Becky had been married for 30 years when her husband sadly passed away. Out of the dating scene for such a long time, she wasn’t sure what to do.

One day, she decided to turn to online dating and joined Match.com.

“It was the summer of 2011 when I joined Match,” explains Becky.

“I tried Match because I guess….after so many years of not being in the dating world, I figured that would be the best way to meet people.”

Becky had a few dates, but they weren’t her cup of tea.

Then in October of 2011, she started communicating with Philip. Phil had been single for over 10 years before meeting Becky.

After talking via email and phone for a week or so, the two agreed to meet for a late lunch on October 13 at Pappy & Harriett’s.

“It was so much fun,” explains Becky. “We just kept talking and laughing, and talking and laughing, and he took me for a ride on his motorcycle. Five hours later we had a hard time parting ways, wanting to spend more time together. But we did say good-bye for the night.”

The next morning Philip emailed Becky and said…”You definitely have my attention”. They’ve been together ever since, splitting time between both Becky and Philip’s homes.

When I saw Becky and Phil, they were celebrating their 2-year anniversary and couldn’t stop saying “I love you” to each other.

Congratulations to Becky and Philip, who prove you can start your life all over again while looking for love online.

Do you have an online dating story to share?

Julie Spira is a top online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com. Julie was an early adopter of Internet dating and has been helping singles find love online for 20 years with her Irresistible Profiles and Online Dating BootCamp programs.

Follow @JulieSpira for dating advice and sign up for the free Weekly Flirt.

After finding herself single again at the age of 52 with two teenage kids, Andrea decided it was time to join an online dating site in May of 2012.

She initially joined both Match.com and JDate. They say you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince and I did just that, said Andrea. Having one bad date after another, she kept going offline only to go back online again.

When she met Dan, she thought he was very different than any of her other dates. They chatted online only a few very brief times and sent a few texts to put a date on the calendar.

On the way to their first date, Andrea decided to call Dan. She told him that this was the only time she had never talked on the phone prior to meeting a date. He said it was his first time as well. When they met, she realized they had so much in common. They talked for hours and didn’t even realize anyone else was in the restaurant.  After many rounds of our “all you can eat” soup and salad, they said their goodbyes and Dan walked Andrea to her car. Andrea tells said, He gave me a huge kiss and I was kind of surprised by it, but pleasantly!

Then their Cyber Love Story got tricky.

Three weeks went by before their scheduled second date, so Andrea didn’t think that Dan was very interested in her. She then canceled their date and starting dating someone else.

When that relationship ran its course, she rejoined Match for a second time. Dan noticed Andrea’s reactivated profile and “winked” at her. Andrea responded and wondered if he had recognized her, which he did. They made plans to get together almost immediately and finally went on their second date.

The two have been inseparable ever since and Andrea knows for sure, that Dan is the love of her life.  Andrea and Dan plan on moving in together and look forward to celebrating their one-year anniversary together in September.

Congratulations to Andrea and Dan who gave online dating a chance.

Do you have an online dating story to share?

Julie Spira is a top online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com. Julie’s the bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. For more dating advice, follow @JulieSpira on Twitter, sign up for the Weekly Flirt newsletter and like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert.

Meet Nicole and Gerald from Chesapeake, VA, who met just over 6 years ago on eHarmony.

If you haven’t heard the big news, this romantic couple will be getting married on New Year’s Day on the 2013 Rose Parade as they cruise through Pasadena on the Farmers Insurance “Love Float.”

Although Nicole and Gerald went to the same high school in Virginia, Gerald didn’t know that Nicole had a secret crush on him.? Ten years later, they were matched on eHarmony, when they gave online dating a try.

Gerald said?he knew Nicole was the one for him on their first date, as she walked into the room and gave him a big hug. Nicole loves the fact that Gerald loves her and accepts her for who she is.

Nicole and Gerald were voted in in the Farmers Insurance Dream Wedding promotion. You can watch them get married in front of 52 million television viewers at the 2013 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

Congratulations to Nicole and Gerald, our Cyber Love Story of the Week who will be starting their lives together as a married couple in a wedding to remember.

It’s peak season for Internet dating. Will Nicole and Gerald be an inspiration to you, that you too, can find love on the Internet?

Share your Cyber Love Story with us!

Julie Spira is a top online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com. She creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. Julie’s the bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and host of Mobile Dating BootCamp. For more dating advice, sign up for our Weekly Flirt newsletter and like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert and Follow @JulieSpira.

Judy had been recently widowed and wasn?t ready to date yet. After her husband passed away she said, ?Never again.?

One night over Thanksgiving while visiting her family and was bored, she got a glass of wine and began to peruse the human MLS listing. In this, was match.com.

