Arguments from Both Sides

Advocates of both online and real-life dating make compelling arguments. Online platforms allow for embellishments—like edited photos with beautiful backdrops and false personal details. However, many can deceive just as skillfully in real life. Online environments are rife with fraudsters, yet these are real people, not programs, using the internet merely as a tool. In their absence, they would surely find other means to seek out “victims”.

Time Considerations

The belief that the internet saves time is not always true. Time spent online can be equivalent to time spent in a club or cafe, and the success rate of meeting someone may be similar. For many, online interactions are simply more comfortable, allowing them to socialize from home in their favorite sweats.

Experiences from My Social Circle

From observing couples in my social circle, successful introductions can happen anywhere: on dating sites, at work, through friends, or even at a gas station. Today, it makes little sense to distinguish between virtual and real-life encounters, as the advantages and disadvantages of both methods are often exaggerated and easily refuted by real-life examples. Even before the internet, people met virtually through newspaper ads and letters. The key is not to take such interactions too seriously or plan a wedding before meeting in person, which is especially pertinent advice for women.

Self-Reflection for Successful Relationships

To make dating successful and lead to close relationships, it is crucial to understand oneself and identify personal obstacles to meeting people, communicating, and building long-term relationships.

Case Study: Oxana’s Journey

Background

Recently, a 32-year-old woman named Oxana (name changed, publication permission obtained), who is financially stable and has a 5-6-year-old son, consulted me. Despite her strong footing in life, she lacked serious, stable relationships.

Challenges in Finding a Partner

Oxana is attractive, lively, and sociable. Unable to find “suitable” men in her surroundings, she turned to dating apps. However, the men she met would disappear after brief chats or a single date.

Consultation Insights

It became apparent during our consultations that Oxana’s life was quite full, leaving little room for a man. She loved her job and could work around the clock, with her parents largely taking care of her son. Despite having her own apartment, she was not in a hurry to move out from her parents’ house.

Career Opportunities and Decisions

Furthermore, Oxana received an offer to expand her business into another city, leaving her uncertain about whether to focus more on finding a partner or on her career.

Resolution and Moving Forward

Our sessions led to her decision to move out from her parents’ home and prioritize finding a life partner, though her journey did not stop there. During our last consultation, she shared that she had been communicating with a man from the city where she might move for work, and she planned to visit him soon.