Dr. Seth Meyers, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Seth Meyers, Clinical Psychologist

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Internet Dating: The Numbers Are Stunning!

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In the July 4 issue of The New Yorker,
there was a multi-page article on the state of internet dating today. The article summed up a few facts that reflect how shockingly common internet dating has become.

For example, in 2010, author Nick Paumgarten reports that fee-based dating Websites grossed over a billion dollars. Wow, those are some numbers. In addition, a study from Match.com found that meeting online is now the third most common way for people to meet, behind meeting through work/school (first place) and through friends/family (second place). Finally, the author reports that one in six new marriages is the result of meeting through Internet dating sites.

Okay, okay, I know that we shouldn’t be that surprised. In fact, odds are that you know a handful of people who have explored these waters, if you haven’t done so yourself. As a psychologist who specializes in relationships, I am in full support of people meeting online as long as they are CAREFUL in doing so.

Quick Rules: Never, ever invite someone you meet on the internet to your home on the first date or two. Let someone you trust know where you are going on your dates early in the dating process. Finally, spend your early dates in very public places to protect yourself. There may be no reason to worry, but you can never be too careful.

Oh, and don’t forget: Try to have some fun. Dating, after all, is supposed to be enjoyable! As much as you can, try to let yourself relax and laugh a little.

PLUS: Dr. Seth’s new book, Dr. Seth’s Love Prescription: Find the Love You Deserve, is about how to stop repeating bad patterns in your relationships. Dr. Seth shows you how to stop repeating these patterns: falling for people who are emotionally unavailable, unfaithful,or wounded souls who have tons of potential but are emotionally broken in some way. With an introduction by a # 1 New York Times Bestselling author, Dr. Seth's Love Prescription is available in bookstores or at Amazon.com.

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