The Inside Scoop On Online Dating

Online Dating: Shop Till You Drop!

2011-12-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

So I have come to the conclusion that online dating is a lot like shopping. And, how we act as consumers plays a huge role in how we now date. For Instance, we recognize a need to have someone meaningful in our life, we then go out and gather different information on our options and then compare the different alternatives. The process of online dating is merely the process of pushing a shopping cart down different isle. The internet now allows us to have access to a number of different alternatives. Which in my opinion would be very overwhelming, but people are shifting toward becoming more knowledgeable consumers and want to have all the information they can, in order to make the best decision.

-Dana

Translating Online Dating Profiles

2011-12-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a funny video on how to translate online dating profiles and find out what they are REALLY saying. Obviously this video is purely for entertainment purposes but the main point of the video is that anyone can basically say anything. It's important to keep in mind that people want to look good, and are likely to fib a little bit here and there. That's the beauty of communicating online, people can basically play different roles and be whom ever they want to be. I think that's what scares me the most about online dating services!!!

-Dana

The Little Couple and Their Online Dating Story

2011-12-01T14:00:00.001-05:00

Apparently TLC's, The Little Couple met online on a dating service. Click on this link to watch their video which explains the whole process on how they met. VIDEO.

After seeing this video my perceptions of online dating had changed a bit. For little people, it is probably a struggle to find someone you're compatible and with dating services it makes that process a little bit more easier to find someone. The Little Couple, Jen and Matt met on a site for little people. They instantly connected and are now happily married. This couple strongly supports online dating, and prove that it can be an effective way to meet someone.

-Dana

Interesting Statistics on Online Dating

2011-12-01T13:49:00.001-05:00

I read an article today on Dating Statistics by John Sharp which covers some interesting facts about online dating and people around the world. Some of these stats include:

Online Dating Usage: 140 million from China, 40 million from US, and 15 million from India
More Popular Service: E-Harmony has over 20 million users, and Match.com has over 15 million
Facts about E-Harmony: Members must fill out 400 question survey
Break Down of Users: 52.4% Male, and 47.6% Female, the average visit per site time is approx. 22 minutes
The Online Dating Industry is worth approx 1.049 billion per year and expected to be 1.3 billion in 2013
Customers of Online Dating spend on average 239$ per year
1 in 10 users are scammers, and 1 in 10 users leave the site within the first 3 months
In America, men lie most about: Age, Height, and Income
In America, Women lie most about: Weight, Physical Build, and Age
Average length of courtship for marriages: Met online- 18.5 months, Met offline- 42 months
1 out of 10 sex offenders use online dating to meet people

I thought these were some really interesting facts about online dating, and from based on what I have researched a lot of it seems to be pretty accurate. Especially the point about the average length of courtship. It seems that a lot of people that meet online get really serious fast. I wonder what the reasoning behind that is!

-Dana

The Stigma of Online Dating- It Is Still There!

2011-12-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

Before beginning our online dating experience, both Josh and I were aware of the stigma that is associated with meeting people online. However, we thought if we were more educated on the topic then our perceptions might change. I know for me, mine didn't change and I still can't get my head around it and not think about the stigma that it has.

But for those of you that enjoy the online dating experience there is hope! According to an article Online Dating Stigma- Is it Gone? the stigma of online dating is starting to disappear over the years. Celebrities such as Dr. Phil, Charlie Sheen, Joan Rivers, and Halle Berry have been known to check out online dating services. From learnings from my Consumer Behaviour class, individuals are likely to accept certain products and services more if there are celebrities endorsing it. So perhaps this will be a growing trend and people will develop more acceptance toward online dating services.

-Dana

The Future of Online Dating

2011-12-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

The growing trend toward online dating has proved to be very profitable for many businesses. Therefore, these types of businesses want to uphold a good reputation and are becoming very professionalized. There is also a prediction that online dating will be eventually taken over through mobile use.

The consumers are in control, and everyone is all about convenience these days so it is very critical that online dating companies make this shift. Furthermore, people are starting to consider social media outlets such as Facebook, and Myspace as dating sites as well. This fact may end up hurting online dating companies in the future, as Facebook and Myspace can now provide similar services without the attached stigma.

Where do you guys see online dating in the next 5-10 years?

-Dana

When Do You Stop Chatting Online

2011-11-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

So say you meeting someone online, and begin to go on a few dates. When do you decide to cancel you online dating account? Is it ok to go on dates with one person and then still go home and talk to other people online? Or do you date multiple people at a time until you become serious with just one.

