It happened again.
This time I was getting a pedicure and chatting with the lovely woman who attempted to produce something beautiful from my calloused, beach-combing feet. The conversation naturally turned to how we each met our husbands.
Her question prompted my response, “On an internet dating site,” and I grinned, waiting for the usual astonishment.
No way! You’re the third person that I’ve heard of.
I find I’m hearing that more often now. My husband and I know two other married couples who met on Christian Café. Online dating is quickly losing its stigma. Many folks are tired of the bar hopping want-to-go-to-my-place scene. They want more than one night; they long for something real, deeper and permanent.
According to 2012 statistics, internet dating is gaining popularity and producing lasting results.
Did you know that:
- In 2007, 20 million people tried online dating; in 2012 40 million have jumped onboard
- 10% of 54 million singles use an online dating service
- Of online daters, 52.4% are male; 47.6% are female
- 20% of current committed relationships started online
- The average length of courtship leading to marriage for online daters is 18.5 months
- 17% of couples who married met on a dating site
- According to eHarmony, their site is responsible for 5% of all US marriages
Is it the best option?
While opportunities for meeting the person of your dreams through work, school, and social activities may present themselves to the majority of society, many people find the internet dating situation a beneficial one. Learning a little about someone from a profile or being matched to a compatible suitor offers a dating advantage that supersedes a bar scene or the constant conscious effort to pay attention to every potential single who may be in the next aisle at the grocery store.
Yes, liars and potential dangers do exist online.
But I’ve seen or met some fairly sketchy characters on a college campus, in a restaurant and even at church. There are no guarantees that you won’t meet unscrupulous people on an internet dating site—just as you might anywhere. It’s certainly not the only option; it’s only one of many. 
But I’m awfully glad I tried it.
Statistics provided by www.statisticbrain.com and www.eharmony.com
Laura Bennet - Author 
Beautiful couple! 🙂
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Thank you! More in love every day 🙂
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Another great “dating” post! Yes, I do know a couple who met on line and are now expecting their second child very soon. 🙂
You’re right, I’ve met unscrupulous people in real time! LOL
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Thanks Tracy. It’s great that you know someone who has met online! I’m so happy for them.
Yes, it’s not just online that we meet broken people, is it?
What are you up to these days? I’m missing seeing your posts pop up in my inbox…I know you’ve been super busy and transitioning sites. I’m signed up on both…
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Hi Laura,
I know, I’ve meant many broken people.
That’s very odd that you’re not receiving my posts. I’ve been very busy.
I’ve just launched “My Whimsical Shop” fifteen minutes ago.
Would you mind going into my blog at http://www.tracycampbell.net/blog and try signing up again. Very strange indeed. Thank you for letting me know, Laura.
I know I’ve signed up on other blogs and I don’t always get the posts either.
So much for technology. LOL 🙂 If you want to send me a private email I can check the emails against my list of subscribers. I think you have my email address.
Again, thank you for asking. And if you go to my sidebar you’ll see any posts you’ve missed. I loved to hear your comments.
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