6th blog

From Solo Flights to Virtual Dates: My Online Romance Journey

 

Welcome back to the thrilling saga of my life! From 'I do' to 'I don’t' and now to 'certified, but fingers crossed, not permanently single,' (LOL)  this blog chronicles my adventures as a seasoned expert in solo living. Strap in, because it’s still just me, myself, and my unwaveringly loyal Wi-Fi password!

 

Single and fabulous—yes, Beth! It took some convincing on my part (haha), but here I am, embracing my status with humor and resilience. The big question, 'What’s next?' With limited opportunities to meet men face-to-face, I boldly ventured into the realm of online dating—not as a casual pastime, but as a serious, data-driven expedition. From DateInAsia to OKCupid, Bumble to ChristianDating, ChristianCupid, Tinder, Badoo, Coffee Meets Bagel, and even CatholicMatch.com—yep, I’ve tried them all. 'Wow,' you might think, 'that’s quite the roster! And still no luck?' That’s right, the quest continues. Who knew that modern romance could feel like drafting an eternal thesis that’s always in need of editing!

 

Surely, I’ve encountered my fair share of characters in the vast ocean of online dating. Among the catch? The serial swiper, the ghost, the scammer (I have not been a victim of one, but almost), the blatant liar, the cub (you know, the one seeking cougars who might double as financial sponsors), the digital flirt, the virtual Casanova or even the sex maniac. But hey, don’t let this discourage you! I’ve also met some genuinely decent men—ones I even traveled long distances to meet face-to-face. And what happened? Well, sometimes there was no spark, no physical connection, no chemistry. It’s a shame, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles. You win some, you lose some, and in the world of online dating, you definitely can’t have it all.

 

I dare say I’ve earned the title of ‘seasoned online dater’ after nearly a decade navigating the world of virtual romance (yes, 10 years—cue the laughter). With all that experience under my belt, I think I’ve got a nugget or two of wisdom worth sharing. So, without further ado, here goes!

 

Here are some straightforward, personal and effective tips to guide you through the journey of online dating:

 

1.   1.   Select the most suitable platform that aligns with your goals:

C  Choose a dating app or site that matches your intentions—whether you're looking for casual connections, meaningful friendships, or a committed relationship.

    CatholicMatch.com seems like the perfect platform for me as a Catholic; however, most of the men on the site are looking for women who live nearby, typically in the U.S. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding anyone open to long-distance connections. To top it off, the membership fee to unlock all the features of the site wasn’t exactly budget-friendly.

 

2.   2.  Craft a genuine and compelling profile: 

     Choose clear, up-to-date photos that genuinely represent you, and craft a bio that showcases your personality and interests. Steer clear of heavy filters or generic clichés—they can make your profile feel less authentic.

 

I’ll admit it—I've been guilty of posting pictures with just a little touch of filter magic, carefully cropped to keep those imperfections at bay. But hey, who hasn’t? Maybe next time, I’ll let the flaws shine through and keep it real... or at least as real as my good lighting permits. Haha!

 

3.    Strike a balance between discernment and flexibility: Swipe with intention and keep an open mind—sometimes the best matches come from giving someone a chance, even if they don’t tick every single box on your list.

Here’s another confession—I’ve been known to swipe left the moment I don’t feel that physical spark with someone. For me, physical attraction tends to come first, and it often dictates whether I’m interested. But you know what? Next time, I’ll aim to break out of that habit and give someone a chance, even if the initial appeal isn’t there. Who knows? A deeper connection might surprise me.

4.    Kick off with an engaging introduction: "Ditch the standard 'Hey or Hello' and start with something that shows you’ve actually read their profile—mention a shared interest or a unique detail to kick off a meaningful conversation.

Guilty as charged—haha! I make an effort to read profiles, but there have been moments when I crafted what I thought was an engaging opener, only to get... radio silence. It’s a bit discouraging, so every now and then, I’ll just keep it simple with a straightforward 'Hello.' Sometimes less is more, right?

 

5.    Prioritize your safety: Keep your personal details under wraps early on, and for those first few dates, always choose a public place—it’s the smart and safe way to get to know someone.

There have been times when a profile captivates me and the initial conversation feels promising, leading me to quickly share my WhatsApp number. It’s a habit I’ve realized I should steer clear of—for my safety and to maintain boundaries.

6.    Establish limits: Never feel obligated to reply right away or interact with someone who makes you uncomfortable—your boundaries and peace of mind come first.

When I come across a profile that doesn’t pique my interest, I typically choose not to reply. However, there are times when guilt nudges me to send a polite 'thank you' instead. It feels like a more respectful way to acknowledge their effort, even if I’m not interested.

7.    Practice Perseverance: Finding the right match is a journey, not a sprint. Don’t let mismatches or ghosting dim your optimism—it’s all just part of navigating the twists and turns of the process.

There were moments when I hope felt out of reach, and I wondered if it was all worth it. But here I am—still navigating the world of online dating, even if it’s not as often as before. Persistence, right? LOL!

8.    Rely on your intuition—it’s often your most reliable guide when something feels right or wrong.  Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t. Always listen to your gut and put your well-being above everything else.

I always trust my instincts—maybe that's why I’ve managed to avoid being scammed so far. A word to the wise: stay vigilant, and watch out for anyone—man or woman—asking for money under suspicious circumstances.

9.    Enjoy yourself: Embrace online dating with an open mind, a curious spirit, and a dash of humor. It’s not just about meeting new people—it’s also a chance to discover more about yourself along the way.

There was a period when online dating felt like a tiresome chore, especially when good prospects seemed scarce. But moving forward, I’m determined to shift my perspective—approaching it with renewed optimism and an open mind.

10.                   Recognize the right moment to step back: If it starts feeling overwhelming, step back and recharge. Dating should enhance your life, not drain it.

About a month ago, I hit pause and took a much-needed break. But guess what? I'm back in the game now, folks.

11.                    Stay confident and composed—desperation rarely leads to meaningful connections. This is my last piece of advice.  There might be some more in the future.  Focus on building authentic relationships at your own pace.

 

And so, dear readers, we find ourselves at yet another chapter of my journey—a journey where, despite my best efforts, the man of my dreams remains an elusive figure. I’ve seen it happen for others—friends, even close ones—who have discovered love in the digital realm. But as for me? The story isn’t over. Not by a long shot.

 

Even at my age, I refuse to throw in the towel, and I urge you not to either. Because love, as unpredictable as it is, has a knack for showing up when you least expect it. So yes, this blog is far from its final act. Buckle up, folks, because Beth’s quest for true love is a saga with many twists and turns still to come. The road ahead may be long, but who said great stories were ever written in a day?