Saskatoon internet dating success story offers advice before Valentine's Day

CBC Radio'sSaskatoon Morninghas been seeking out love stories for a Valentine's Day contest, and theEagersare just one of many who say their life together began online.

• Saskatoon lovers share their sweet stories

• CBC Saskatoon's 'Share the Love' Contest

"The bar scene wasn't working out," said Chris Eager.

Put your deal breakers right out there.- Jolene Watson

For future hubby Carla, the decision to dip into the online dating pool 13years ago was slightly more nuanced. Carla was a single mother and that left little time for socializing.

"It's hard when you have kids and you are trying to find that right person," she said.

So what was it like reaching out online?

It was "scary," for Chris and "nerve-racking" for Carla.

Know what you want before casting your net

Jolene Watson, relationship expert and president of Clarity Coaching and Development, gets that. She works with a lot of singles and teaches relationship mastery workshops. Even though internet dating is the new normal, it can feel risky, according to Watson. Her advice is to be authentic.

"You can actually put your deal breakers right out there."

That way, Watson said, you can weed out the people you know will not be a lovematch.

"Often we attract people that we've already dated, or with similar characteristics, because we haven't changed what we are looking for, so that's where it is important to do a lot of self-reflection and figure out what it is that you need."

The Eagers echoed that. Chris and Carla both suggest that if you are striking out online to find that special someone, you should offer up the "real" you.

And according to Chris, it's important to take your time and not be in a rush.

"We spoke for almost a month before we met in person."