Online Dating Story: "I am beyond surprised at how much we have in common."
By Brenda B., Redmond, Wash.
Updated: Nov 22, 2009
Brenda's StoryBrenda B., 37, Redmond, Washington: In April 2005, after moving to the Pacific Northwest, my son, an avid Yahoo! Personals fan, convinced me to give Yahoo! Personals a try. I subscribed through a seven-day, free-trial offer. Reluctantly and nervously, I created a profile, but didn't make it searchable for anyone to see. As a single parent, I had all the typical concerns about
dating. In the next day or so, After putting in my strict criteria into the Yahoo! Personals search system, I found a few matches that would be a good fit. I read through them and decided to send an Icebreaker to Joe.

He wrote back almost immediately and it was clear that we had a great deal in common.
He wrote back almost immediately and it was clear that we had a great deal in common. I didn't even bother communicating with anyone else because we hit it off so well via email. We wrote back and forth, being very candid in our communication for a little more than a week before I asked to meet him. We met at Tully's for coffee and talked for two and a half hours. It was amazing and the time went by so quickly. I remember leaving Tully's thinking about his smile, his eyes, and how much more handsome I thought he was than his pictures.
Our relationship has continued to grow, and we have taken the time to see and do so many things in our quest to learn about each other in deep and meaningful way. I am beyond surprised at how much we have in common. It's like we are literally cut from the same cloth. From our childhoods, to our ambition, drive, and education, we have clearly traveled parallel paths.
It's strange when I think about how reluctant I was to sign-up for Yahoo! Personals -- and what I would have missed out on if I hadn't. Joe is a wonderful and talented person with whom I am equally matched to on every level. He is honest and sincere, and treats me with respect. It's only been a little over two months since our first communication, but it feels like I have known Joe, my whole life. He is a best friend, an excellent lover, and a wonderful person that I truly enjoy and feel blessed to have in my life.
Joe's StoryJoe, Renton, Washington: I became a Personals member during November 2004 after being out of the dating market for almost two decades. Through personals I had met a few people however no one really clicked. For part of the time I think I had a better idea of what I didn't want rather than knowing what I truly did want in a potential partner.

Since it was the start of a journey for me, I figured out I would learn along the way.
Since it was the start of a journey for me, I figured out I would learn along the way.
First, I wanted an equal, someone with whom I could be on the same footing -- physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and professionally. That kind of person would have the ability to both understand me and challenge me. Second, I wanted acceptance, someone who would be able to take me as I am realizing I was imperfect. Finally, I wanted chemistry, not just physically but also on an emotional level -- someone with whom I could share the adventure of life!
I had a few early connections that did not pan out. Then, a few months ago, I received an icebreaker from Brenda who wrote, "We Have Lots In Common." Intrigued, I read her profile and agreed -- after some email conversations we agreed to meet and I felt the beginnings of the chemistry that made things start to click. I knew things were really coming together when we were already giving one another nicknames and able to relate on so many levels.
Since then we have discovered we share a similar thirst for achievement, adventure, and connectedness that I have never experienced before, and truly feel I have found someone wonderful who is a superb equal and is just plain cute, too!
Success tips from Brenda and Joe:Joe: Give online dating some time; it may take a while to "get circulated."Brenda: Online dating has a somewhat dubious reputation, but Yahoo! Personals is set up to safeguard personal information. Your identity remains anonymous until you chose to reveal it.Joe: Be careful giving out personal information until you get to know someone.Brenda: Be as selective as you want to be. If you wouldn't consider dating a person with a particular characteristic then refine your search to exclude it.Joe: Take the time to write a good profile. Vague profiles don't get replies.Joe: Use several good recent photographs. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Also, rotate the main photo every other week or at least every few weeks.Joe: Do respond to people, even if you are not interested in them.First date: We went to a coffee shop in a public place. It was casual but also safe for Brenda.Do you have a love story to share?
Let us know!