When you find someone through an online dating site how does it work out? Are you able to connect with that person and move from online chats to a real honest face to face date? And if you are making it that far are any of those first dates developing into a meaningful relationship? We would all like to think that online dating automatically leads to a hot first date and then a happy relationship. Unfortunately, all too often there seem to be glitches along the way and there we are again, looking online for someone to date. If success in the online dating world, in the face to face variety, seems to elude you, do you need a dating coach?

What Is a Dating Coach?

We have written about dating apps that give you advice from strangers and even how you should consider advice from Grandma. But, how about using a coach? There are a few good reasons to use a dating coach.

One) A dating coach is in the business of helping you succeed in the dating world. If a coach is not successful they will not be around very long so, perhaps, you can put more stock in their advice than that of your friends at the office.

Two) Successful dating takes practice and if you are not succeeding early in the game, you never get a chance to try again and again. Some of the approaches that a coach might use include role playing, discussion with folks in a similar situation or practicing successful behaviors. What if you simply do not understand when someone is flirting and when they are serious? A dating coach can help you sort this out.

Three) You may great communication skills when meeting face to face but are having no luck with writing a resume and other skills related to online dating. Or you may have nailed the online dating part and are fumbling when you try to decide on a cheap first date or something more impressive. An experienced dating coach will have decent advice in both cases. And sometimes, in our instant gratification world, there are dating coaches who will answer your phone call at 3 am!

Advice Right When You Need It

The New York Times asks what can on online dating coach do for you.

Online dating coaches have been around practically since online dating began, but their focus has shifted. In 2009, when Laurie Davis Edwards started a company called eFlirt Expert, her most popular offering was a dating “concierge” who would write client profiles, suggest potential matches and even respond to messages for the client, like an online Cyrano de Bergerac.

But Ms. Davis Edwards, 36, who now also runs a group video chat session called Abundant Love, said she came to realize “that women didn’t want us to do it for them but with them. They wanted to feel empowered in their dating lives. They wanted to learn.”

What has happened as online dating has matured is that people have moved their focus from finding that hot first date to making relationships work. If you need a dating coach it might be for one individual step along the road to dating happiness or it might be that you need someone to take part of the journey with you to dating promised land.