Brit churchgoers turn to Internet for dating tips

London, Sept 8 : British Christians seems to have lost their touch with women, and are thus going on dating workshops to improve their technique in everything from chat-up lines to body language so that they can hit the right chord with the opposite sex.

The clergy has said that due to falling numbers and lack of experience in relationships, many churchgoers find it difficult to get a partner and are losing personal skills, such as flirting and reading signals. So, a large number of Christians are increasingly signing up for internet dating sites, like Christian Connections, and attending special courses designed to make them more successful in turning a first date into a long-term relationship

According to Peter Spalton, known as the dating doctor, churchgoers are usually timid and the course can provide them with tips to appear more attractive.

And with the lessons, they would learn how to greet someone, how to hold good eye contact and how to judge whether the other person wants to be kissed at the end of the evening.

"The first meeting is crucial in making or breaking a relationship. The workshops are all about giving people the confidence to make their date a success. They go through the whole process of what is acceptable to talk about and when it is appropriate to try to take things to the next level," the Telegraph quoted Spalton as saying.

He believes that chat-up lines can turn out to be the key to make someone laugh and feel relaxed, but at times some Christian jokes might not be well received.

According to Christian Connections, one should avoid using one-liners such as "You float my ark" and "I didn't believe in predestination until tonight".

Jackie Elton, founder of the agency, said that the number of people using Christian dating sites has doubled over the past year.

"There's been a massive rise in internet dating sites as Christians are struggling to find a partner in church. They know what they want, but many congregations are too small or have a gender imbalance that makes it really difficult for them. As a result they are not getting the kind of experience they need and that's why they are turning to the workshops," she said.

The Rev Richard Cunningham, the director of the University and College Christian Fellowship, said that with the fragmentation of the society, many people now lack the necessary skills to date successfully.

"With the growth of the internet, people are losing social skills we used to take for granted, and have drifted away from being able to read signals," he said.

ANI