by Abby Way

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Many women are looking for the chance to find their own knight in shining armor. Alongside the more "traditional" ways of meeting men, a new option has popped up - online dating.

SOCIAL STIGMA
When online dating first began to make an appearance, such sites had a reputation for attracting sexual predators, weirdos and social misfits. Those days are long gone now, though, and even the older generations are using dating sites as another tool to find their ideal match. Dating sites are mainstream now, and almost everyone has at least one friend with a profile on one of these sites or more.

ADVANTAGES
While they probably shouldn't be the only way you look for the guy of your dreams, online dating sites are useful tools if you use them correctly. All types of people from all countries and backgrounds do it, for many different reasons. You might even be more likely to find your ideal match, particularly if you live in a small town. Also, you can look through profiles much faster than going on a date with each potential match, and find out the truth about what they're looking for and what they're really like much faster. Not only do you save time, but also money. One dating site subscription probably costs less than a date or two. If you are diligent about seeking new potential dates (don't just sit there and wait for them to contact you!), answer messages and create an attention-grabbing profile, online dating can work well for you.

ELIGIBLE TYPES
Any woman above the age of eighteen is able to look for love online. (Even the younger generation have "teen dating" sites that are geared towards younger minds.) There are sites and categories for any age group now, and another advantage of online dating is the specific criteria people can search by. No more meeting men who are disappointed with your age, height, weight, or lack of one or more of the above!

SAFETY
A quick word about your safety: use common sense! Don't give out your home address or home phone number right away, like you wouldn't to any other type of stranger. If something feels wrong, be safe rather than sorry and cut off contact. Most sites have some kind of "abuse report" function where you can report creepy messages. If you get to the stage of meeting up with someone, make sure that your friends or family know where you will be. Follow your heart, but take your head along too.

HOW TO BEGIN DATING ONLINE FOR WOMEN

1. Research

-Do some research and ask your friends for recommendations of the best dating sites.

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