According to an article in the current issue of The Atlantic, online dating is a serious threat to monogamy and love as we once knew it. And, according to women who’ve gone out on dates with guys they met online, only to be asked stupid questions like, “What’s your number?” (meaning, how many meetings does a man have to endure before a woman will meet him between the sheets), it definitely is. But don’t you believe it. Online dating is just one way to meet men. Be happy.

(TIP: When some troll asks you, “What’s your number?” it’s your cue to respond, “Clearly a lot higher than yours.” Smile, say goodnight, and drive yourself home. The man has reduced himself to a farm animal, and you’re not in the market for livestock.) HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS: I absolutely do not believe that online dating is a threat to love or monogamy. I can say this because I personally know several men who met their wives online. So show up somewhere. Be happy. Be interested.

Sure, it draws a goodly number of losers, schmoozers, and indiscriminate sex fiends, but it also attracts men who want commitment with someone they can love and hold in their arms. I also know those men well enough to swear that it never dawned upon them to ask a question like, “What’s your number?” (Their parents raised them to be men, not farm animals.) If you like tennis, make time to play tennis. Be happy. Be interested.

WORDS TO THE WISE: 1- Men who ask, “What’s your number?” may give you a disease. For safety’s sake, you must meet online dates in public and provide your own transportation. But, here’s the thing: Online dating is just one way to meet men. (It’s probably the least creative way, too. Instead, why not meet your future love doing what you love? I’m not into tennis, but I do love books. You might find me at lectures about organic living or natural complements to traditional medicine.