Six months. That’s how long we’ve been eavesdropping on Lauren’s Online Dating Experiment. Three months on eharmony, then three months on Match.com. Since she lives in Dallas and has been using two of the biggest online dating sites, you’d think a sister would be married by now, wouldn’t you? If it’s simply a numbers game, then Lauren’s biggest problem should be too many quality dates, right? 
Maybe that’s one of our biggest misconceptions about online dating—that finding love should happen overnight. The truth of the matter is that, just like in the traditional dating world, finding love takes time.
So after three unsuccessful months on eharmony, and two more promising months on Match.com, how does Lauren feel now that she’s winding down her final month in the Online Dating Experiment? Here’s what she had to say…
Let’s get down to numbers: In your 3 months on Match, how many guys have you actually communicated with: How many have you talked on the phone and/or texted with? How many have you gone on dates with? How many had real potential, even if it didn’t work out?
Lauren: I’m happy to be able to report some success from the past three months! As far as communication beyond the dating site (texting and phone calls), I’ve communicated with 11 guys, and have been on dates with three. Two guys have been somewhat long-distance, so although communication between us has been going great, an actual date would involve a bit of a road trip. Of the guys I’ve communicated with, I’d consider four to have very real dating potential (two of the guys I’ve been out with already, plus the two who are long-distance).
Are there any reasons you think your online dating experience is exceptional or atypical?
Lauren: If my experience is exceptional in any way, I think it’s only due to the size of the city I live in. Although I do have friends here in Dallas who have been on Match.com a while and haven’t had any dates so far, I don’t think I’m particularly doing anything different or special. So I don’t know what exactly I’d attribute it to… perhaps after a combined total of 6 months online (eharmony and then Match) I was just due a bit of luck. 
Do you think you wasted your money by subscribing to an online dating service?
Lauren: No, I definitely don’t think I wasted my money. Success or not, I’ve learned so much! Even though I’ve found myself discouraged at times along the way, it ultimately feels good to know I’m doing something proactive. Sitting around waiting wasn’t exactly working for me, you know what I mean?? I think my experience with online dating has boosted my confidence and helped me to be more comfortable with my flirting skills (and by flirting, I just mean the ways I use to let a guy know I’m interested). I’ve had my share of discouragement in the process, but I definitely think that’s been the silver lining for me.
Are you planning to continue online dating? If so, would you use the same site or try a different one?
Lauren: Hmm… I do think I’ll continue with online dating, and I’ll probably stay with the same site: Match.com. I figure it can’t hurt to leave myself online a little while longer… you never know who might sign up in the next month or two and be a great match!
You’ve been on this online dating venture for 3 months now. What one word would you use to sum it up?
Lauren: My one word would probably have to be “entertaining.” I’ve enjoyed reading people’s profiles and seeing what makes them tick. And I’ve enjoyed talking to so many different types of people, from all different walks of life. It’s definitely added some interest to my sometimes ho-hum routine.
Would you recommend other people try online dating?
Lauren: Yeah, I say go for it! For the price of a couple of dinners at your favorite restaurant, you could end up meeting someone special (or at the very least, have someone to share dinner with at said restaurant). And as far as dating and “putting yourself out there” goes, doing something is always better than doing nothing!
If you know someone who’s been frustrated with their online dating experience, would you email them this post to encourage them?
Photo credit: Picography