I guess it completely depends on the individual, and I think if someone plans to date a few people at once, they should bring this up with their dates. I think being honest is a crucial factor in online dating. You have to be able to trust people.

What do you guys think? Do you think it is ok to date multiple people at a time?

-Dana

Who Do You Want to Attract?

2011-11-29T13:16:00.000-05:00

One thing that I have learned from my online dating experience is that at some point you need to take some time to evaluate:

Who you are right now
Where see yourself in the next few years
What type of person you need that will fit into your current and future life objectives.

Like I have said in previous posts, there are so many people on online dating sites. Therefore, it is crucial that you have a few basic questions about yourself figured out. This way you can start to filter out the people that wont fit well into your life.

Many dating advice experts suggest that people create a list of criteria that a certain person must fulfill. This criteria involves three components:

Essential criteria: Anything that is a must, like religion or family beliefs
Criteria that you prefer: Such as hair colour, or athletic attributes
Criteria that does not matter: Anything that you don't have a preference to.

With this criteria in mind, you can then evaluate the individual first using the essential criteria. If they don't meet those standards then you should move on to the next, and so on. Doing this ensures that you remain mindful of the things you want, and inadvertantely will be more successful in finding someone that you are truely compatible with.

-Dana

Dealing with Online Rejection

2011-11-28T15:54:00.003-05:00

One topic that hasn't been covered so far in our blog is the dreaded "Rejection". Nobody ever likes being rejected or disapproved of by anyone, but no one ever said by using online dating services that you were going to have 100% success with the opposite sex. Sooner or later, everyone gets a kick in the stomach and it's an awful feeling.

If you keep getting rejected maybe it's time to consider a change in a) your profile and b) the personality types you're currently going for. When it comes to your profile be specific about who you are and make sure you get your personality across. When deciding on who might be right for you, make sure you can get a sense of their personality from their profile. Lastly make sure never to lie about who you are, or what you look like. Believe in yourself, be confident (not cocky) and you'll come across more attractive to people. Never give up, be patient and one day you'll find your special someone.

-Josh

Online Dating Cliche Translator

2011-11-28T11:45:00.005-05:00

This article by Cracked.com talks about several common descriptive things that are often found in peoples profiles and give their "translation" of what they actually mean. The translations are pretty funny and from my experiences a lot are accurate. For example when someone says "I'm new to this whole online dating thing" the translation is - "No, I'm not". The majority of the time from what I've seen, people saying they're are new to online dating, means they have in the past and are actually just returning back to online dating in another attempt to find someone.

The funniest one that you should try to avoid is "I'm looking for that spark"... Translation - "I'm looking for a man who's 6'4", makes six figures, has a chiseled jaw and washboard abs, is a hopeless romantic, has a great sense of humour and makes me laugh every day, is intelligent and well-read, loves to travel, will buy me flowers and open doors for me, is sensitive and emotionally available, loves kids, loves pets volunteers, for charities, is a handyman, is great in bed, shares my political beliefs, shares my faith, matches my astrological sign, will not be afraid to tell me he loves me, gets along with my family, will worship me, will spoon me, will always understand me... and actually exists". WOW!!! Good luck.

It's funny, but is their truth behind the translations? you decide.

-Josh

Best 10 Date Movies of the Last Decade

2011-11-27T16:55:00.002-05:00

Ever done a home movie date with your significant other and wondered what movies you should watch? Well I've been looking at a lot of "top 10 best date movies" lists and have chosen this one to show you from Good News Weekly.

10. The Wedding Planner is a feel good date movie. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Lopez.

9. Casino Royal is one of my favourite James Bond movies of all time and won't put you or your partner to sleep.

8. Avatar is the biggest box office hit of all-time and gives more then enough action/fantasy/adventure to make it a date to remember.

7. 50 First Dates a love story comedy with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, can you say perfect combo for a great night.

6. Hitch this one is doctor recommended. Will Smith and Kevin James were great and the movie keeps you laughing/smiling most of the time.

5. Along Came Polly, I haven't seen it yet but my next movie date will definitely be this one because it looks good from the trailer I just watched.

4. The Notebook, okay raise your hand if you've seen The Notebook. Now put down your hand if you hated it. Okay guys, all the girls hands are still up, so make her happy and watch it. It's a tear jerker, but will likely go down as one of the best love stories of all time.

3. 500 Days of Summer we're on to the top 3 and we kick it off with an excellent romantic comedy. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a fantastic job portraying his character and it's overall a great movie.

