I joined a couple online dating sites about a month ago, several weeks after my breakup. My initial intention was to get an idea of what’s out there. I’m a busy professional with my own home, so free time is somewhat limited. I know what I want from a relationship, so if something panned out, I wouldn’t be rushing. What I discovered is that, at least for me, online dating is pretty depressing for men. I tend to date tall, relatively physically fit brunettes. That’s just my type when it comes to the superficial stuff. Obviously there needs to be an immense amount of substance beneath the surface, but I’m not going to date someone who doesn’t spend any time taking care of herself. No, I don’t have unreasonable expectations on that side of things. I don’t like wafer thin models. I’m 6 and a half feet tall, relatively good looking and in relatively good shape. The things women say they want, I have most of. I’m not at all full of myself and have average confidence (enough to keep me on an even keel). Since online dating starts as basically a stats thing, we’re nearly all judged on those things first. I have messaged what I would consider some pretty average looking women, but who seem to have substance, and I don’t get a single response. I have received several messages from very heavyset women. I don’t care if that’s how you want to live your life, but I’m not going to date you. I had one woman I found attractive e-mail me, but it became very obvious she had a lot of issues. In short, wading into the online dating world has left me a bit depressed about finding someone new. I’m starting to think getting out and volunteering is going to be my best bet of meeting someone. Online dating really seems like a mega ego boost for women, many of whom are fishing in deeper waters than they could on an even playing field. I hear all of these success stories, but everyone I talk to is striking out just like me.