Get to know: Cherie Burbach, author of "Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza" (part 2)

Here is the rest of our interview with Cherie Burbach, author of Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza.


What makes internet dating different from...well, the typical dating scenario?
For me, Internet dating was much easier than the "typical" way of meeting someone in a bar or through friends. I was the type of person that didn't "get" when someone liked me. With the Internet, I didn't have that problem. Everyone on the system was looking to meet someone, so it took the guesswork out it.

Imagine those times when you are in a bar and see a cute guy. He comes over to talk to you and your friend, but you aren't sure if he's single, if he's talking to you because he's bored or if finds you cute, or if he's talking to you because he really wants to get to know your friend. With Internet dating, there's none of that confusion. If you get an email from someone, they're interested! (And presumably single.)

The other thing that sets Internet dating apart is the ability to email each other first. This can set up a false sense of familiarity that daters need to be aware of. Until you have actually met someone and spent some time with them, you don't know them.

What's the funniest/craziest/scariest thing that happened to you when you were internet dating?
I've got quite a few stories I wouldn't want you to print, so I'll give you a tame one instead:

I had a coffee date set up with one guy, and carried his profile picture with me so I would recognize him. I walked into the coffee shop, and one guy smiled at me and started to stand up. He was bald and didn't look anything like the guy I was supposed to meet. I smiled back but just headed to the counter to get a cup of chai.

I still didn't see my date so I picked up a paper and started reading. At one point the same guy said, "Are you waiting for me?" I looked up, said, "Oh no. I don't think so." I went back to my paper. A few minutes later he said, "Cherie?"

I pulled out the picture I had printed off, which showed a full head of curly dark hair. I held it up to him and he said, "Yeah, sorry. I just shaved my hair off for the summer." I said, "What did you do that for?" (Rude, I know, but I was taken aback - he looked so different!)

We sat and had a lovely cup of chai, and he informed me that every summer he shaves his head. I told him he should update his profile.

Any advice and tips for those who are thinking twice before trying internet dating?
If you haven't tried Internet dating, I ask you this, "Why do you have to lose?" Give it a try for six months and see if you don't meet at least one very nice person. I'll bet you do. The key is to go in with the right attitude and right profile.

What's next for you? Do you have another book coming up?
I do. I have a diabetes-related book coming out and at least one more dating book in 2009.

CURRENT PROJECT: A couple more books and many more articles.
FAVORITE ROMANTIC MOVIE EVER: Return to Me
I WON'T GO ON A DATE WITHOUT: A cell phone, a car, and money


Thanks Cherie for taking time out to answer our questions!

Coming up: The Love Knot review of Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza.

Coming soon: Giveaway of a copy of Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza