The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook
224will likely come up with all sorts of ideas, ranging from “speed dating” groups to singles 
travel opportunities, personal ad listings, and social events.
In addition to online dating, the Internet is a popular way to meet new friends. 
An anonymous survey of 191 college students (Knox et al. 2001) found that friendship 
(as opposed to dating) was the most important reason for using the Internet among 
this group. In this survey, 60 percent of respondents reported that they had success -
fully established an online friendship, and about half reported being more comfortable 
meeting people online than in person. However, note that 40 percent of people reported 
having lied online! More recently, online social networking sites like Facebook.com and 
MySpace .com have become popular ways to meet friends.
It is important for you not to use online relationships as a replacement for in-person 
relationships. Rather, you should view online relationships as a stepping stone toward 
meeting people in person. The recommended readings section at the end of the book 
provides additional resources on online dating.
Dating Skills
Regardless of how it may seem, there are lots of potential partners out there, regard -
less of whether you are old or young, male or female. Furthermore, the idea that there 
is only one person out there who is your soul mate is a myth. There are many different 
people who are potentially excellent partners, each having very different qualities to 
bring to a relationship. Although it may sound like a cliché, it is often true that someone 
comes along when you least expect it, and often it occurs when you’re not even looking. 
So relax. Rushing the process can lead to feelings of disappointment or failure when a