Just joined a dating website...

[lilipk]

I joined it last Friday and have been having good fun emailing people back and forth. Is there still a stigma attached to meeting people online? Should I be wary of weirdos? I'd like to hear your stories (good and bad!) and also find out if there is any sort of etiquette I should be aware of as a total newbie!!
Thanks in advance everyone!! :)

[Count-A-Strong]

I don't think there's any stigma whatsoever in using one to meet potential partners. Like many other aspects of life the Internet has made this one quicker and more efficient. I'm sure the site youre a member of has lots of advice on safety when meeting up with people but most of it is really common sense.

[ummmm]

I don't think there's a stigma attached anymore.

However, it would wise to know that many people using them are not after a relationship, are weird or married.

[mrs_overall]

After his divorce, my brother has been internet dating. He's met some lovely women but also a couple of weirdo's. One woman turned up on a date with an axe in her handbag! His first date is always in the daytime for a coffee and always somewhere public. He says that he gets to see them in the daylight and meeting for coffee can extend into something else if the woman is OK or be cut short if she is not OK.
He's 6'4" and likes tall women. One woman said she was 5'10 - she'd added a whole foot to her height and was a borderline midget.
I'd advise that you always tell someone where you are going and who you are going to meet.
There is no stigma attached to meeting people on line.

[Bbbananas]

I met my man on-line - we've been together almost 4 years. He did put in his intro that he would take his dates "on his yacht" if that appealed - I thought "yeah, right - I bet he's got a dinghy or a little rowing boat or something". But I liked his profile, so took no notice. He did indeed have a yacht. A big one. I sailed, loved it, and found a new hobby as well as a new boyfriend.

Just be very careful the first few dates, don't make yourself seem too desperate or too 'available' and use your common sense and intuition - there's weirdos in all walks of life, not just on the internet.

[redcrx]

always meet somewhere public
always tell a friend where you will be, who with, at what time and when youll be home. Phone them if you change your plans (dont text them)
dont accept a lift home on first date

i had a friend who would text me a question that only I knew the answer to. he knew that if i didnt reply or gave a wrong answer to come and get me immediately.
the time he sent me a text asking what sort of motorbike he had i panicked lol. Luckily i said it was a blue one thats all i could remember as he wouldve come looking for me.

good luck, there are some oddballs out there but also some genuinely nice people, and maybe you perfect match.
I met Mr CRX online 6 years ago.

[TTG]

Yes, I've met women and couples in person after emailing/chat online. If the website has a forum, join in and get to know people first. I found this is the best way rather than just contacting someone and asking for a meet. As it's been mentioned, meet in the daytime and tell someone where you are going. All my meets have been good even if we did not "click". If you are after someone genuine, don't "big up" your financial status.

[Barmaid]

There is absolutely no stigma. I met my future husband online and we are quite open about it.

As for stories, I would bore you to tears. I have had the misfortune to have met a significant number of absolute nutters and retards. Some stories are funny, some are quite tragic. All I can say is, be prepared to kiss a whole load of frogs before you meet your prince/princess!

And be very wary of those who are after "fun"!

[Sqad]

barmaid....LOL....I love you.

[rowanwitch]

friends use them a lot...especially as many of them have been out of the dating scene a while...batting emails back and forward is less fraught than the early trying to do small talk bit and you do have an idea about interests etc when you meet...but as said by others be careful.... also try special interest forums if you have any hobbies that might be shared by men...as they won't be on site looking for a date if you do hit it off on line it can be a meet for a coffee as friends first....

[VW525]

I've met a few boyfriends online, and made many more friends online too. I recommend it wholeheartedly. Again, as long as you keep safe on your dates, I really don't see a problem with it. Especially if you are shy I think it's great :o)
I once met someone online but as I had a boyfriend at the time (it wasn't a dating website, so I wasn't looking for a new man while seeing someone else - that's not cool!), I passed him my single friend's e-mail address...they married seven years later!

[lilipk]

Wow - didn't expect so many great comments! Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your experiences and advice with me! It's very much appreciated and valued! :)

[angiealf]

I was always told that dating sites were bad as you can never tell who you are talking to. BUT I DISAGREE. 2 years ago I went against advice of friends and family and signed up on one. I was 39 at the time and never had a relationship. I'm sensible so went for it. I'm short and over weight, all the men I messaged sent back things like - Want taller, want slimmer, want prettier etc etc. I was about to delite my profile when a new man came along - "I Love Your Smile" was all he said in his first message - it was the clincher - we met for coffee one afternoon and have been together now for a year and 2 months. And are very much in love. It's a wonderful feeling.
On the other hand though - a friend has spoken to a few men and has been used, they start out sounding great but then start asking for money. Afew of them even pose as someone else, one of them goes on the site under 3 or 4 different names. You just have to be careful and don't take it too seriously until you actually meet the person you're talking to. When you do make sure you meet in a pulic place where there will be plenty of people around. Also tell a few trusted friends where you are going and have them on stand by not too far away incase something happens. Good luck lilipk in your search. There's someone for everone out there, I found mine hope you find yours XXX

[angiealf]

P.S - a few spelling mistakes in last entry - should be - Public and everyone.
Sorry.