Yay Or Nay? Is a Dating Websites Right for You?

The popularity of dating websites is continuing to grow. With apps for quick matches and in-depth online profiles aimed at finding the person of your dreams, it seems like almost everyone is taking to online dating to find their next significant other.

But even with the growing popularity and targeted websites growing, dating websites and apps aren’t for everyone. There are positives and negatives that go with creating an online dating profile, and before you get into the heat of the moment, you want to be sure you know them all.

These dating website pros and cons can help you determine if you online dating is the right next step for you.

Dating Websites

The “Yays” of Online Dating

Times are changing and that means dating is changing too. There is a reason that online dating has become increasingly popular and more and more individuals are finding their future spouses through a profile. Here are some of the best things that online dating can bring you.

Access to New People

With traditional dating, you’re limited to your friends, your friends’ friends, or people you spark a conversation with at the bar, grocery store, or on the street. For the lucky ones, this strategy works fine. They have enough interactions and acquaintances to keep their nights busy and their needs fulfilled.

But unfortunately, most of us don’t make that same kind of connection. Even if a spark starts, it’s not often that it turns into something long term. And unless you’re out meeting new people and making new connections every day, it could take some time before you stumble on the right person.
Dating Websites
With online dating, you’re suddenly opening the door to a whole new group of people that you may not have ever met otherwise. Maybe you don’t frequent the same bars or you’re both very busy with work, but either way, your path’s wouldn’t have crossed. Now that you’re both online, you can quickly and easily spark a conversation.

Stick to What’s Comfortable

If you’re looking for a date through a traditional connection, it means you need to put yourself out there. Maybe you’re a homebody, but you really want to meet someone new so you head out for a night at the club with your friends. Not only will this take you out of your comfort zone, but anyone you meet at that club probably isn’t going to be your soul mate.

Through online dating, you don’t need to leave your comfort zone to start meeting new people. If you’d rather stay home on a Friday night with a bottle of wine and a movie, online dating can help you do that and meet someone who wants just the same things. Online dating doesn’t expect you to change who you are in order to find someone. We know that whoever you date should love you for you, just the way you are.

Put Yourself Out There

Another big problem with traditional dating is never knowing who is single and looking for something new. If you approach someone at a grocery store, a club, or on the street, there is a good chance that they already have someone special and they’re not looking for this unsolicited attention. While most people will say thank you and brush it off, it can hurt your ego to feel like everyone you’re interested in isn’t available.

With dating websites, everyone who goes online is looking for a connection. Their profile is proof enough that they are available, so you don’t need to get worried about getting shut down immediately if you choose to reach out to them. You, and everyone else online, is putting themselves out there, showing that they are willing to start something new, and that they welcome any interaction from you.

There are a lot of benefits to dating online. You can do it in your own time, you can stay true to who you are, and you know that everyone online is looking for what is next. With online dating, you’re taking the guess work out of meeting people. But even with all the benefits, there are still some drawbacks.

The “Nays” of Online Dating

If there are positives, there are going to be some negatives. Like just about everything else, online dating isn’t perfect. Here are some of the biggest drawbacks to consider before getting into online dating.

Not Everyone is Looking for the Same Thing

This “nay” can be true about traditional dating as well, but with any relationship you enter into, there is always a chance that someone isn’t looking for the same thing you are. You may be ready for The One while they’re just hunting for a weekend fling. 
Dating Websites
With online dating, there seems the be a misconception that everyone is out looking for something serious. While there are many, many people out there looking to settle down and meet the person they’ll spend the rest of their life with, others are just looking for someone to spend the rest of the night with. If you get into dating websites, you need to be clear about your expectations and ask your dates for the same information.

You Don’t Have Mutual Friends

If you go on a traditional date, chances are you met because your date knows someone who knows one of your friends. If anything, there is a good chance that there is at least some kind of connection between you two that makes you feel slightly safer.

But when you go on a date with someone you met online, you may not have any mutual connections that could let you know what that person is like, what to expect, and what kind of person they are. You’re on your own to figure it out by yourself.

Online dating shouldn’t be a scary thing, but you do need to be smart about it. When you’re first getting to know someone, be cautious about your date plans and how you go about getting to know each other. Get to know your date and make sure it is the kind of person you want to spend your time with.

If you are considering setting up an online profile with a dating website, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. Consider what you’re looking for and if online dating can help you find that. While many people use dating websites to meet new people, go on dates, and find people they are genuinely interested in, it isn’t the right decision for everyone.

The “yays” and “nays” of online dating can look different from person to person. The best way to see if an online dating profile is right for you is to try it out! Go on a few dates, meet a few new people, and if you find that you’re one of the individuals who prefers a traditional dating method, you’ll have some great dating stories to tell in the future!