One of my colleagues explained her online dating experiences to me while we took the subway to our destinations after work. It was a look into a world that so many have encouraged me to join.

Since this was not the first time she mentioned it, and not the first time one of my colleagues have talked about it, I am beginning to understand just how usual it is. On the other hand, maybe I am concluding that because not one of our fellow subway passengers bothered to listen in on our conversation–and we weren’t speaking in hushed tones either.

Today and past discussions have imparted the following information. Feel free to disagree with them because these are the (mostly) unedited thoughts of my colleagues and other people who have weighed in on the subject.

• There are lots of people out there.
• There are lots of people who aren’t looking for a serious relationship.
• Most people are on multiple sights with slightly different profiles.
• Pictures lie or aren’t current.
• Grammar mistakes in your profile are inexcusable (I work with teachers, so I guess this shouldn’t be so surprising, should it).
• People are just shopping.
• You’ve got to wade through a lot of stuff to get to the cream of the crop.
• It’s hard to meet people.
• Married people just don’t understand.

As for me, I am just waiting to take a good picture of myself.