A wedding benefits Toys for Tots

Andy and Lisa

After divorcing in 2001, I had periodically used various Internet dating sites as a way to meet available, single men. I always had the best luck meeting quality people on Yahoo. Though I did not meet the man of my dreams during that time, I met many wonderful men and even kept a few of them as friends.

During October 2004 I decided to try Yahoo! Personals once again. Two weeks later a man living in Morgantown, W.V., contacted me. Though I was initially hesitant to meet him because of the 70 miles that separated us, we arranged to meet halfway on October 29 and we hit it off immediately!

Andy and I were married on Oct. 29, 2005, exactly one year to the day of our first date. (I'm pleased to say, too, that two of our wedding guests were men who I had met during my online dating experience and with whom I have remained friends.)

As Andy and I planned our wedding, we both agreed we wanted our family and friends to share our joy in having found each other. We planned a civil ceremony with a reception to follow. However, we strongly felt that we did not want our guests to bring wedding gifts. We were each formerly married and had set up our households. (How many toasters does a middle-aged couple need?)

Instead, we asked our guests to bring a new toy to donate to the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign. The response was overwhelming! Our 70 guests brought enough toys -- everything from bicycles to Barbies -- to fill a full-sized pickup truck.

The local Toys for Tots coordinator was so excited by the donations that he contacted our local newspaper and they ran a story about us! This exposure has resulted in an outpouring from the community as the Toys for Tots coordinator is receiving numerous calls from caring individuals asking how they too can get involved in this worthwhile project.

In my work as a psychotherapist, I see many single individuals who are searching for someone to put into their lives and I always recommend Yahoo! Personals. Both Andy and I are proof that you might just find the love of your life here!

Success tips from Lisa

• Keep an open mind! So often singles are looking for that “perfect” person and might just pass up a quality individual because he or she does not fit their preconceived idea of what they are looking for. There is no such thing as a perfect person or relationship!
• Stay realistic! A face to face meeting is an opportunity to get to know someone and should not be an interview for a potential marriage partner.
• Be honest and genuine. Do not put a picture on your profile that is 15 years old.
• After getting together, if you are not interested in having another meeting, tell the individual in a kind manner.
• Keep your first meeting short. Do not plan an entire evening that will be both time consuming and potentially expensive.
• Be kind. Realize that the individual you are meeting is probably as nervous as you might be. It takes very little effort to be gracious.
• Even if there is no love connection with your Internet date, consider that the individual just might make a great friend!
• Be patient. Accept the fact that it will probably take time to find that one special person. In the meantime, enjoy the experiences of meeting people from all walks of life.
• Do not personalize rejection. Keep in mind that an unanswered email does not mean you are defective. As a salesman friend of mine says:

Some will (think you’re wonderful)
Some won’t (think you’re wonderful)
So what (it's not the end of the world)
Next! (just keep looking)
• Be mindful of personal hygiene. Body odor or bad breath is a definite turn off.

Do you have a love story to share? Let us know!

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