Online Dating Addiction
Claire Brent
Online dating is a fun way to meet a variety of intriguing
people. When you engage in online dating, very little in the
way of physical exertion or pride is put on the line.
The medium is rather anonymous and can be done from just about
anywhere – your bedroom, work, your cell phone and more.
Therefore, due to its ease and sense of gratification that can
come from online dating, many people who engage in online
dating run the risk of becoming addicted.
Addiction is labeled as a mental and/or physical state whereby
the addict feels compelled to perform certain actions. Online
dating addition, therefore, is a state in which an online dater
feels a compulsion to check his and other online dating
profiles.
He may log online several times a day to check messages or
browse through online dating profiles. Often, the addict puts
off other activities in lieu of the addiction. For example, he
may avoid doing work or he may even avoid real, physical social
interaction so that he can spend time online.
Online dating addiction is not one of the more popularly
discussed addictions, such as alcohol addiction and drug
addiction. Yet the effects on the addict’s physical and social
life are just as dangerous. Because many people feel ashamed to
discuss their online dating addictions, the addiction can go
largely unrecognized and untreated.
However, if you feel that you have an online dating addiction,
there are fast and effective steps that you can take to help
rid yourself of the addiction. Know that long-term relief takes
time, but short-term relief can come if you engage in any or all
of the following activities:
1. Seek professional help. Professional help may come in the
form of a therapy session with a physiologist, therapist,
social worker or clergy member. When you seek professional
help, you will be asked to speak candidly with a counselor
about your addiction.
He or she will offer tangible steps and feedback that can help
you to let go of your addiction. It will likely take several
sessions with a professional in order to feel as if you are
truly improving, but stay focused.
Your addiction will start to feel like less and less of a
problem the more you focus on getting rid of it.
2. Exercise. Exercising releases endorphins, which will help to
improve your mood and make you feel happy. When you exercise,
there are not only physical changes that take place in your
body and your brain, but you also will have attitude changes.
Your self-image will improve over time, as will your physical
condition. You may even feel more inclined to date more offline
than online.
3. Be social. Whether you are a social person or not, the mere
fact that you seek connectivity through online dating proves
that you do yearn or some social interaction. Join a club or
spend some time at a café.
Just being around other people might help to make you feel as
if you are part of a social scene, even if you do not enjoy
spending large amounts of time with other individuals.
Online dating addiction does not have to be the painful and
trying experience that it is for many people. If you feel that
you could have online dating addiction, consult a professional
therapist for more information or for an initial diagnostic
session. In no time, you’ll be sure to start feeling more
liberated and free to pursue your own pleasures again.
About The Author: Tired of getting lame emails over and over
again? Take the "How do I Get You to Open My Email" survey (at
http://onlinedating.ezguide2.com/69/survey/ )and tell the guys
what they should be doing!
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