Judy only dipped a half a toe in to online dating, as she posted a profile with no information and no picture. After looking through a myriad of pictures of men in her area from 55-65, she decided that online dating wasn?t for her. She felt that all of the profiles seemed the same.? Before she turned off her laptop, Judy noticed one man?s profile which caught her eye. Kenny had a big smile, curly blond hear, and was wearing a baseball jacket from her favorite team.

Judy laughed at reading Kenny?s humorous profile. However, Kenny had stated in bold letters, ?DO NOT REPLY IF YOU DON?T HAVE A PICTURE,? proving once again that men are visual.

Judy decided to send him a cordial email to tell him that although she had no picture she just wanted to tell him what a funny profile he had. Kenny?s headline said,??I?m looking for someone who colored outside the lines.?

Judy told him that she colored outside the lines professionally, as she was an artist. Upon receiving Judy’s email, Kenny laughed at her remark and wrote her back. Judy was sure she was not ready to date and was only writing to pass the time while she was away on vacation. The two exchanged several emails and much to both their surprise, agreed to meet when Judy returned to town. Kenny still had no idea what Judy looked like, so when Judy returned, they had their first date and spent 5 hours together having coffee. It was “like” at first sight for both of them.. After six months, they decided to move in together and have been a couple for one year.

Both Judy and Kenny colored outside their lines and didn?t close the door when Kenny viewed Judy?s empty profile or when Judy was sure she was not ready to date yet.

It’s amazing what can happen when you follow your intuition, break your own rules, and open your heart.

Congratulations to Judy and Kenny, our Cyber Love Story of the Week couple.

Do you have a Cyber Love Story to to share?

Julie Spira is a leading online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com. She creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. Julie’s the bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and host of Mobile Dating BootCamp. For more dating advice, sign up for our Weekly Flirt newsletter and like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert.

Follow @JulieSpira

Gail had been a member of JDate for only a couple of days when she received a very funny email. It was so funny that her daughter actually scolded her and said, ?Mom, what is so funny? I?m trying to sleep here.?

The email came from Mark, who had been single for 16 years after his divorce, and had his share of dates. Gail looked at Mark?s profile and realized that he was completely different from anyone she had dated or had been married to. Gail was used to being with lawyers and Mark was a writer and humorist, who had also performed stand-up comedy.

Gail liked Mark?s smile, so she responded to his email and they eventually talked on the phone. Mark wanted to meet Gail right away to see if there was any chemistry in person. The two met at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA for a three-hour dinner date and walked along the promenade watching the street performers.

?His profile picture was no lie,? said Gail. ?He looked about 15 years younger than his stated age. He had boyish good looks and a smile that warmed his soft brown eyes, a backpack thrown over his shoulder, he was neatly dressed and from what I could discern, lean and very nicely built. I was toast.?

The two were attracted to each other right away and quickly learned that their birthdays were only two days apart.

In less than a week Gail and Mark went on their second date, which lasted the entire day. ?I picked Gail up at her house and we went to the Skirball Center, took in the exhibits, had lunch there, and then went to a screening of the movie ?Rock of Ages where we held hands,? said Mark. The date continued with fine dining at Luna Park restaurant. The two took down their dating profiles within the first month of dating. ?We?ve been together over three months and I?m increasingly more nuts about her,? Mark added.

Gail keeps asking Mark, “How is it, exactly, that you have managed to stay single for 16 years???” I guess it will be one of (my) life’s great mysteries and, also, my great fortune.?

Congratulations to Gail and Mark, our Cyber Love Story couple who proves that patience is a virtue and the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Mark’s dating column can be found at JDate.

Do you have an online dating success story to share?

Julie Spira is an online dating expert and bestselling author. She creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. For more dating advice, sign up for our Weekly Flirt newsletter, follow @JulieSpira on Twitter and like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert.

What happens when you innocently start following someone on Twitter who lives in another country?

Meet our Cyber Love Story of the Week couple, Misty and Marty and remember to pay close attention to your followers on Twitter.

It all began when @mistygirlph who resided in the Philippines started following @MartyMcPadden in 2009. Just a few months later, Marty started following Misty as well and their online friendship started to bloom. The two also became friends on Facebook.

Two years later, Misty relocated from the Philippines to the United States where she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. When Marty found out that Misty was living in the U.S., they exchanged phone numbers and began speaking online. The two used Skype to stay in touch to help their digital courtship blossom.

On the Fourth of July in 2011, Marty and Misty met for the first time when Misty flew from Ohio to Connecticut to meet him in person.

When I personally met Misty and Marty at BlogWorld in November of 2011, I could see that these tweethearts, who were still in a long-distance relationship were truly in love.

