Have you heard about Skype safe dating? It's an innovative way to meet someone new without the inconvenience of traveling... or even having to put on your pants.
While some of us are using Skype to stay in touch with faraway children, grandchildren, friends, lovers and business associates, there are many other creative ways to use the service that enable us to see and hear each other on a computer, tablet device, or even a smartphone for pennies.
First, You Meet Online...
If you're single and looking, there are a number of websites that focus on matching midlife men and women, such as Over 40 Dating (link below). Or try one of the biggies, like Match and eHarmony.
Should you have the fortune to meet someone online who seems compatible and appealing, one or the other of you may suggest meeting IRL (in real life).
Not so fast, you think. Didn't our mothers warn us not to talk to strangers? Well, there's no danger in that. But there are lots of reasons meeting via Skype beats that first date IRL:
- You can fit it into your schedule without losing travel time
- No need to get a babysitter for underage children or grandchildren in your care
- No travel expenses, plus it's a good way to meet someone who would otherwise be geographically undesirable
- No date or clothing expenses
- No weather to turn your tresses into a bad hair day
- Easier to end a terrible date on Skype than IRL
- You only have to get dressed and made up from the waist up
- No high heels required
- If it's not a love match, you can quickly return to play the field… or Solitaire
Looking Good on Skype
I recently met (via Skype, of course) beauty consultant Pati Dubroff, who kindly offered tips on making up your face for a Skype date on webcam.
- Find the most flattering light to illuminate your face
- Choose an uncluttered background
- Make eye contact with the webcam
- Look up
The camera saturates colors, so you want to keep it light. "Less is more," says Pati. "Don't do the full face paint." Instead:
- Even your skin tone with a primer or tinted moisturizer (no heavy foundation)
- Use undereye concealer
- Curl your lashes and apply mascara
- Use cream blush for a dewy, glowing look
- Instead of lipstick, choose sheer tinted lipgloss
The same way you wouldn't leave the house without checking yourself out in the mirror and asking someone "how do I look," do it digitally. Have a dress rehearsal with a friend who's on Skype to make sure you look good from the waist up. You can also see how you appear on camera when Skype is launched by choosing Call > Video > Video Setting.
Talking Tech
If you've never used Skype, download the free user software. If you are a Skype customer, make sure you have the latest version.
You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera. Or you can use a separate (and better quality) webcam such as the Logitech c920 HD Pro Webcam for PC users and the Logitech c910 HD Pro Webcam for Mac users.
It's important to have a strong Internet connection. Keep in mind that reception still may not be perfect – so you may want to keep your first Skype date short. For the best audio, use an a/v headset. And like your mother told you, remember to smile.
References:
