Susan Hayden, russellgrant.match.com

After a messy divorce and several months of unbearable bar-hopping, a friend of mine decided she was ready for online dating. She hit the keyboard, logged on to Match.com and has had a date almost every week since. In short, she’s having the time of her life, and though I’m deeply in love and committed to my boyfriend, I must admit I’m a bit envious.

But not everyone is so enthusiastic. When my friend told a colleague she was using a matchmaking service, she replied with disgust, “You can do so much better than that.” Luckily, my friend is not the kind of person to care what anyone else thinks (and won’t hesitate to tell you so!).

And why should she? She’s meeting some interesting people in a controlled, safe environment — a better alternative to the bar scene — and has a more active social life than anyone she knows — a better alternative to the couch. The way she puts it: “It’s just fun; everybody’s in a good mood. You can shop for who you want to date, and you can have a date every night if you want it.”

Unfortunately, some people still just don’t get the whole online dating thing. But they don’t have to — it’s YOUR love life. So don’t be shy about your electronic affairs, be proud!

Here are 15 lines to throw out when friends ask about your online dating life:

1.We went shopping together. He was looking for me and I was in the market for him.

2.At least I knew she wanted a date. It’s not like a bar or the gym, where you’re throwing yourself to the wolves. You know she’s looking for someone, or she wouldn’t be on Match.com.

3.I met him surfing.

4.I’m not sitting at home waiting for Mr. Right to show up on my doorstep.

5.I liked the way her profile looked.

6.I chose him by natural electronic selection.

7.It’s great! I learned everything I needed to know about him before we even met, so I could decide whether or not it was worth pursuing.

8.I finally met my match.

9.He wrote to me everyday.

10. I have more dates than Julia Roberts between husbands.

11.It beats Blockbuster every night.

12.Unless you have the perfect match for me, I’ll stick with the professionals.

13.Because I prefer to take matters into my own hands.

14. It’s like choosing someone out of a line-up, except this way you pick the good guy.

15. He’s good with his fingers.

So start shopping around online for a date or for Mr. Right! It’s easy with a free profile and a quick search.