Theories?

Yes, at least earlier this spring/early summer, it seemed to be a lot slower, at least in terms of my response rate than I had been used to.
It seems to be picking up more now...

I have a theory behind this, at least from the guy side of things.

My theory is, during the spring/early summer, a lot of the single gals get "spring fever" and join eHarmony.

Perhaps they broke up with their bf or got divorced back at Christmas time, and spent the next few months "recovering/healing" from that.

But when Spring comes, they want to start anew and find a new bf for the summer and beyond.
So they join eHarmony to see "What is out there".

But, like a lot of new female members on eHarmony, they have high hopes of finding that all elusive "Tall, Dark and Handsome" guy they have been dreaming about.

Thus, as a guy, if you aren't particularly Tall, Dark or Handsome, you might get a lot of Matches sent to you, but these Matches (although Active), are still new on eHarmony, and are still looking for those elusive 9's and 10's yet.

But as the summer goes on, and they realize that unless they are 9's and 10's themselves, that the really hot guys aren't going to go for them, just like in real life.

So they start to come back to reality, and start to pay more attention the not-so-tall-dark-and-handsome Matches, especially the ones that have well written Profiles.

Thus, by late summer, early fall, you probably will see more responses, especially since the holidays are just a few months away...
(And lets face it, no one likes being alone for the holidays)

Anyway, that is my theory, take it or leave it!

i don't really have a theory, but i think that it is seasonal and cyclical, which is bizarre.

it kinda supports the idea that especially online, people view each other as transitory and disposable.
I think this is universal not just something associated with online dating.

it also makes me wonder how many people are truly looking for a so-called life mate.
I am I have just been singularly unsuccessful thus far

Theories (AKA opinions)? Always.

For someone that would rather find a date for life as opposed to a date for now, I do not (repeat NOT) worry about a News years or Valentines date. If/when I am on any dating site it is because I am actively seeking someone to enjoy my time with, not my time for now.

However, I know there are a lot of people (men included) that would rather be a "we" than a "me", but for me I would likely not get along with these people anyway, so their seasons are of no consequence, to me.