I always think it’s amusing when people scoff at online dating. I mean, I DO EVERYTHING ONLINE. I’m a writer-ONLINE. I pay my bills, respond to emails all day long, shop, make appointments, have virtual meetings, shop, read the news, shop, watch movies, TV, shop…all online. I’ve met female friends online through blogging/twitter whom are now “real life” friends I lean on everyday. I think it’s safe to say that most of us would be unhappy campers without the internet, and by unhappy I mean WHAT THE HELL WOULD WE DO WITHOUT IT?!

I’ve met great guys both online and off, and for me, online dating is the equivalent of going to a bar/club…but I can do it in the comfort of my home, in my pj’s, watching Dancing With The Stars, without the fear of getting my ass grabbed by an overly “friendly” jerk who has had one too many vodka sodas. I can hit “delete” without feeling too bad about it…on to the next!

When I’m getting ready to go to a bar with my single girl friends, of course we have guys on the brain! We put our best faces forward-wear our hottest outfits, make sure our hair and makeup is on point. We smile, we toss our hair, we play the game. It’s a bit harder to say “delete” straight to someone’s face, and with alcohol added to the mix, this is where a lot of mistakes can be made. Walk of shame, anyone?

Filling out your online dating profile is basically the same thing as hitting up a club with your girls. You put your best face forward, only this time it’s on paper. You make sure you are witty, flirty, sexy, classy and intelligent…you play the game. You list what you want and wait for it to be magically delivered to your inbox.

Maybe he buys you a drink and engages you in great conversation. Or maybe he sends you a fabulously witty, intriguing email. Either way, he has your attention…and what you do from here is what really matters. I don’t believe the real you or him comes out until you step out from behind your laptops and spend time together outside of the dimly lit bar, and see each other for who you truly are. Forgetting about the fancy profile his friend wrote for him, and underneath all your sexy makeup and hair–is there a connection?

It’s two people, coming together…ditching the “best versions” of themselves, and leaving all the words and the eyeshadow behind. How you got there doesn’t really matter…but get there. You might come home disappointed, the sparks you felt at the club might be gone, or perhaps he can write a great email but can’t carry a conversation. Chalk it up to experience, and move on. The next guy who says hello at the grocery store, or the latest email in your inbox-who knows, right?

On To The Next.

Elizabeth Marie is a Cali girl who left half her heart in London. She spends her time blogging, traveling, drinking copious amounts of wine and is on an eternal quest for the perfect fitting jeans and the perfect fitting man, both of which are hard to find, but she just won’t settle. Subscribe to her blog or follow her on Twitter.