by Lucy Edington

Created on: July 28, 2009

It is becoming more and more acceptable to meet a potential date online instead of in the traditional fashion. People's lives are busy, communities are more fractured and we are a bit more willing (and able) to travel to meet up with someone. There are still the horror stories out there about online relationships, but there are definite ways to stay safe and have fun searching for your match online, you just have to follow a few sensible tips.

1 Construct your profile

There are many sites out there and it is best to find one where the set-up feels comfortable to you. Read some user reviews through a search engine, ask your friends for recommendations or just hop onto a few sites and read through how they operate. Many sites will let you set up your profile, and view others', for free; and then charge you a set fee for contact with other members. But in order to get the other members interested you must make your profile attractive.

* It is better to be honest right from the start, so if you are using a picture, make it a recent one, and one that only has you in it (no exes!). Don't feel it has to be a soft-focus shot or some arty fare - pick one where you look happy and engaging. Smiling is good, and not having a drink in your hand is even better.

* Decide on a user name. It doesn't have to be your real name, in fact not using your real name can feel safer.

* Many sites have questions for you to answer so that people can get a flavor for how you like to spend your time; but however the site manages this bit, make sure you flesh yourself out a little. Again be honest.

* If you have children, say so. There is no point going on a date with someone that is completely against the idea of ever being a step-parent. Lots of people don't mind kids at all, so concentrate your energies on them.

2 Set your likes and dislikes

Others need to know what you are looking for in a mate. Try not to be too rigid in your boundaries, but record any definite dislikes. If you can't stand smoking, you are not going to want to kiss someone who tastes of cigarettes, so you should say so. Some of the choices go as far as recording your preferred eye or hair color, but remember that life can throw you wonderful curb balls at times. For example: when I saw my now-husband's profile for the first time, it was because fate changed my chosen preferences. I had wanted a guy taller than me with any color hair or eyes who was a non-smoker and had no kids. One day I logged

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