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind I know, you see that it stars Jim Carry and you're thinking "theirs no way this can be good, he can only do comedies. Well my friends, give this movie a watch and I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.

1. Stardust as Good News Weekly says and I agree. "The absolute best date movie of the 2000's. Stardust mixes, action, adventure, fantasy, comedy, and romance into a masterpiece of a movie."

Hope this top 10 list makes your movie date night extra special and let me know your favourites if they differ from this list.

-Josh

Barrie Beer Buddy Keeping Your Date Smooth

2011-11-27T14:58:00.005-05:00

Many of our fellow classmates have been doing their own blogs and I'd like to recommend anyone needing tips when it comes to Beer visit Barrie Beer Buddy. Some of the things you can learn from them are: how to pour the perfect pint for your date, what the best deals are on beer this week, and which are peoples favourite brands. This way you can save money by getting a certain brand well it's on sale, make sure you have the right kind, and impress your date by pouring the perfect pint for her. After all what woman doesn't love a nice cold pint of beer?

-Josh

Josh's Plenty Of Fish Review

2011-11-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

At the start of our blog, Dana and I talked about different online dating services available and both of us came to the same conclusion that Plenty of Fish (POF) was our favourite to use. It was user-friendly, had a familiar feel (reminded us of Facebook) and it was very popular with a large amount of users online at what seemed all hours of the day. However after using POF for almost three months, my opinion of it has changed and I'll explain why. The simplicity of the service itself and ease of which it takes to sign-up and use, is still excellent compared to other online dating sites like eHarmony. However this also comes with some negatives aspects such as anyone can easily make an account in seconds, and it seems less people on POF are actually seriously looking for more then "intimate encounter", even if they state they are "looking for a relationship." Additionally people are a lot more crude and disrespectful from the 200 encounters with people I had over POF compared to any other dating service.
I'm guessing the long set up stages of other dating sites deter people who are just wanting a "booty call" or just are using the services to get their "kicks". I've recently closed my POF account, although I did get to go out on some great dates and meet some awesome people. The amount of spam messages in my inbox or rude messages you receive after declining a "chat session" really was unappealing to me.
I'm sure a lot of other people really enjoy their time on POF, but personally it wasn't for me.

Anyone else have a similar experience? or was it just a case of bad luck?

-Josh

Think Your Date Was Bad?

2011-11-27T14:31:00.001-05:00

We've all had bad dates, and I just learned you can now post about your date at WORST ONLINE DATE. If you're bored and have some free time on your hands I recommend going to this site and reading about some of the dates other people have had. I personally thought the time I went out with this girl and she spent two hours complaining about her ex was bad, but after reading some of the stories posted here. I won't be complaining about having a bad date, because mine doesn't compare to some of the ones I've read. Enjoy!

-Josh

Online Dating Stories Revealed!

2011-11-26T19:37:00.000-05:00

I recently ran across this website where people can post their experiences on online dates on this site to share with others. This site on online dating stories reveals the real life truth about dating people from the internet. Most of the stories are based on bad experiences, and some of them are pretty entertaining to read.

It may help to have a look through this site before you plan on going on a date with your internet friend. Some of the stories may help prepare you for what to expect. And, it is always nice to be prepared and not caught off guard. Also remember to be safe, and to use your head. I read one story of this girl who went as far as purchasing an airplane ticket to visit her internet friend only to find out that he had been lying about himself the whole time. In the end, she was ok and nothing bad happened to her but you never know. I just thought it was kind of risky to travel to another country to meet a complete stranger.

So have a look at some of the stories in the link above, and see what other people have to say about their online dating experiences.

-Dana

Online Dating Isn't For You?

2011-11-25T12:48:00.013-05:00

Okay, you've tried online dating services and it isn't for you. Don't worry it's not for everyone, so here are a few awesome places to meet new people.

Health Classes: You get to not online focus on taking care of yourself through participating in fitness classes like yoga, kickboxing, CrossFit, etc... but you're interacting with other individuals who share your passion to stay in shape.

Charity Fundraisers: As I've experienced, going to a charity fundraiser for a great cause like the SPCA is an awesome place to meet new people. You're both there for a similar interest, the atmosphere is warm and friendly, and you get to support a great cause.

Special Interest Classes: Singles often tend to attend special interest classes like dance instruction, cooking, art, and message often. It's also a great way to learn new things, have a good time and possibly meet that special someone.

