[August 02, 2009] Local couples hit the love lottery through online dating Tweet Aug 02, 2009 (Public Opinion - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- In our fast-paced 21st century lifestyle, people are looking for ways to do things more quickly and efficiently. That mindset has even left its mark on romance. Computer dating sites and speed-dating fill a niche for busy singles who don't enjoy spending their precious free time at places where there's a slim chance Mr. or Ms. Right will happen to appear. Online or computer dating has become popular for singles of all ages, no matter what their lifestyle, faith beliefs, hobbies, profession or sexual orientation. Computers can check the profiles of thousands of people to locate the kind of person one seeks. The computer substitutes the random part of dating, giving singles a much better chance of finding someone compatible. Online dating is particularly good for those who are introverted, according to "Pros and Cons of online dating by Susan Dunn, http://www.holisticjunction.com. Introverts tend to be more comfortable with a slow introduction and getting-to-know you period, communicate well in writing and are more comfortable controlling the pace of e-mails. Others prefer online dating for its convenience -- participants don't have to get dressed up and go out. "I don't do the bar scene or dances and everyone seems to be a couple at church," said Trish Stinson of Chambersburg. She is part of a growing number of unmarrieds who rely on online dating services to meet compatible people to date. She uses the site http://www.singles.net, which costs $20 a month. "I'm able to send people e-mails and they send me e-mails," said Stinson, 54, who has used online dating services for 21/2 years. "If you don't pay the company the $20, you can still send a flirt, which is one of a list of comments such as "I liked your profile" and "I'd like to talk to you." The other person might flirt back, which could lead to e-mails and phone number exchanges. Stinson, who is divorced, has found the online dating site to be safe, have only clean language and an easy way of dating. Through the sites, she has met about 25 different men to date and none have been out of line, she said. Stinson also joined "Together," an expensive dating club where she met with someone to answer several hundred questions about herself. After that, she received names and information about men who might interest her who are registered with the dating service. n n n Married almost five years, John and Tina Artley of Fayetteville met on Christian Cafe, an online dating site. Tina Artley responded to her husband's profile, they chatted online and then talked by telephone for about two months prior to their first date at Creation Festival in Mount Union. Tina Artley was seeking a serious relationship and was searching for a Christian with her same religious beliefs. She liked John Artley's sense of humor on his profile. By their first date, she felt she already knew her husband. The Artleys now have a 31/2-year-old son, Logan. n n n Though many have found success with online dating services, keep in mind that once a person puts information on the Internet, it is there forever. These sites can be havens for scam artists and people must proceeds with caution. n n n Newlyweds Rev. Robert and Anita Raker met through the online dating site e-Harmony and were married on June 13. Both never before married, he's a Church of the Brethren minister, formerly of Mercersburg, and she's a church pianist/organist who adopted several children with challenges. Having spoken on the phone for many hours prior to meeting in person, the couple felt they knew each other well and knew they had much in common when they met, which made physical appearance not as important, Robert Raker said. He added that he had given up hope of ever finding a wife. In addition to their love for children, the Rakers have much in common -- both have gone on many mission trips, they are musicians and both have teaching degrees. Speed-dating A popular way to find romance in cities are speed-dating businesses, such as Sammy's Singles LLC in Hagerstown, Md. Sammy's is hosting events at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29 and Oct. 23 and 24 at the Venice Inn/Best Western in Hagerstown. At speed dating events, guests sign in and mingle until the "official" dating begins. Participants are seated opposite sexes across from one another and have about four minutes to talk to each other. Males then move up a seat while females remain seated. "This is a wonderful opportunity for singles to meet in person and in a safe environment," said Katy Sweeney, owner of Sammy's. "I think people are less likely to be lied to when meeting face-to-face with speed-dating than on online dating." Participants fill out and sign a registration form agreeing they will practice safe dating tips. Tickets are $25 and include free soft drinks, snacks, door prizes and a cash bar. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. A portion of the proceeds goes to AIDS AWARENESS. The Aug. 28 and Oct. 23 events are intended for ages 21 to 39, while the Aug. 29 and Oct. 24 events are intended for ages 40 and older; however, unmarrieds who are at least 21 may attend any of the events. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. For information or registration, call (240) 291-7229 or e-mail sammyssingles.com. ______________ Iris Hersh may be reached at 262-4757 or [email protected]. Safe dating tips Trust your instincts. Ask lots of questions when chatting with potential mates. If someone is abusive or rude, they are not for you. Don't allow yourself to be talked into anything. Meet in a well-lit public place. Tell a friend where you are going and who you're meeting. Carry a cell phone on a date. Do not accept a ride home on the first date or reveal your address. Source: Katy Sweeney of Sammy's Singles LLC To see more of the Public Opinion, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.publicopiniononline.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Public Opinion, Chambersburg, Pa. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]