Back in late 2022, I decided to give eHarmony a try. I wasn’t well-off, but I saved some money and signed up because it seemed more serious and established than apps like Tinder.
Cost
Like most dating sites, the free version of eHarmony is useless. You can make a profile, but pictures are blurred and you can’t reply to messages. If you want to use it properly, you have to pay. I paid for a year upfront (about $460 at the time).
Patience
No matter how much effort you put into your profile, you’ll face frustration. Messages are often ignored, or people reply once and never follow up. It can feel draining and make you want to quit.
Trust
I always suggest video calls to check sincerity - eHarmony has its own video chat, but I prefer Skype. I’ve had about 20 calls. None led to a relationship, but I did stay friends with a few. Still, you’ll encounter red flags, like fake profiles or people who disappear without explanation.
Gender Roles
On eHarmony, men usually make the first move. I rarely had women reach out to me. Guys should expect to do most of the initiating. Women probably face their own challenges too, like unwanted messages.
My Tough Experiences
I once spoke with a ukrainian woman for 5 hours straight, and we even discussed marriage. Then she suddenly rejected me.
Another woman in the USA seemed promising, but she ghosted me completely after we made plans to meet.
Both experiences were painful because I had invested real hope.
I renewed my membership because I’m still single, but it’s been difficult. eHarmony does have genuine people, and some couples do meet there. But you need patience, thick skin, and realistic expectations.
If you’re thinking of joining, just know it can be emotionally tough. Not everyone has the same values or manners. Focus on what you want, but don’t let bad experiences ruin the whole journey.