IRVING, TX -
After a long marriage, then a few relationships, Alexander Drake is once again dating. He says, "I've come to a point that I really do want a companion in life." But not being one for the bar scene, he is looking for love online. And in this economy chose the free site PlentyOfFish.com. "I had zero expectations, but it wasn't worth spending money if it was going to turn out to be something that didn't work for me."
Despite what you might think, it seems the down economy is not hurting dating. Match.com, which charges anywhere from $17-$35 a month, tells me its January membership was up 16%over the same time last year.
And from January to May of this year, eHarmony, which says it's monthly subscription rivals the cost of a typical date, saw its registration grow 20% over the same time period last year.
eHarmony did a national survey recently and found one if four unmarried men and women want a long term relationship more as a result of the current economic climate. Dating expert, Melody Glatz, says, "Think about it, when you're on a date your endorphins are going crazy you feel good. You feel good about yourself and the other person and just temporarily you're not thinking about your other worries." Glatz sees dating goes up when the economy goes down, but says people don't have to spend a lot and shouldn't.
David Lindemuth is single and folllows that philosophy. He likes outdoor activities he and a date can share, calling that kind of experience more fun and fiscally responsible. David Lindemuth says, "Even just a year or two ago, there seemed to be money everywhere. You just did what you wanted to do. Now you have to consider the value you're going to get from it."
David Lindemuth and Alexander Drake are having some luck in love. Both say they'll press on bad economy and all.
Despite what you might think, it seems the down economy is not hurting dating. Match.com, which charges anywhere from $17-$35 a month, tells me its January membership was up 16%over the same time last year.
And from January to May of this year, eHarmony, which says it's monthly subscription rivals the cost of a typical date, saw its registration grow 20% over the same time period last year.
eHarmony did a national survey recently and found one if four unmarried men and women want a long term relationship more as a result of the current economic climate. Dating expert, Melody Glatz, says, "Think about it, when you're on a date your endorphins are going crazy you feel good. You feel good about yourself and the other person and just temporarily you're not thinking about your other worries." Glatz sees dating goes up when the economy goes down, but says people don't have to spend a lot and shouldn't.
David Lindemuth is single and folllows that philosophy. He likes outdoor activities he and a date can share, calling that kind of experience more fun and fiscally responsible. David Lindemuth says, "Even just a year or two ago, there seemed to be money everywhere. You just did what you wanted to do. Now you have to consider the value you're going to get from it."
David Lindemuth and Alexander Drake are having some luck in love. Both say they'll press on bad economy and all.
