Tips dating video

Last updated on October 25, 2015 | by Aet Suvari

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Online or offline dating – which is easier?

Whether you’re online or offline dating do you ever wonder if the grass is greener on the other side or is dating always a challenge no matter what way you look at it?

The rather thought-provoking short film below on the pitfalls of offline dating has recently gone viral.

That’s right, this isn’t a typo. The pitfalls of offline dating not online dating. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch it. I don’t want to tell the whole story here but basically it’s about the hardships of trying to find a date in the more “traditional way” when everyone else is doing online dating.

It got me thinking. Is offline dating still seen and perceived as a more traditional way of dating? Is online dating really the new norm now? Which clearly means that we no longer need to offer advice, tips and warnings when it comes to online dating but instead we need to give daters the tools to ask someone out in real life!

So, let’s look at a few reasons why online dating is actually easier these days than offline dating. First, a lot has to do with chance. In offline dating a whole lot of happy coincidences and accidents have to happen for two people to get together. They both have to happen to be at the same place at the same time. Both single. Both willing to find someone. And then, of course, there’s chemistry and mutual attraction and a whole lot of other things. Online dating takes a few ticks off this list. By bringing people together there’s a lot less things that rely on chance.

Although you still need to have chemistry and attraction for things to actually work out.

Online or offline dating pros and cons

Secondly, there has to be the right moment for asking someone out – and that’s a lot easier to create online. So you swap a few emails, chat a little, leave these little hooks here and there that the other party can choose to pick up or not… and the next thing you know, you’re planning your first date together. It’s all different in real life.

That pretty girl on the bus might be on her way to work. The hot guy in the park is hanging out with his friends. They might not be in the mood for a date – even if everything else pans out and they actually ARE single, willing and potentially attracted to you. In real life there’s a lot of factors that are playing their role at the same time – and you’re just one little cog in the machinery.

Thirdly (and this might sound surprising) there’s also the question of safety. Imagine a situation – even better, watch the short film – where a stranger walks up to you and asks you on a date. Even if he were unbelievably good-looking, the initial reaction would still probably be no. (Granted, it is a little different for guys, but let’s face it, also a lot less likely to happen…) Why? Because you wouldn’t feel in control of the situation.

Because it’s unexpected. Because you’re not totally sure what is going on. For whatever reason, you’re inclined to say no. But with online dating it’s a lot easier. Someone asking you on a date is not so surprising – after all, that’s the reason why you initially signed up! That doesn’t mean you can feel all safe and secure about it – it’s always a good idea to be cautious and careful before you go on that first date – but at least you have more control over the whole thing.

So, in conclusion – online dating has a few advantages over the “old way” of finding a date. At the same time, if you look at the short film, you also realise there’s something incredibly endearing and sweet and exciting about offline dating as well. At the end of the day – dating doesn’t have to be easy. But it should always be fun and safe.


About the Author

has been reviewing and writing about the world of online dating since 2008 and the launch of Online Dating Help. A stickler for promoting ethical practices within the UK dating industry she champions the sites that get it right while highlighting those holding it back. You can follow her on Google+



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