Of course theirs always more random encounters through libraries, book stores, coffee shops, art galleries, church, etc... so don't give up, be patient and eventually you'll find that special someone.

-Josh

How To Dress To Impress Your Date

2011-11-25T11:44:00.006-05:00

Have you ever gone out to a restaurant looked around and thought "oh crap, I'm under/over dressed". If so, you've failed step one of "How to Dress to Impress Your Date".

Step 1: Make sure you know where you're going with your date, so you know how to dress for the occasion. If you're going somewhere formal obviously a suit is a great idea, but for less fancy dates, a button-up shirt or polo with a nice pair of slacks or jeans is your best bet. Just be sure your clothes are clean and they don't have rips in them. If you can't even dress yourself properly for one date, she's going to think your a child who she'd have to treat as a baby instead of a man, which she is looking for.

Step 2: A lot of women freak out about what shoes they're going to wear, so you can bet they're going to notice yours. Make sure; a) the shoes match with your outfit b) they don't have holes c) that they're clean and d) most importantly make sure they don't smell terrible.

Step 3: Shower, shave, and spend some time on your hair. You know the girl is going to be looking her best, so you need to step your game up. If you're not clean shaven, at least trim up the beard and make yourself look presentable. Don't over load the hair gel, but make sure you don't have "bed head" and of course shower. Their is no excuse for bad body odour, and it'll ruin any chance for another date.

Step 4: Finally, it's common sense but make sure to brush your teeth and having a couple mints around for after your meal is always a great idea. It'll also go a long way if you end up getting a goodnight kiss.

Follow these steps and you've improved your chances dramatically of having a good date and impressing your girl.

-Josh

Do Guys Always Pay For The First Date?

2011-11-25T11:16:00.008-05:00

You've met each other online, decided to meet up and have gone out for your "first date". Now comes the moment where their seems to be uncertainty; "who picks up the bill?". Does the guy automatically pick up the tab? Is their some kind've rule that says you should go dutch (split it), or does the girl pay?

Okay, well their isn't any written rule about who has to pay for the cheque. Usually I hear a lot of people say "whoever initiated the date should be the one to pay". The other answer you'll hear the majority of the time, is the guy should always pay.

According to a poll on MensFitness asking men "Do you pay on the first date?"

80% - Yes, Always!

7% - Yes, only if it's going well.

5% - I go Dutch (Split it).

5% - No.

4% Whoever asks, pays.

If you follow this poll, the man should be the one picking up the tab regardless of who initiated the date. Personally I always pick up the cheque whether the date was great, or not so much. The fact is on a first date with someone you've met through an online dating service, you're not paying huge amounts of money to go to the "Starlight Room". Most likely you're grabbing drinks or doing a lunch date, so the bill won't be that much. So I recommend being a gentleman and pull out the extra $20-40 and pick up the cheque.

-Josh

Online Dating 101

2011-11-22T13:31:00.006-05:00

Figured it was time for another refresher (and for our new followers), as I constantly still see many people making some fatal errors. I found a short but good article done by MensFitness.com that states "you have one click to make a good impress with your online dating profile. These four tricks will help."

1) Pick a mature (not silly or arrogant) screen name. This is actually something I missed covering in an earlier post. Their example of what not to do is "BigMikey9Inch" and how you might think it's clever but it's very unlikely the girl will. This I feel is true, as the girl is more likely to think you're a) an idiot, b) trying to hard to get noticed, c) closer to "NotSoBigMikey4inch"

2) Use a high-quality photo. This one has been mentioned by me in the past but it's definitely a must. First women want to know exactly who they are talking too and will want to clearly see your face, so lose the ball caps and sun glasses.

3) Be clever in your profile. Don't give them your life story, as it leaves very little to be discovered and everyone likes a little mystery. I also like their suggestion of "Don't start out by apologizing", just because you're not a great writer doesn't mean you should advertise your short comings. She'll figure it out in time and letting your personality shine through will be a lot more successful then divulging useless information.

4) Stick with the truth. I can't stress this point enough, please don't lie. They're going to find out eventually, and when they do their will be trust issues. The #1 things that men lie about is their height, well women lie about their weight. Speaking from experience it's really disheartening when you get to know someone over the internet, then meet them and are nothing like you were expecting.

-Josh

Online Dating Is Embarrassing?

