Two local online daters describe ups and downs of logging on for love

More and more people are going online, instead of the bar, to find true love.  The industry says forty million Americans are putting up profiles on a variety of websites.

E-Harmony, Match.com, Christian Mingle --- there's no shortage of websites hoping you'll log-on to find love.

"I was wanting a relationship, not anything superficial," said "Cindy".

"Cindy", 47, lives in Bossier City.  She's tried online dating the first time after getting a divorce seven years ago.

"When you're married, you seem to have the same social circle, and you want to branch out into another social circle," said "Cindy".

She's always been very, very careful.  She doesn't want her face on television, and won't tell us her real name.  It's the same way she deals with her online dating prospects.  She keeps her information private...even her real name...until after she meets them in person.

"When I met them the first time, I always made sure it was during daylight. I met for a cup of coffee," said "Cindy".

So far, she's made some good friends through her on-line dating experiences but, she says, nothing long-term.  "Cindy" has also dealt with what she describes as some major duds.

"I met a gentleman for dinner and we had great conversation.  I thought it was really wonderful... we were in the parking lot at our own separate vehicles and then he invited me to finish the evening at a hotel.  I was extremely disappointed in him," said "Cindy".

Even if honesty is your policy, the reality is that you can never be certain the person behind the profile is doing the same for you.

"You never know until you Skype or meet that person, there's always risk involved," said Stephen Williams, found online dating success.

It was a risk Williams was willing to take, if it meant he'd be able to find "the one".  It wasn't easy.

"One person didn't exactly look like they did - they're photogenic, I guess.  In person, they didn't exactly look like that," said Williams.

Another woman failed to show up for their movie date.  Finally, calling later to say she fell asleep.

"Pretty much got to the point that I'm tired of looking, I couldn't find anyone," said Williams.

Then, a message came through his Christian Mingle account.

"Basically, it was history from there, we started messaging one another and it took off from there," said Williams.

Williams finally met her last fall.  He says she was everything and more than he expected.

"It's hard to explain, when you know, you know," said Williams.

His experience is far from unique... Each year, 140 thousand couples marry as the result of an on-line connection.   

Williams has advice for others looking for love online.

"Just be honest.  Be honest with people and you have to be patient," said Williams.

For now, "Cindy" says she is taking a break from the online dating scene. However, she still  hopes it will someday work for her. 

"That's a risk that you take any time you open your heart to somebody, no matter how you meet them.  It's a risk that you take," said "Cindy".

Stephen Williams married Wednesday afternoon at the Center for the American Rose Gardens.