If you’re afraid to try Internet dating, see if one of the following misconceptions is on your list of fears.

by Cherie Burbach

Internet dating is often approached apprehensively by daters, in part because of some mistaken beliefs people have about the process. The reality, however, is that online dating can be a great resource for singles today.

Here are a few mistaken beliefs about Internet dating.

Everyone Lies

The majority of the hundreds of thousands of people involved with Internet dating are completely honest with the information provided in their profile. Some folks, however, do stretch the truth of at least one thing or another in their profile. Perhaps it is their weight, height, or maybe even income. But a small percentage in no way means that the majority of people are lying.

If you’re afraid to try online dating because you think you’ll never get an accurate read on the truth, take heart. Many of the people who do fudge information on their profile do so out of fear of rejection. Guys, for example, might stretch the truth about their height. Woman may do the same regarding their weight. Still another person may fail to list income for fear of being judged too harshly.

When you take into account why people may stretch the truth a bit, it will give you a better sense of who is really online. In short, most people just want to be accepted. Try to meet a few folks first before you decide that everyone on the system is being completely dishonest.

Only Losers Try Internet Dating

The number one reason people do Internet dating is simply that they haven’t met the right person yet. They are not freaks or losers. Rather, online daters tend to be busy people who don’t have as many opportunities to meet new people as they once did.

Another large section of Internet daters are divorced or widowed people who have not been in the dating world for many years. Internet dating gives them a chance to get “out there” in the dating world more easily than if they were to try and meet people on their own.

It’s Scary

Daters need to practice good safety measures any time they meet someone new. Until you know someone (regardless of how you meet them) you need to be cautious.

Internet dating allows for safety measures such as double blind emailing, use of first name only, and email contact before meeting. All of these are security measures that other dating methods don’t have. In addition, online daters should always opt for a coffee date as their first meeting to further project their safety. Don’t let fear hold you back from online dating. Instead, practice excellent safety measures and have fun.

It’s Costly

You might pay a fee to join an Internet dating service, but it’s really no more expensive than hanging out in bars, going to a health club, or taking a class. All of those are things singles do to meet new people also. Besides that, if you were able to meet someone really great for you, wouldn’t you be willing to pay to do it?

Many misconceptions about online dating arise from daters who have tried it for a brief time without success. Other times, mistaken beliefs get started from people who are afraid to try Internet dating, choosing instead to believe a lie rather move out of their comfort zone.

Rather than believing these falsehoods, arm yourself with the best possible information and give it a try. Perhaps in doing so you’ll be able to dispel some of the misconceptions for someone else.