If you are a busy individual, and who isn’t today, there is probably no time in your life to waste with “hit and miss” random dating experiences. To complicate matters we now have the internet as a tempting and easy way to meet someone.

The first thing to understand that is different is the myth of “If it is meant to be, it will happen.” Very few relationships happen that way anymore. Today, you can make it happen.

Next, realize that good relationships do not occur when you are not looking. Romance by chance is a bygone thing and truth be told, something that never really existed. Today, you must empower yourself to take control over your personal happiness.

Everything in our daily life is more or less structured and planned. so should your search for a great relationship. Nowadays you have to be pro-active to succeed in anything: education, career, finances, creating leisure time.

It only follow that you should become active in the pursuit of your personal happiness! This includes a great long-term relationship.

Consider using a resource such as a matching, prescreening service for introductions. The stigma of these groups is long gone with the past. There are many reputable ones to use.

In choosing a service ask questions, screen them well and make sure they specialize in “introductions.” Taking this kind of proactive approach to finding a solid relationship in today’s world is well worth your time.

Modern dating needs a major overhaul and almost a manual whom to ask, when to ask, where to ask, how to ask for a date!

If you are one of the many millions of people who feel lonely right now because the love of your life is far away, console yourself with the thought that long distance relationships can, and do work. Some people have chosen to be in long distance relationships, while others are in the situation due to work commitments.

Like any relationship, long distance relationships require effort for them to succeed. Where your relationship differs from a normal relationship, is the fact that you have time to live for yourself. How many couples do you know of, who complain that they never have time for themselves. As with any sort of relationship, there are undoubtedly times where frustrations start creeping in. The quality time that you spend together, probably on the end of a telephone line can quickly end up in mind games, destroying the small amount of time you do get to be close together. If the wonders do start creeping up on you, remember that your relationship is built on trust, love and respect.

It is said that the hardest part of a long distance relationship, is the goodbye. You had probably spent time getting to know each other again and before you know it, it’s time to go again.

Obviously, you’re not going to know if it’s worth pursuing until you’ve given the relationship a go but here’s a few things to bear in mind when embarking on a long distance relationship and a few ideas how to keep your relationship hot whilst counting down the days before your next rendezvous.

Ask yourself (and your partner) if you would be prepared to move. If, for whatever reasons, relocating for both of you is out of the question then there really isn’t much point in continuing to see each other. If either or both of you said “maybe one day once we know each other more” then just see how the relationship develops and discuss it again further down the line.

Share the travelling. If it’s easier for him/her to travel to you then take these things into consideration when planning your weekend. Instead of arranging a hectic night out the first night he/she arrives, cook a romantic dinner so you can both relax and unwind indoors, without the hassle or expense of getting ready to go out for a meal.

Don’t lock yourselves away by staying in all the time when you visit each other. It’s very easy to wrap yourselves up in your own little love bubble when you’re in love and, although this can make the relationship very passionate at first, you’ll never discover how your partner behaves with other people. Some people’s personalities can change when socializing with others; they can become jealous, loud, embarrassing or dull. Not only will you get to see a different side to him/her, after sharing your time with others you will no doubt be eager to get back to your love nest!

Keep jealousy at bay by communicating. If you want this relationship to work, you need to feel like you are in a “regular” relationship, one where if you want to offload your troubles/share your news for the day, you know that he/she is there for you.

Spice it up with a webcam. Whilst this cannot compensate for actually being someone, it’s a great way to keep in touch whilst you’re apart.

Turn the negative into a positive. Don’t spend every night you’re not together moping around. Make the most of your independence (whilst still having a relationship) by socializing with friends, going to the gym, pampering yourself beauty treatments or simply having some me-time.

Communication, trust, honesty and passion will strengthen your relationship whilst you’re apart but you really have to believe in each other and your relationship for it to succeed…. although long distance relationships can be difficult, they can work and do work for many couples if both parties put in the effort.

In a study reported on CBS News, 15% of Americans with internet access have visited an internet dating site. 27% of them were 18-29 years old. Obviously online dating is a popular pastime. The same study showed that 33% of unmarried internet users thought that dating online was a safe way to meet people although 34% acknowledged knowing someone who had a bad experience.

In another study reported by BBC News, online dating was seen as a way for women to feel empowered in relationships. The conventional inhibitions that they had in face-to-face relationships were replaced by a more upfront and in-control attitude when given the anonymity of the internet. Could this improve their chances at finding a perfect relationship?

Professor Helen Petrie was quoted in the BBC interview as stating “There are people who lack interpersonal social skills and would find it very difficult to meet people in bars. They may find it easy to meet in an internet room, but they still have the problem of meeting them face to face and if they have gone too far with the internet relationship, they may find that traumatic.”

The truth is, many individuals find the anonymity of online romance encourages a certain amount of exaggeration or lying. While some claim that we always hide things at the beginning of a relationship, trying to put our best foot forward, the internet makes it easier to hide such things as facial expressions, income, marital status and even criminal records.

Finding a romance relationship in the ‘real’ world is difficult - if you are still considering online dating it is wise to use caution and common sense. Be careful what you say about yourself and try to verify as much information as possible before meeting or personally contacting anyone you’ve met online and never meet them alone.

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