of baggage. In fairness to the men, though, everyone comes with baggage. Just decide what kind of baggage that you are willing to put up with.

At first, have your dates meet you at a restaurant or coffee shop. It's a lot safer that way.

If you are going to date more than one person, it is considerate to let your other dates know that right now you are "playing the field."

When you go on a date, try not to dwell on your horrible ex-husband or other sad tales. No one wants to hear that in the beginning.

If you are my age (over 50) and dating, you can be pretty certain that most men in that age bracket are accustomed to paying the bill. If you are quite a bit younger, it is open to negotiation.

Nothing is certain whether you date men you meet online or elsewhere. Keep your eyes open, and if you don't feel "right" when you are with a date, it is probably your intuition telling you something. (If this happens in your date's car, ask him to pull up somewhere public (such as a well-lit minimart), excuse yourself to use the lady's room, and call a cab. Always think of your safety first.

Don't worry about finding "the one." When you do, you'll know it.

On the first date with my husband, Jeffery, we didn't really click. A few months later when I won a short-story contest, I e-mailed everyone in my Internet address book a copy of it. Only I forgot to attach the story to Jeffery's' e-mail. The next day I received an e-mail back from him that read, "Where's the beef?" And the rest is history!

I think that online dating is the best thing since hot fudge Sundays! You will meet some very interesting men and boost your ego.

Just remember to be careful, and have fun!

Learn more about this author, Jenna Pope.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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