Please give it serious thought before going any further: Are you sure you have what it takes to find love online?

Just because online dating works for a lot of people, it doesn’t mean it will work for you.

I have been involved in online dating...from the very beginning. I have struck up conversations with both men and women. I am amazed at the number of people that believe they are in love...mutually in love, after a few emails and a couple of I.M. sessions. If your emotions are that vulnerable, and if you are that tired of being alone, then please avoid online dating.

When acting out of sheer desperation, we choose to ignore issues that continuously slap us in the face:

Emails not being answered promptly. Phone calls not being returned at night and on the week ends. Our "love interest" refusing to give more information about themselves. Their emotions switch back and forth...from hot to cold and back again.

At this point, I’ve learned to shut the "relationship" down. There are a few too many red flags for me. Before even meeting this person, he is already putting me through emotional changes! I refuse to accept or tolerate it. I know I deserve better and I insist on it...next?

Whether you have what it takes to find love online or not, there are certain ground rules that must be adhered to. I don’t share them with my new "love interest". Until I can trust this person, it would be like giving a robber your house key.

When you approach online dating, please remember:

1. Most people online are not willing to commit to a monogamous relationship? Even though they will give you the impression that they are totally committed to you? (They are hoping you will take your profile down, and take yourself off the market.)

2. The person you are interested in, continues to pursue other people online? (Basically, they are still "shopping" for a better deal!)

3. At least 50% of their profile is probably a lie. Maybe they are small lies, or maybe they are much larger lies.

If you are unable to accept those 3 statements, I must ask you again: Are you sure you have what it takes to find love online?

I strongly suggest, until you have "tougher skin", online dating is not for you.