by MaryannC

Created on: March 18, 2009

Are you ready to meet that special someone and are you considering trying an internet dating site? Well, it has become the norm amongst most singles. There are so many different dating sites online how you choose.

You have your popular dating sites where they charge you a fee and they show you two people blissfully in love, then there are the "free" dating sites you just need to deal with all the advertisements. However, hey, it is free!

I have personally tried a few paid sites and free sites and to be honest with you there was no difference to me. The paid site did delve more into "me" my likes, dislikes, what am I looking for etc and they would recommend "partners" that were suitable for me. Where the free sites asked some questions and then I was, free to scan the profiles. In addition, I could choose whom I liked and whom I wanted to contact. I preferred that way myself.

I have discovered since I used both dating forums, that you still must be careful and not give out any personal information. You will get people that are interested in different relationships. You need to specify which one you are looking for. I was amazed that you can just be looking for "casual encounters". On the other hand, you can specify just dating, or long-term relationship, or friends, you have the option to choose. Very different from the old days where you met someone through a friend, or social function.

Now, what I found interesting was some of the photos are new and some are not. Then when you do meet them "shock" they look nothing like the photo. With online dating you should try and get to know the person a little before you look to meet because the other person may not be who they say they are. When you do decide to meet, make sure it is in a public place. I found that most men want to rush into getting your phone number and then meeting you. They do not seem to care for e-mailing much. Remember, do what makes you feel comfortable.

As for myself, I set the pace, I e-mailed them for a while before I give them my phone number. Then when the time does come to meet, I arrange to meet over coffee or lunch. I would suggest not doing the dinner thing at first and meet in a public place, and tell someone where you are going. At least coffee or lunch if the two of you do not "click" it is so much easier and less pressure on both of you then the dinner date.

There are also dating sites for Christian dating, Lesbian dating, Asian dating and many more. Therefore, you have a wide selection to choose from. However, they all pretty much work the same. Do not become discouraged, because there are many nice people out there but unfortunately some scammers, and jokesters. You just need to use common sense. Remember, if it does not feel right, do not do it.

So if you are considering trying an internet-dating site, ask around amongst your friends and see if someone can recommend a site for you to try. If not just do some research yourself before you sign on. The majority of sites will let you scan the profiles but you will need to provide some basic information before they let you.

Have fun and just use caution, and you just may meet that "special" someone.

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