Internet dating, social dating, Facebook dating, or the old-fashioned way of meeting offline at work or with a little help from your friends or grandmother. There are so many more options available to singles dating in the digital age, yet so many can’t seem to connect. What’s a single dater to do?

As an online dating expert and coach, one of the top questions I’m frequently asked is, which method is better? Is online dating versus meeting someone offline best to find the perfect date or someone to spend the rest of your life with?

While experts might not agree on this topic, even offline Matchmakers are incorporating online dating and social media into their business models. I believe the answer is clear. There is no one-size fits all formula. As each person’s relationship goals may differ from their best friends or neighbors, know that from hook-ups to marriage proposals, there’s a site and way for everyone.

Whether creating an Internet dating profile leads you to marriage or not, finding love online needs to be part of your dating regime, just like finding a job online from a message board or Linkedin can help you find your dream job. Being able to grow and maintain your relationship offline is critical as you go through the different phases of a relationship.

As one who believes in casting a wide net, I tell singles that you really need to do both. It’s not one-way or the other. In reality, online dating, if done correctly, is just a method or service that will get you out there in the real world to meet someone offline and meet more people. Even sites such as Match, Plenty of Fish, and Spark Networks’ Hurry Date take their online daters offline with their special events divisions.

However, some really think the process of finding someone to love is an either-or proposition. Read more