I did meet someone online and he "seemed" to be a really cool guy we dated for like 6 months and then it got kind of weird, so that was my one and only experience and I don't want to keep doing that. I like to look people in the eyes and get a sense of who they are. Maybe I will try it again, but right now, I'm good. So, good luck to you, take a chance, its worth it, even if things don't turn out well...

Meeting people online is just like meeting people anywhere else. There are going to be freaks online just like there would be if you met someone at a bar or at church. The advice in this thread is wise. There are some gems out there!

For me it has always been easier to meet guys to date that I've met online. I am very outgoing and have a lot of friends who are guys. However, my weight has caused confidence issues so I think there is comfort in the person getting to know me before they can pass judgment on my appearance.

I've been online dating for many years, and have met many wonderful people which have turned into long term relationships/friendships (and also my share of jerks). You tend to get a "feel" for who's BS'ing after a while. Listen to your own emotions and if someone sends up a "red flag" for you take it to heed, even if you dont know why. If something feels "off", it usually is. Keep your own emotions in check for a while as well as it's FAR too easy to get swept up in online romances that never make it off the computer screen. Good thing about those sites is you can block people that stress you out. So much easier to just block someone you dont like than trying to deal with a pushy admirer in person. LOL.

And when meeting someone for the first time, always keep a level head and some street smarts. If I'm going in their car I ALWAYS snap a pic of their licence plate and send it to my roomies, and give them a call or text a little bit into the date (even if I have my own car). If someone hesitates about you taking any type precautionary measures then that should be a big ole red flag warning.

There's some wonderful people in the online dating world, and one of the good things about it is even shy people can open up a bit about themselves online, and break the ice a bit before that initial nervewracking first date, but we do live in a crazy world with crazy people, so just stay smart and you'll do fine.

Using the more tame dating sites you should be fine anyways. I, personally, frequent some of the more specific sites for my particular interests (ok I'll admit it.. I like my guys kinky ) and haven't had any problems on those sites even meeting people with more extreme tastes. So on the vanilla, more Care Bear type sites... you should be golden

Happy dating!

I am in this boat right now, I am getting ready to meet a guy that I have been chatting online/phone with for...8 years!! He lives on the other side of the country and that's why we have never met, among personal issues on both sides. I am freaking out a little bit, because I feel I know him so well, we talk about everything and I could say he is my best friend, which is odd considering we have never met face to face. It scares me to think that I am putting so much trust in him and it turn out bad. But, I just decided that it was time and I wanted this. My family all think I am insane and I don't get much support from them. My biggest fear is that he wont like me physically, he tells me that is silly and not to worry about it, but I can't help it. I also don't want this to be the biggest mistake of my life either. I am trying to be positive but it's hard when I have so much self doubt. I just hope it works out because I really feel we could make a go of it, we get along so great but I know in person, it could be totally different.

I just wanted to sing praises for plentyoffish.com- I tried the site after a hard break up on advice from my sister- I went out on a few dates with a friendly guy but there wasn't much spark I then started to date my DBF and it was a match. We have been together 1.5 years now and there is talk of a ring...

There were many guys who contacted me that I rejected because of some weird feeling while chatting etc- don't be afraid to say no thanks if your not feeling it for whatever reason! also don't be afraid to meet if your interested-

I also loved the forums on POF- I canceled my account a while ago but I like the site while I used it!

I went through almost this same thing years ago. I was from Boston, and came out to California to meet a friend I'd been talking to online for a few years. We met at the airport and fell into each others arms like something from a fairy tale. After that we scheduled a few trips to spend together and I eventually moved out here.

After a couple years we decided to make a break as a couple, and start seeing other people, but we still live together and we are still best friends.

My suggestion is just take it slow, but don't be afraid to meet. I've never regretted getting on that plane, even though all my family and friends thought I was insane. And when I decided to move out here? OH boy.. the negativity from them was astounding, but I followed my heart, and proved them all wrong.

Don't be afraid to try. Some of the best relationships I've ever had were with people I've met online.

I met my boyfriend of now 5 and a half years online. Albeit not a dating or social site but the internet nonetheless. We are very happy and I don't see that changing.

Be safe and take your time with it all. Good luck

Thank you so much for sharing this story! I have been so nervous but so excited to go meet him, I hope that even if it doesnt work out romantically that we can stay friends, that's what I want more than anything. We are talking about me moving out there, if we get along good, so only time will tell. Again thank you this is just the sort of thing I needed to hear, a positive rather than all the negativity my family/friends are giving me.

I met my BF in a chat room and we have been together six years now. We are both open and honest with each other. I met him for the first time a few years ago and it was like we hadn't been apart at all. I am going back in March to see him and so yes it's possible to meet someone online , just be careful though I know a lot of guys like to hide things or are not what they say they are.

I've met some pretty cool guys off Plentyoffish.com None have been serious, because I'm too picky, but I did meet a really great male friend