It notes:
The percentage of military members joining eHarmony online dating increased by 56% from 2006 to 2008, says Gian Gonzaga, an eHarmony research psychologist. The companies do not have statistics on how many of their military personnel are deployed overseas.
The life-altering experience of going to war often focuses the romantic mind, Gonzaga says. "When you are reminded of your own mortality, the theory kind of boils down to, you remember what's most important to you, which is relationships," he says.
But the online relationships can be straining, the article adds. It points to a fear that the servicemember is reaching out because of sheer loneliness, rather than an attraction to a specific partner.
While in Columbus, I've watched many couples deal with the stress that comes when a spouse returns from a deployment. Sometimes, even couples with the most solid marital foundations have a hard time weathering this stress.
I'd imagine things would be even harder for a couple meeting face-to-face for the first time. Then again, maybe love really does conquer all.
Thoughts?
