5 Reasons Online Dating Might Be Right For You

Over 50 million people are logging on to look for love - are you?

That number alone should provide enough incentive to venture into the world of online dating, but if you're still not convinced, here are 5 reasons online dating might be right for you:

1) There is no longer a stigma attached to finding love online. There was a time when people assumed that anyone using the Internet to find dates was unattractive, extremely desperate, and potentially psychotic. Newsflash: this is the 21^st century, and online dating is now considered just as legitimate as meeting The One offline.

2) It's relatively inexpensive. The cost of dinners, movies, flowers, drinks, and chocolates adds up over time - and in the midst of a recession, conventional dating might not fit into your budget anymore! Fortunately, with the proliferation of free and low-fee sites, online dating can be an affordable alternative.

3) It's convenient. Are you a busy professional with a hectic schedule? Meet potential matches during your lunch break, or during any other spare moment you might find. Sick? Having a bad hair day? Still wearing your pajamas at 3 o'clock in the afternoon? No problem! Online dating allows you to interact with prospective partners from anywhere, at any time, and in any condition.

4) You're shy. If you're introverted, socially awkward, or break out in a cold sweat just from thinking about approaching someone you're attracted to, online dating is just what the doctor ordered. Profiles allow you to start the getting-to-know-you process from the comfort of your home or office, significantly reducing the anxiety that many feel in social situations. Making the first move by sending an e-mail or clicking a button that says "Flirt" probably feels less stressful than having to say "Hi!" to a complete stranger, but it accomplishes the same goal.

5) Targeted searches. Finding a match using traditional dating methods is based entirely on good luck. Maybe you're only interested in women over 5'8", with a certain color eyes, and who enjoy a specific hobby, or maybe you only want a man who is from Northern California, has brown hair, likes to cook, and speaks Japanese. What are the odds that you'll stumble upon the ideal mate in a grocery store, on the dancefloor, or in your favorite park? Unless you have some seriously good karma, it's probably pretty unlikely. Enter online dating, stage left. Internet dating sites allow you to make your searches as broad or as specific as you'd like, increasing your chances that you'll find someone you're truly interested in.

Online dating has become a way of life for millions of people across the globe and I'm confident that love can be found online, but if you still have your doubts, check out part two of this series - "5 More Reasons Online Dating Might Be Right For You" - for more information on why the Internet might be the perfect place to find your perfect match.