During a vacation at Walt Disney World in Orlando in May of 2012, Marty proposed to Misty and she said, “yes!” The two were married in August of 2012 and now both reside in Connecticut.

Congratulations to Misty and Marty, who prove that social media and twitter love can allow you to find that special someone, regardless of what zip code or country they reside in.

Do you have an online dating story to share? Share your stories on our Facebook page

Julie Spira is a leading online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com. She creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. Julie’s the bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and host of Mobile Dating BootCamp. For more dating advice, sign up for our Weekly Flirt newsletter and like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert.

Meet Doreen and Keith, our featured online dating success story who met on OkCupid.

After 15 years of marriage, newly divorced Doreen decided to give online dating a try. Doreen’s irresistible profile on OkCupid, along with the catchy screen name of Smiling Artist captured Keith’s attention.

When Keith wrote to Doreen in May, she initially decided to ignore his email. ?I wasn’t crazy about his profile because in one of his photos, he was showing off just his arm with his flexed muscle,? said Doreen. Thinking it was tacky, Doreen took a pass on Keith.? (Note: Photos matter and men posing without shirts can be a turn off to women)

A few days later, Doreen received a second email.? ?I think you?re too gorgeous to let you slip by,” wrote Keith. “I?m normal, have two legs and two arms. I think you should take a chance.? (Note: Sending a second email can work)

Keith?s sense of humor made Doreen laugh. Realizing that he was probably just joking around with the muscle shot, she decided to respond. (Note: Women love a man with a sense of humor.)

Keith, the devoted father of two, had been divorced for three years. He asked Doreen out to dinner. About a week later, they had their first date. ?I felt safe with Keith and there was something about him that made me feel relaxed and comfortable in his presence,? said Doreen. She realized that Keith wasn?t a player and decided to try to get to know him better. On the couple?s second date, they went bowling. Their third date followed shortly afterwards, where the two went hiking.

On their 4^th date, Keith invited Doreen to go on a romantic vacation to the Virgin Islands for her birthday. She wondered if she should accept his offer so early in the relationship. I suggested that she accept only on the terms that she would have her own room.? Doreen initially declined his offer to go on the Caribbean vacation.? Keith started emailing Doreen photos of the Caribbean, along with his company and Linkedin profiles to prove he was real.

After a few weeks, Doreen agreed to go on the trip with the one condition; she must have her own hotel room. Keith gladly accepted Doreen?s request and the two started planning their first vacation away together.

While in the island of St. Martin, Keith told Doreen he loved her for the first time. ?I hope I?m making it perfectly clear how I feel about you,? said Keith.? ?I?m in love with you.? I?m not telling you this to hear it back. I?m just letting you know how I feel.? Keith added, ?I?ve never felt this way before, but I can?t help how I feel. I just want you to know.?

On their way home while at Passport Control, the Customs agent asked the happy couple if they were returning from their honeymoon. “Next time this year, I hope to say yes,” answered Keith.

After three months, Doreen realized that she felt the same way. Unconditionally, she told Keith that she was in love with him as well and couldn?t be happier.

Congratulations to Keith and Doreen who found love online after 50.

Do you have an online dating story to share? Share your stories on our Facebook page

Julie Spira is a leading online dating expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com. She creates irresistible profiles for singles on the dating scene. Julie’s the bestselling author of The Perils of Cyber-Dating and host of Mobile Dating BootCamp. For more dating advice, sign up for our Weekly Flirt newsletter and like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert.

Meet Jeanelle and Barry who were looking for love online on MySpace.

Both single, the two were hoping to meet someone to build a relationship with, but weren?t searching in the same zip code range. Barry was searching for girls in his zip code in Arizona and Jeanelle was searching within 50 miles of her own.

One day when Barry was online, his computer crashed causing him to have to restore his data. When he logged on to his MySpace page his search had mistakenly changed to include Jeanelle?s zip code. Barry told Jeanelle that her picture was on the second page of the results and although he kept looking for a few days, he kept going back to view Jeanelle?s photo.

For three days Barry read over Jeanelle?s page and wondered if he should reach out to Jeanelle and start a mixed-race relationship. Both Jeanelle and her friends were African-American according to the photos that Barry had viewed. Barry wasn?t sure if Jeanelle would be interested in meeting a white man for a serious relationship.

Barry emailed Jeanelle a sweet email welcoming her to Arizona and said that she could email him anytime. The two emailed each other for a month before they spoke on the phone and then talked via phone for an entire month before they met. They both wanted to make sure they were building a friendship before jumping into an intimate relationship.

