Love at First Site

Chris did eventually meet his match. They dated for three years and married just a few months ago. He says that taking things in stride definitely helped. “I wasn’t putting pressure on myself. I had a roommate and friends, and I didn’t really feel that alone. I just felt that this was something I should do to move into the next stage of my life,” he says.

And what if you haven’t yet met the one? “That’s OK,” says Moore. “Keep the focus on your big, wonderful life,” she says. “Ration your online time and your dating time. Restrain the impulse to engage in prolonged communication with each and every prospect.” You can also keep perspective by remembering that while everyone you meet might not be your soul mate, you can still have a good time searching.

“I’ve met some interesting, witty people whom my path would never have crossed with otherwise,” says Amy Mandelbaum, 34, who has used Jdate.com on and off in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The whole point of dating, after all, is to expand your personal horizons. So while you’re hoping to meet Mr. or Ms. Right, enjoy your full life right now. Take things as they come, and be sure to keep the other areas of your life in balance. Nurture your family ties and friendships. Stay motivated in your work. Enrich your mind and body by taking good care of both. Then, when someone who winks or emails catches your eye, you’ll be confident in yourself off-screen. And, that’s a great catch!

*Names have been changed.