I too have turned to online dating, especially since I am not the type of gal to go hang out in very social places, like a bar or a big party. When I am single, I typically immerse myself in my horses, hiking, nature walks, etc. where you DO pass the occassional stranger, but I have never struck up a conversation.

I have had mixed results. Ironically, I met my ex-husband on an online dating site and I met my current beau on an online dating site. So, my most recent serious relationships have been fostered through online screening. I am not an outgoing personality at all, so the online 'meet' allows me to get more comfortable with the people.

I had to weed through a lot of strange people and there are definitely those with ill intentions, but I feel like you'd get that anywhere. I have paid for the bigger name sites and I have also done the free versions. I had the most luck with the free sites, so I ended up just cancelling all my paid subscriptions.

There are the cruel people online, which can be challenging. I had trouble with weight after my divorce and was still losing when I first put my toe in the dating pool again. I was not some monster or in serious health failure, but I had many men that made it a point to comment on how hideous I was. That hurt, but it also motivated me to do better and I lost a substantial amount of weight. I just feel like its easier to be judged and to judge others while online dating because its a snapshot. People might be braver to say sweet things, but also feel entitled to say cruel things behind a screen.

I don't know that I would utilize online dating again. When I met my current beau, I was actually closing all my accounts and was happy with who I was and felt if it was meant to happen, it would. But, he messaged me as I was deleting my account and I decided to reply and we've been together since.

The biggest thing is to be honest. And, it all works out.