What really made Jeanelle fall in love with Barry is that even after she told him that she had two sons and MS, he still chose to be with her. She knew they were really in love. After the two months of courting, the two finally met and one year later on the anniversary of their first date, they were married. ?He’s my best friend and because we became friends first, we remain friends through any challenge we face,” said Jeanelle.? “Online dating can be successful when both parties go in wanting a friendship before they become intimate.”

Congratulations to Jeanelle and Barry who teach us that true friendship is the basis of a long term and loving relationship.

Do you have a Cyber Love Story to share? Share your stories on our Facebook page

Julie Spira is an online dating, netiquette and cyber-relations expert. Visit CyberDatingExpert.com for dating advice and where you can sign up for the Weekly Flirt. Like us at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert and follow @JulieSpira on Twitter.

Who says you can’t fall in love online during Valentine’s season? Meet Jamie and Howie, who met on JDate.

Jamie joined the Jewish singles online dating site upon a New Year as one of her dating resolutions. Shortly thereafter, she started chatting with Howie, who had never been married.? Howie and his dog Spot had been on-and-off JDate for 12 years.? His profile said, “Love me, love my pet.”

The two met in-real-life just two weeks before Valentine’s Day. Jamie said Howie put her through a rigorous test and she passed with flying colors.

Both having a passion for travel, they went on several cruises together. After a romantic trip to Hawaii, Howie proposed and the two became engaged. Together, they built their dream home and just celebrated their four-year anniversary. Jamie is the founder of LA Girl Secrets.

Congratulations to Jamie and Howie on finding love just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Do you have an online dating story to share?

Julie Spira is a leading online dating expert and the author of the bestseller, The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online. Visit CyberDatingExpert.com for dating advice and to share your online dating stories. Follow Julie on twitter @JulieSpira and like her at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert

This week’s Cyber Love Story of the Week is one where I’m proud to share, as I’ve known Tammye for over a year. Find out how an online flirt, initiated by Tammye, followed by her cancelling the date, eventually led to a marriage proposal. Here’s the story of Tammye and Scott.

He Said:

I had been dating online for about a year. If there was no connection, I just moved on. Most profiles and pictures were a lie and I was ready to give up on the entire process. I have never been one to go to bars, so dating online was my only real option. I had put a 25 mile limit on my search radius. Somehow Tammye came up within that search. She sent me a flirt. Tammye was 25.9 miles away, although she was just outside my criteria, I was impressed by her profile. She was articulate and I liked that. I answered the flirt. We set up plans to meet for coffee. Tammye cancelled [I still swear that she said due to a spider bite on her face]. That was my final straw ? I was done. I was frustrated with the whole online dating thing, but Tammye and I remained Facebook friends. I watched her posts and the events she attended, she captured my attention. In one of her posts, she mentioned Italian food, I told her about a great spot for real Sicilian lasagna, and Tammye said ?All you have to do is ask?. The date was set, June 15^th at 6:30pm. She was late, one of my pet peeves. I ordered for her.? She texted me when she arrived in the parking lot and I went out to meet her. As I waited to greet her, in my mind I saw her float above the ground, wearing a long white dress [come to find out it was a short black & white polka dot one] it was as if I had known her all my life.

I knew the moment I saw her I had found the one, I proposed on December 30, 2010. She said ?Yes? ~ three times. I never want to be without her. We have everything in common. She is my life mate.

She Said:

In December of 2009, out of sheer frustration, I joined an online dating site. I had just set up my Facebook account and one of their sister sites was Zoosk. I was dutiful and filled out the questionnaire, trying to be thorough yet interesting. Just let me say, you have to go through a lot of frogs before you find you find your prince. Having deleted my way through a few dozen or so gentlemen, and I use that term loosely, there was only one man that stood out, Scott. I was very hesitant, but we made plans to meet for coffee. Call it a mid-life crisis, but at the time I was determined to experience all those things that I didn?t have time for or money for in the past. I had recently taken up Kick boxing lessons, and a few days prior to our meeting, I took a punch to the eye. A swollen, black-purple-and-blue eyeball never makes a good first impression, so I cancelled. Scott and I never rescheduled the coffee meet up, however we remained Facebook friends for 6 months. In May of 2010, having found out it was my birthday, Scott invited me to dinner. We made plans to meet once again. This time the date was kept. We have been inseparable ever since. He means absolutely everything to me.

Scott and I just celebrated our one year anniversary; we are engaged and will be wed in March 2012. You really can find love online!

Congratulations to Tammye and Scott, our Cyber Love Story of the Week.

Do you have an online dating story to share?

Julie Spira is the author of the bestseller, The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online. Visit CyberDatingExpert.com for online dating advice and to share your online dating stories. Follow Julie on twitter @JulieSpira and at Facebook.com/CyberDatingExpert