This was the big question of my life last year. Should I look for relationships online? To be honest, I had a pretty big attitude about online dating sites. I have friends and family who have been hurt in relationships that started online so I was against the whole idea of it.

Then I turned 37 and realized that in the last three years I hadn't met even one decent guy in my town who I would like to date. I thought I should consider moving to a bigger city or risk being alone forever, but I like where I live. I like my home, my friends, my work.

So I turned my attentions to the internet. I figure this is all about expanding my range of possibilities without having to change locations. I've been participating on two of the big online relationships websites now for the last ten months. I've met some nice guys and I've met some real neanderthals. I haven't felt any intense emotions about any of them yet but I am having a good time. The key for me is to take it slow and protect myself every step of the way.

Now, should you look for relationships online?

There are people online who I am convinced should not be in the online dating market. Mainly, they're desperate. Desperate people, both men and women, see what they want to see in other people and they end up making mistakes. I can't believe the number of people I've just met who are emailing me to tell me about their engagement after just a few weeks or a couple of months. I'd like to be happy for them but I just can't help but worry that they've gotten too serious too quickly.

You might be thinking, 'Hill, aren't you desperate? Isn't that why you're looking for a husband on the internet?' At almost 38 I am definitely starting to feel some anxiety about the whole single thing - but I'm not desperate. I want to meet and marry the perfect guy for me and if that isn't going to happen, I will be just fine on my own.

That is why I think my online search for a man is a healthy one. Because I don't need him to make me happy. I am happy. I would just like to be happy with someone else who is happy to. Then we can live happy together.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Sappy huh?

Hill Way is a thirty something single determined to meet the man of her dreams online because Lord knows she hasn't met him offline. Find out more and read her blog at http://www.engagingsingles.com

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