Plenty More Fish In The Sea Dating

More single adults over 40 and even over 30, are finding love at traditional, local, “Bricks and Mortar” dating agencies, or services. Some of these have survived the Online Dating bubble and are still around after over 35 years of providing a way for singles to meet for relationships, and after careful study, observation, and analysis, it became apparent why.

Prompted by the basic cultural differences between the Northeast and the Pacific Northwest, I began a recent study of singles dating trends in the SF Bay Area, and by contrast, in New England. Those areas have several dating services and all seem to be doing quite well in attracting new customers, given the recent fiscal climate, indicating more than a passing curiosity in dating services.

Speaking to representatives and owners of several of these services, business at these locations does not seem to be suffering the same fiscal woes that are afflicting a large number of other businesses. Part of the reason is that in times of uncertainty, people do not want to be alone, but also, do not want to be with just anyone, either. Considering that online services cost a fraction of most of these location-based services, that would seem to indicate the truth in that consensus.

Compatible, sensible singles looking for the right relationship have grown tired of the virtual world of online dating, where anyone can be who they want to be. In addition, “My Space”, never much of a draw for 30 to 60-something singles, has played out as less of a reliable social network, as a way to live out one’s wildest fantasies.

According to a report on MSNBC, research shows that one third of people using online dating services are married. There is also no way to determine if the person you are meeting is who they say they are, looks like the photos they have posted, and is not a predator.

This is why the trend is beginning to shift towards more traditional dating services, that conduct a personal screening at a local office, and offer services such as speed dating where you can meet and actually see a representation of the clientele they attract, and meet the people behind these operations, a far reaching contrast to online services.

Companies that meet every potential member one on one, face to face, and collect and check information including the identity, background, and financial status of everyone they enroll, are beginning to see a renewed interest. This gives potential members a level of confidence and degree of certainty that by the time you meet someone through one of these services that they are serious, and real, also realizing the futility of the virtual dating landscape, and decided to try a more sensible solution. Although the elements and procedures offered by these physical offices vary greatly in some instances, they all offer the personal touch missing in other introduction services, passive or active. The term “personals” is very much an oxymoron. They should be called “Impersonals.”

These local, office-based relationship and dating services boast a high level of success, however, success means something different to everyone. Ask people if they have ever had a successful relationship, and most people will say “Sure. Several”. To some singles, a long-term relationship of 6 or 7 years is considered successful. To others, anything short of a lifelong relationship is unsuccessful.

Either way, apparently, single, divorced and widowed adults from across the country, at at least In California, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, seem to be reverting to a less virtual approach when it comes to meeting each other.