoid drama," etc), and hoped for the best.

I'm telling you, that's about the worst thing you can do.

With technology at our fingertips, getting passed up by a potential great match is just a left-swipe away, so I implore you: Don't be hasty!

That being said, once you get your profile pumped up and ready to go, be ready for an experience not unlike interviewing for a job, or hiring the perfect employee. If you are picky—and you should be—you're not bound to find your Mr/Ms Right on the first date. What starts out as an exciting experience—meeting new potentials and that getting-to-know-you stage—can get old after you've told your life story for about the tenth time. You're meeting engaging singles with whom you feel no chemistry, as well as gorgeous dates who fall flat in the personality department. So you move on. Sigh.

Dating is not for the weak of heart. It involves a lot of rejecting and rejection, and that can break your spirit. Not taking it personally takes practice, and you may not be up to that. Often times, you'll need to back off, because your heart just isn't in it anymore or you've maxed your budget on "entertainment" for the month (yes, dating can get expensive).

So take a break. Go out and meet singles in "real life". Look around at the grocery store. Practice flirting. Online dating is only one way to meet, and it's not the best way for everyone, especially if your profile does not depict you well. There's definitely something to be said about meeting people in person.

What always made me go back to online dating? The promise. The numbers. The hope that, even if he isn't online today, he may show up tomorrow.

Whatever you do, don't give up. I guarantee that good things (and dates!) come to those who wait, and are patient. Take a deep breath and go for it, again and again, if necessary. I'm a firm believer that there is someone for everyone, but if you're looking for that needle in a haystack, s/he may elude you for a while.

Chin up; they're out there! If you have the dating stamina, you'll find them.

I'm glad you're here.

Your dating coach,

Delaney Love