Most people assume that online dating is good for one thing and one thing only-finding a date. But looking for love online can change much more than just your relationship status.

Here are three ways online dating can change your life.

1. Your confidence will sky rocket. When you first sign up for online dating, you might be shy or hesitant to email or reach to other members. You’ll quickly learn that you get much more out of your online dating experience when you make the first move, and that the people you message are eager to connect. Similarly, when you decide to meet someone in person for the first time, you might be full of nerves and butterflies. However, after your second or third online date, you’ll be calm, cool and collected. Since so much of online dating is repetitive, you basically get practice dating, which naturally boosts your confidence. Plus, it’s likely you’ll be meeting quite a lot of people who are interested in dating you, and that gives your self esteem a huge lift.
2. You will learn about yourself. As an online dater, you will find yourself talking and writing about yourself a lot. Whether it’s filling out your online dating profile, writing emails to other members, or talking about yourself on a first date, it’s safe to say that you will be doing a lot of personal reflection while you’re online dating. Use this as an opportunity to discover what you are truly looking for in a partner or from a relationship. Take your time completing your profile to make sure the real you is coming across virtually. While you might think online dating is all about finding someone else, sometimes it’s all about finding yourself.
3. You can expand your horizons. Not every date you go on is going to be a total love connection. Truth be told, many of them are going to be complete disappointments in the romance department, but they don’t have to get you down. Use each date as a chance to learn something new. Make it your goal to walk away from each online date with something you didn’t have before, whether it be a new piece of information, or just insight on what you don’t want in a partner. Even if someone isn’t your happily ever after doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time with them and share parts of your life with them. Making new friends is a bonus that comes along with online dating that is often overlooked.