Online dating is also honest. O.K., there are people who place an ad without taking it seriously, and some might even try to scam you, but that's not different from real world. If you take right precautions and use your brains, you will only meet men or women who don't hide their intentions. On net you do not have to say 'Can I buy you drink', then wait for hours, weeks, sometimes months - or even years - to find out that your 'partner' liked drink more than you or already had someone else. No, on net world is simple and clear. By just putting an ad, people say: 'I want love'. Now, that's an opening sentence!

When starting points are so obvious, it's also much easier to speak about issues that really matter. What do you expect from life? What kind of relationship would you prefer? Do you want children? Just a few questions you will never ask a boy or girl in a crowded bar or noisy discotheque, while being watched by your and his or her friends. But when you write an email you CAN ask it, and you don't have to wait for right moment. If you don't limit your correspondence to superficial talk, but achieve real indepth communication, you save a lot of time. So invest in your writing skills and be honest, and your relationship will benefit from it for years.

The great thing about email is it's inbuilt paradox. It can be very personal and intimate, but still it's anonymous, because you use a 'third party', your computer, to express your thoughts and feelings. With no direct listener you can come to point. And great thing is: most people are easily touched by a personal letter. A letter also gives them time to react, while a live conversation requires immediate answer, which can be an obstacle when you are overwhelmed by emotion.

There are people who regard online dating as unnatural. Well, then tell me what IS natural? There was a time when bars and disco's were just as new as Internet. There are countries where bars and disco's do not exist, even in 21st century. And what is natural about joining a singles club and go out bowling with people who are only rating each other's looks?

I may be romantic, but I think man or woman of your dreams might well be living somewhere else, on a place where you haven't looked yet. It can be your neighbouring city, or an almost deserted island in Pacific. But thanks to your computer you can find him. Or find her. Go for it.

* Fruity Nut Mix 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup dried banana chips 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1 cup unsalted peanuts 1 cup dried fruit bits

Place all of ingredients into a plastic baggie, seal, and then shake. Fast, easy and yummy!