Even with the existence of dating sites - you can still meet someone out in life, if you happen to ...
I know numerous long term relationships and marriages that were the result of online meets. I had a couple myself.

Possibilities are everywhere ...

Meeting online is only a start. I really need to meet and get to know someone in person, and it doesn't happen instantly. That being said, I stay off of dating sites, they depress me for the most part. Here I enjoy being a part of the community, so if I meet someone it's an added bonus.

Yes, well put… I feel the same. It’s a hurry-up world, though! And, technology must be good for something I’ve never joined a ‘dating site.’ Had some correspondence on ..Craigslist - talk about crazy..

I look younger than I am, always have, even worked to preserve that. Listing my age on some dating site even makes me feel old. And, like you, I like the magic of meeting.. But, am honestly sick & tired of making the effort. ‘A nice guy,’ if someone shows an interest in me, I hate to let her down if it’s not reciprocal. Not good.

But that real world vibe ...the ones that become friendly quick aren’t the ones you’re attracted to, and the ones you’re attracted to are more standoffish, coy, guarded.. Me too, but they’re your ‘match.’ Too often, little gets accomplished, at a glacial pace. ..then you’re in this fuckedup world until it sorts itself out … too often feeling, wow - glad that didn’t work Ohshit, I’m ready to flip that attraction switch off, if only I could..

...then, after reading her thoughts all typed out ‘right here,’ I’m ready to pluck her from these pages.. Damn ~

Online dating gives me the opportunity to meet men I would never meet otherwise. I like Fitness Singles, a paid site.

Normally I date men from the Seattle area because they are more likely to be Democrats, well educated, non-religious and athletic.

I usually date hikers who also downhill ski. Skiers have winter driving skills and snow tires. Ski areas are located at steep, snowy mountain passes. In the winter, they can drive over the pass to visit me.

Here's my joke about single, middle-aged guys in Wenatchee:

"If I wanted a fat, out of shape, ignorant, Republican, judgmental Christian, fisherman and hunter, who loves his Harley, snowmobile and chainsaw and decorates with antlers, I'd be all SET."

I am in total agreement. There is no way you can feel that slight thrill that runs through you when you first meet someone you connect with by hooking up online. It is chemistry, it can only be done by meeting in the flesh. I know all relationships are different, and some people find lasting matches after meeting on a website. Some people find romance a slow burner for them and love develops out of friendship, but I have to feel an instant connection with someone or it never gets off the ground. It’s a long time since I felt that shiver down my spine......sigh!!

I agree with you about conventional dating sites. However we can't put the genie back in the bottle so we just have to be careful.