2011-11-21T11:36:00.012-05:00

I've read articles about it, heard about friends getting a hard time from other friends for doing it, and I still can't figure out why someone should be made to feel embarrassed about using online dating services. A decade ago when people believed online dating myths like their were no attractive people using online dating, or that everyone online is desperate or a psycho you can understand why people wouldn't want to admit to using such services and maybe be embarrassed by it. In 2011 we should now be past this as their are millions of people all around the world using online dating services to search for potential partners. Most peoples lives are very hectic, working longer hours, keeping fit, catching up with friends and it's difficult to find time to go out and meet new people. The online dating scene is quick, easy, and convenient giving these people a chance at finding happiness. So if you're one of the people feeling embarrassed about using online dating don't be. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy, and if your friends make you feel embarrassed for trying to be happy, maybe... they aren't really that good of a friend after all.

-Josh

Facebook Dating App

2011-11-21T11:13:00.007-05:00

For everything you can imagine theirs usually an "APP" for and this it true for online dating. Dana previously talked about the POF (Plenty of Fish) App for smart phones, but the newest and hottest dating App might surprise you a little.

The new Social Connect App created by Facebook was voted the 2011 best dating App. The social-networking giant has created a online virtual cafe where people can do various things: rate hot connectors, send charms to your favourites, find and "fave" local hot spots with FaveScape, and even browse for other singles. In addition they've created a "Guardian" feature that allows you to set up contact information of family and friends so they can check in with you while you are on your date. If you're looking to try online dating, I'd suggest giving Social Connect a look.

-Josh

Be Mysterious?? Dating

2011-11-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

I ran across some entertaining, and possibly some helpful videos by Dr. Paul Vehorn whom is a nationwide talk-show host. He believes that people need to be mysterious when trying to attract a member of the opposite sex. Below is one of his videos...

What do you guys think of his advice? And, what level of mysteriousness is most appropriate? The one thing that I struggle with in Dr. Paul's advice is that it would be pretty hard to get to know someone if they are not willing to open up. But, I can understand that being mysterious could be a good way to catch someone's attention.

-Dana

The Truth About Online Dating

2011-11-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

I am clearly not a fan of online dating, and to be honest I have already deleted all of my accounts. Therefore, from now on I will be focusing my posts on dating and relationships in general.

Below is a quick video showing the disadvantages of online dating and why it doesn't work. It is a pretty simple video, but the message is very accurate in my opinion.

-Dana

Top 10 Traits of a Good Boyfriend

2011-11-16T15:03:00.005-05:00

Well doing some research I came across this pretty interesting article by AskMen on the top 10 traits that make up a good boyfriend and my opinions on each.

10 - You Listen

Josh: Kind've a no-brainer, isn't it?

9 - You Don't Bore Her

Josh: Think everyone will agree being unpredictable keeps things exciting

8- You Know How To Please Her in Bed

Josh: So that's what I've been doing wrong... lol

7- You're Not Passive

Josh: Opinions may differ, but someone who is strong and confident in themselves is more appealing then a spineless jellyfish no?

6- You're Detail-Oriented

Josh: How many guys just groaned? Noticing the new dress she's wearing or how she's changed her hair... Kinda a big deal

5- You Give Her Space

Josh: Shows you trust her and you have a good relationship. Plus gives you a chance for a boys night, can you say win-win.

4- You Respect Her (and Her Family)

Josh: Definitely a must, no exceptions.

3- You Better Yourself

Josh: Everyone should try to do this anyways, but women do have a way of inspiring us guys to be better.

2- You Challenge Her To Be Better

Josh: Whether it's being supportive in her professional life, or inspiring her to make positive changes by things you're doing, this is a mark of a great relationship.

1- You Make Her Feel Beautiful

Josh: I'd hope that every boyfriend makes their girlfriend feel beautiful and brightens their day!

Do you think AskMen got this top 10 traits of a good boyfriend right?

-Josh

Online Dating Apps

2011-11-13T18:44:00.000-05:00

I recently discovered that there is an App for Plenty of Fish on the IPhone, and IPad. It is quite standard but is set up in an organized and clean manner. With this App, people can review their matches, and read their messages on the go. It also includes an instant chat function, and allows you to search other mobile users that are online as well.

I shouldn't have been surprised that there was an App for this site, as Apps have become very popular since the emergence of smart phones. There's now basically an App for just about anything. I am not sure if the Plenty of Fish App is compatible with Androids, but I am sure it is. For more information on Apps for Androids, check out this blog about the Android world. They have some great information to keep Android owners up to date.

What do you guys think about Apps, and how online dating is now mobile?

-Dana