Annie, I found with online dating that the pic did not match the person when I met them. When we started to email, most emailed a couple of times, then faded away. It's really difficult to meet someone in person - sometimes they just don't show up.

The only person I met online said things to me like, "why would someone like you want to date someone like me?" And "I like you, you're weird but not in a bad way." Then he started planning our lives for the next 6-9 months. I like to take things one step at a time. It also seems that the expectation of sex comes up too early on, which makes me uncomfortable. Not that sex isn't great...but foreplay has more than one meaning.

I am an intelligent, independent, very accomplished women of 50 who is in extremely good shape and very youthful (so why am I single?).  Sometimes that intimidates men. And to be honest, I just love 'em. But I have to know in the first few dates if this person resonates with me. Otherwise why waste our time? Just my two cents!! Alexis

Alexis, Online dating is simply another means to meet strangers--some stranger than others, but mostly decent people who are looking for love. One of the keys to success is to move on when you discover that someone isn't right for you. Remember that every person who you meet online will be different than the last.

Also, if one site isn't working for you, try a different one - click here for suggestions. For tips on how to choose sites, click here to check out my article on that topic in the San Francisco Examiner.

When I teach my online dating classes, I always recommend that an online photo be no more than 18 months or 20 pounds old. Unfortunately, many people don't follow that rule. If that's the only problem, give them a chance. Maybe they don't understand the value of a good photo.

However, if someone feels a little too off-putting for you, follow your instincts. In the case of the man who said you're weird--he might have been trying to be funny, but it didn't work for you, so it's time to say NEXT!

Most of the women who I coach are strong, intelligent, independent, attractive women. They have a unique set of issues that are often easy to resolve once I start working with them, they'll have much more success with men, romance and dating.

I will be doing a teleseminar series in June that will address lots of those issues with a small group, Keys for Finding Love in 2009.

Here's to a great love life! Annie