1. Here's how it happened

 I’ve become a guru of on line dating among my friends.  Here’s how it happened:

Several years ago, when I was 34, I was single and wanting to find a nice guy to date.  It wasn’t easy.  I knew all the people at my company.  I knew all my friends’ friends.  I did not think that I’d meet someone I’d like in a bar.  I might trip over someone here or there, but my dating pond needed to be re-stocked.  In today’s world of connection and community on the internet, it seemed like the only real, proactive alternative. 

I didn’t like the idea and I resisted it.  I did finally start.  I got overwhelmed, I spent too much time, I spent too little time, I drank a lot of coffee.  Over time, I met a few nice guys, a few I wanted to get away from quickly, nothing terrible happened, and most importantly I got proficient at dating.  As much as I don’t like the idea of “dating” it is the necessary social custom to find a romantic relationship at this point in my life.    

Now, at 41, I’m dating a very good guy whom I love and who loves me back.  We are happy and content and have been dating for about a year and a half.  I hope I don’t have to use my dating skills any time soon.  J

I did not meet my very good guy on line.  I met him through work.  But here's what I can tell you with absolute confidence:  if I hadn't practiced and gotten better at daing by dating on line, I wouldn't be in the relationship I'm in now.

I have a number of friends who are trying to get started dating.  I’ve become the go to person among them for advice.  I’m not saying I’m any kind of an expert about finding love.  However, if I had to, I could face dating with some composure and even, on a good day, a little aplomb.  And so, this blog will attempt to confer some tricks and tips I've learned.  If nothing else, it’ll give me a chance to tell a few stories that amuse me.  Hopefully they will amuse you, too.

My very good guy and me.